{"id":10411,"date":"2026-06-04T11:52:03","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T10:52:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/?p=10411"},"modified":"2026-06-04T11:52:03","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T10:52:03","slug":"how-social-anthropology-has-supported-my-career-in-higher-education","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/2026\/06\/04\/how-social-anthropology-has-supported-my-career-in-higher-education\/","title":{"rendered":"How Social Anthropology Has Supported My Career in Higher Education"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” fullwidth=”on” next_background_color=”#000000″ global_module=”322″][et_pb_fullwidth_menu global_parent=”322″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″ menu_id=”8″ submenu_direction=”downwards” fullwidth_menu=”off” module_class=”main-navigation” background_layout=”dark” \/][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”off” specialty=”on” prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#1d1d1d”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ specialty_columns=”2″][et_pb_row_inner locked=”off”][et_pb_column_inner type=”4_4″ saved_specialty_column_type=”2_3″][et_pb_post_title _builder_version=”3.0.106″ title=”on” meta=”on” author=”on” date=”on” categories=”on” comments=”on” featured_image=”on” featured_placement=”above” text_color=”dark” text_background=”off” locked=”on” parent_locked=”off” \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_layout=”light” parent_locked=”off”]<\/p>\n

Hi everyone! I\u2019m Emilie, and I graduated in July 2023 with a BSocSci in Social Anthropology from The University of Manchester. \u00a0<\/p>\n

I have always been fascinated by people and cultures, and Social Anthropology meant I could study complex issues from a range of perspectives. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree allowed me to tailor my learning to my interests while exploring completely new topics, like Medical Anthropology. University was such a foundational time in my life, giving me the chance to grow both academically and personally by studying in a vibrant city alongside so many interesting people!<\/p>\n

My career journey<\/strong><\/p>\n

After gaining experience with various charities during university, I started a graduate internship in the University\u2019s Access & Success Team in August 2023. The team focuses on widening participation in higher education. As a student from a low-income background myself, it felt like a meaningful role to give others the same opportunity.<\/p>\n

My internship focused on coordinating the Manchester Distance Access Scheme, which included assessing student applications and working with Admissions and Academic teams across the University. The internship was super flexible, so I worked with a range of diverse student groups. From travelling across the UK to deliver information sessions at schools and UCAS Exhibitions, to creating content and running the social media for Manchester 10\/10 (the University\u2019s programme for Black Heritage students), no two days were the same!<\/p>\n

In May 2024, I started my current role in the Access & Success Team as a Coordinator for the Manchester Access Programme. MAP supports local Year 12 students from underrepresented backgrounds in preparing for university. My role involves the recruitment, development, and delivery of the programme, alongside collaborating with schools and charities across Manchester to organise lots of events and opportunities for the MAP students.<\/p>\n

Looking ahead, I\u2019d love to continue working in impact-driven roles focused on community engagement and making a difference, whether in widening participation or charities.<\/p>\n

Anthropology in my current role<\/strong><\/p>\n

Social Anthropology is a unique course that encourages critical thinking about the world around you and provides a deeper understanding of different lived experiences, which are invaluable skills when working and connecting with students from a wide range of backgrounds. Most importantly, it taught me the value of asking questions and analysing how to combat inequalities that shape opportunities, which are at the core of my role now. Understanding how social and cultural factors influence people\u2019s experiences helps me better support students as they navigate their own pathways into higher education.<\/p>\n

Through presentations, discussions, and ethnographic research, my degree also developed the practical communication, research, and organisational skills that are essential for project coordination and event delivery.<\/p>\n

One of the most valuable aspects of studying a Social Sciences degree is connecting with your lecturers, who are great at supporting you both in your studies and in finding your passion. They hosted anthropology career days, and networking at these events really broadened my ideas about different future career paths and my connections in different fields (and on LinkedIn!).<\/p>\n

Advice for offer holders <\/strong><\/p>\n

My biggest piece of advice is to take advantage of all opportunities in student life! For example, volunteering helped me gain practical experience, connect with local communities, and develop skills that directly supported my career after graduation. I\u2019d also encourage you to engage with the Careers Service from your first year \u2013 the team is so helpful! They offer practical advice about how to explore career options, gain work experience, and prepare for job applications.<\/p>\n

I hope you enjoy your time at The University of Manchester \u2013 becoming an offer holder here is a fantastic achievement. Good luck with your studies and have fun!<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_post_nav _builder_version=”3.0.106″ in_same_term=”off” show_prev=”on” show_next=”on” prev_text=”Previous” next_text=”Next” locked=”on” parent_locked=”off” \/][et_pb_comments _builder_version=”3.0.106″ show_avatar=”on” show_reply=”on” show_count=”on” background_layout=”light” header_font_size_tablet=”51″ header_line_height_tablet=”2″ custom_button=”on” button_icon_placement=”right” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_use_icon=”off” locked=”on” parent_locked=”off” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_size__hover=”null” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover=”null” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover=”null” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover=”null” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover=”null” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover=”null” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover=”null” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover=”null” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover=”null” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover=”null” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover=”null” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover=”null” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover=”null” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover=”null” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover=”null” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover=”null” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover=”null” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover=”null” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”Related posts” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ background_layout=”light” locked=”on” parent_locked=”off”]<\/p>\n

Related<\/h1>\n\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_sidebar _builder_version=”3.0.106″ area=”sidebar-1″ orientation=”left” show_border=”off” background_layout=”light” locked=”on” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Connect Title” custom_padding=”0px||0px|” _builder_version=”3.0.90″ background_color=”#1d1d1d” module_class=”footer-section” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” global_module=”380″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” global_parent=”380″ locked=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” parallax_1=”off” parallax_method_1=”off” parallax_2=”off” parallax_method_2=”off” parallax_3=”off” parallax_method_3=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” use_custom_gutter=”off” make_equal=”off” module_id=”footer-row” _builder_version=”3.0.89″][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Contact Us Title” global_parent=”380″ background_layout=”dark” text_text_color=”#ffffff” parent_locked=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]<\/p>\n

Contact Us<\/h4>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Contact Us” global_parent=”380″ text_text_color=”#aaaaaa” parent_locked=”off” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” module_class=”contact-us” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]<\/p>\n

+44 (0) 161 306 6000<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Find Us Title” global_parent=”380″ background_layout=”dark” text_text_color=”#ffffff” parent_locked=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]<\/p>\n

Find Us<\/h4>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Address” global_parent=”380″ background_layout=”dark” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” module_id=”address” parent_locked=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]<\/p>\n

The University of Manchester
Oxford Rd
Manchester
M13 9PL
UK<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Connect Title” global_parent=”380″ background_layout=”dark” text_text_color=”#ffffff” parent_locked=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]<\/p>\n

Connect With Us<\/h4>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label=”Social Media” global_parent=”380″ parent_locked=”off” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n