Work, Jobs; What Anthropologists Do
Suitability of anthropologists for work
Anthropology skills are useful in many careeers. Skills in understanding social relationships and cultural frameworks are generalizable to many fieldsJobs in research, evaluation and project management are especially noteworthy. Anthropology undergraduates who have a minor or double major improve their chances.
Skills posessed by Anthropology undergraduates
Many employers are interested in the skills which anthropology
majors tend to possess. These include:
- knowledge about biological, ecological, and cultural factors
that influence human behavior
- theoretical approaches and practical methods for enhancing
cross-cultural understanding
- knowledge of a variety of ethnic and cultural groups
- skills in social research, qualitative interviewing and fieldwork,
as well as quantitative methods
- a basic understanding of human evolution and genetics
- experience
in writing both descriptive reports and analytical papers
- the ability to analyze the root causes of social problems and
to work toward solutions
Areas of Employment
- museums
- women's organizations
- international development agencies
- ethnic and cultural organizations
- refugee / immigrant assistance organizations
- businesses (with an international scope)
- community centres and services
- government departments (all levels)
- historic preservation offices
- cultural resource management agencies
- archives
- zoos
- social service agencies
- foreign service organizations
- art galleries
- research laboratories
- market research firms
- historical societies
- overseas mission organizations
- parks and historic sites
- antique collectible shops
- biological anthropology laboratories
Sample job titles for Anthropology undergraduates
(some may require additional education or training beyond the undergraduate
degree)
- art conservator
- social analyst
- community development officer
- social service agency planner
- youth authority staff service analyst
- international visitors escort / consultant
- cultural resource management specialist
- archaeological technician
- employment interviewer
- research assistant
- archaeological fieldworker
- exhibit assistant
- community advisor
- preservation / restoration assistant
- immigration officer
- cultural artifact specialist
- consumer researcher
- development worker
- multiculturalism educator
- park guide / interpreter
- impact assessment office
- conservation restoration technician
- archivist assistant
- museum technician
- rural development officer
A few web sites might be helpful:
Shovelbums.org is a Country-wide directory of archaeological fieldwork and employment opportunities.
Society for California Archaeology
Society for American Archaeology
The Archaeological Institute of America lists field work opportunities.
visit the Princeton review page, for job hunting advice.
New! careers: Fund for Public Interest Research Jobs is a national non-profit group that runs campaigns on environmental and social justice issues. Partnering with groups like the Sierra Club, Greenpeace, the Human Rights Campaign, and Save the Children, the Fund for Public Interest Jobs is hiring graduating seniors for positions all over the country! Click here.
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