Forensic anthropology

[coffeeman]

My daughter is very keen on Forensic anthropology..as a profession. Her teachers at school are saying there are no jobs in this field. Any opinions from people out there in the know ?? She is considering her A level opinions now inc biology and chemistry and forensic science...and is forecast A's in every gsce subject she is doing..any advice would be most helpful..

Thanks Coffeeman

[luxury]

Hi Coffeeman,
Of course there are jobs in Forensic anthropology!!! so that statement is daft from her teacher.

http://www.educationpages.net/modules.php?op=m odload&name=News&file=article&sid=199742

I think your daughter should follow her ambitions, who knows where it will take her.... :)

[*Princess*]

I think it's fantastic that you're daughter is taking a keen interest in her future career at this early age, you should be very proud :o)

However, I do think that specialising in something so specific, early on, could be a problem. Doing A Levels in Biology, Chemisty and Psychology would be a great intro into the basic areas of a job in Forensic Anthropology, but I think that doing a degree in this specific subject could be a mistake. Googling the subject is all well and good, but to spend 3 years studying for a fairly specialised topic, then be unable to get a job could really ruin her confidence.

My advice would be to do A Levels relevant to that eventual career, then do a more general degree, how about a joint honours in Biology and Psychology? That way, if she gets halfway through and decides she doesn't want to be a Forensic Anthropologist, she has other options. Then if she does decide she still wants to work in that area, she can do a 1yr masters course, or a longer PhD course. It's just not wise to narrow down your options at such an early stage!

I think, what the teacher meant, is that the profession isn't well known, and so as a result it's very hard to get into, that maybe your daughter should widen her choices.

I don't mean this as a bad thing! I have a degree in Psychology and to get a job in the area is near on impossible. From a group of about 30 or so friends, NONE of mine have managed to get a job as an assistant psychologist! It's so competitive. As for the rest of my friends, many have had enough of psychology, after studying it in such detail for so long! However, with a psychology degree there are so many other options (Teaching/Nursing/Police/HR/So Many More!) that by doing a more generic degree, we haven't shut down career options, yet we can still do what we dreamt of when we started the degree!

I wish your daughter all the luck, I hope whatever she

[*Princess*]

decides makes her happy :o)

[~max~]

I totaly agree with everyone else, how crass of her teacher!
I did really well in school(in France), and went to a prep school on the basis of my grades.....When I got there, I was 16, and really not prepared for the level I was meant to work at! I did not too bad considering...lol I remember at the end of the year, our history teachar asked what we meant to do afterwards. I said "well, I'm preparing for Sciences Po (a very difficult uni level school -think Eton). My teacher took a pause and went..."well, I hope you have alternative options".....lol
You know what? I did get in, and I did graduate from it. So never let ANYONE tell you you can't do it. All the best to your girl!!!

[bones1981]

Hi Coffeeman,

I am currently a post graduate student studying MSc Forensic Anthropology as I wish to pursue a career in this field too.

I find it disappointing that your daughter's teachers are so unhelpful, I had that problem with teachers when I was making my university choices and I am so glad I didn't listen to them as I was successful with all of my choices.

The way in which I have reached this point is through doing a BTEC in Science, a BSc in Forensic Science and Investigative Analysis. I would definitely suggest the core sciences ie Biology and Chemistry, as these will give her a very solid foundation in future study of any forensic related subject.

Forensic Anthropology seems to be most commonly utilised in the states and is becoming more accepted within criminal investigations, I am sure that once your daughter is at a point to pursue her career there will be more options available to her. I would also suggest that maybe she get in touch with a museum that deals with archaeological remains as she progresses further in her studies as the hands on experience will help her recognise bones more easily and give her an idea of some of the processes utilised in cleaning etc.

I hope that this is of some help and I wish your daughter all the best.