In conversation with anthropology Ph.D. student Cassie Hausdorf, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences alumnus Jacob Estes (BA Anthropology, ABJ Advertising '04; MBA Business '09) reflects on his academic journey and how his interdisciplinary path helped shape a dynamic career. 

Originally from East Atlanta, Jacob began his college career playing basketball at a small school where he was awarded a full athletic scholarship to support his higher education. While he excelled academically, he was also recognized as an Academic All-American athlete in his second year. Jacob’s academic achievements led to a full academic scholarship at UGA, and he began his academic tenure with advertising as his primary major. While taking electives at UGA, he discovered a passion for anthropology. Ultimately, Jacob pursued a dual bachelor’s degree across the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.  

During his time as an undergraduate at UGA, Jacob points to Dr. Mark Williams as one of the most influential figures in his journey, as he was first introduced to the possibilities of anthropology through his Introduction to Anthropology course. What originally started as a one-off elective course turned into a minor in Anthropology. However, Jacob recalls breezing through the minor within a year and decided to turn it into a second BA to pair alongside his ABJ in Advertising.  

He also cites his experience dealing with multiple disciplines and being in two separate and distinct majors. This oftentimes had him feeling like the “anthropology person” in journalism courses and the “journalism person” in anthropology courses. However, the dual academic path ultimately became a strength. This kind of academic “cross-training" allowed him to develop a broader perspective and a more flexible skill set that would become an invaluable skill in the professional world.  

Read more about Estes here.