What’s Next for Sociology and Anthropology Students?

College is one of those places where people are supposed to find themselves. Somewhere along the way, however, the overwhelming fear of “What comes next?” creeps in. The tension of being present in the now and being worried about the future is something every student feels at some point in their academic career.

Flora Pethick BA ’26, a sociology and anthropology (SOAN) major, is familiar with this feeling. “I think that as interesting as SOAN is, most students aren’t taught enough about what comes next.”

Jennifer Hubbert, professor of anthropology and Asian studies
Credit: Stephen MercierLuckily, SOAN 210: Sociology and Anthropology in Practice asks students to rethink what they thought they knew about work culture and the future they’re preparing for. The course was developed by Professor of Anthropology and Asian Studies Jennifer Hubbert and Professor of Sociology Maryann Bylander and will be taught by Hubbert for its first few years. Offered during the fall semester, SOAN 210 pushes students to look at the cultural forces shaping work and to articulate the relevance of the SOAN degree in the workforce while also preparing them to step confidently into the workplace.

“Without this class and opportunities from the school, I don’t think I would have nearly as much knowledge about where to go next,” says Pethick. “This was such an important step.”

Theory + Career Navigation

Last fall, SOAN 210 was taught by Hubbert, who focused for the first few weeks on teaching a critical understanding and critique of labor and the job market through a sociological and anthropological lens.

“During one class, we listened to a podcast by Ezra Klein [New York Times columnist] about the history of labor and how hunter-gatherers would labor for about 20 hours a week because they only worked for what they needed. Today, we work much longer hours for more than we need to live on,” Hubbert explains. “We also read about labor markets that exploit people who are passionate about what they do. Then we paired that with discussions on how to make meaning out of jobs.”

Joe Hewa, Director of the Career AcceleratorFollowing the robust theoretical sessions, the class pivoted toward the realities of post-graduate life. Joe Hewa, director of L&C’s Career Accelerator, joined the course to equip students with the insights and tools to successfully complete the various steps of the career search.

“We’re trying to integrate career navigation into students’ education,” Hewa says. “That way, when a student graduates, they’re not starting from scratch or without support. They’ve already been building career skills as a member of the campus community.”

Both Hewa and Nina Olken, senior associate director of L&C’s Career Center, held workshop sessions for students on developing their career competencies, identifying their personal values, and using their strengths to pursue meaningful career paths. Holly Hisamoto, a Career Center advisor, also helped shape the course.

Alumni Voices

A big part of the class is helping students establish real-world connections, an emphasis consistent with the Career Accelerator’s new L&C Bridge Series. “The course brings in alumni throughout the semester so students can hear the stories of people who studied sociology and anthropology and are now out in their careers,” says Hewa.

One of those alumni, Claire Randall BA ’87, CEO of Grand Central Bakery, shared how her college background shaped her success.

Through panels on social sector work, graduate school, international opportunities, and business leadership, students learned that the journey from college to career is rarely linear and that they already possess skills that have value in the workplace.

Claire Hinkley BA ’15, now an editor and analyst for the Oregon State Legislature, offered this advice during a class panel: “Find out what you like and what you’re interested in and just pursue it. You’re never going to regret doing that. You’re going to regret not following an interest or passion because you convinced yourself it was stupid or unrealistic or a waste of time.”

Close-Knit Community

The Lewis & Clark environment is intentionally built to support this exploration process. Small class sizes and close faculty relationships allow students to practice the skills needed for their own specific aspirations.

According to Hubbert, the class size “encourages students to engage verbally, to think on their feet, and to be able to articulate their thoughts—you can’t just hide in a room full of people.”

That close-knit dynamic expands into a broader alumni network, including those who served as panelists for the SOAN 210 class.

“These are people that will always be down to help out a fellow SOAN student, whether that is through answering questions or having informational interviews,” says Leah Marquez BA ’26, a student taking the class.

This connection and preparation is why SOAN 210 is increasingly seen as a model for the college. While career preparation has happened at Lewis & Clark for years, there is a more coordinated effort taking hold. Incorporating career development into the curriculum in a way that is consistent with our liberal arts approach is a new emphasis of the strategic plan.

As a reflection of the Lewis & Clark experience, this course reminds students that learning is not only about acquiring knowledge, but also about building the confidence to create meaningful career paths that make an impact in the world.

Sociology and Anthropology Career Accelerator Career Center