Anthropology
| Some career possibilities: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Archaeological Fieldworker | Caseworker | Claims Adjuster |
| Curatorial Assistant | Employee Relations Specialist | Employment Interviewer |
| Family Service Counselor | Government Researcher | Health Services Provider |
| Market Researcher | Media Specialist | Multicultural Educator |
| Probation Officer | Research Assistant | Sales Representative |
| Staff Trainer | Substance Abuse Counselor | Teacher/Educator |
| Tour Guide | Travel Consultant | Youth Counselor |
Anthropology is the study of human behavior. It focuses on the physical characteristics, languages, values, customs, and social patterns of cultures around the world. There are four major areas of specialization in anthropology: cultural anthropology, linguistics, physical anthropology, and archaeology.
Cultural anthropology is typically the most popular area of specialization with its focus on the values, customs and social patterns of different groups around the world. Linguistics is similar to cultural anthropology but looks more closely at the language patterns of various cultures. Physical anthropologists focus their attention on biological behavior and human evolution while archaeologists excavate and study the remains of past cultures. A Ph.D. is typically required to work as an anthropologist in these fields, but it is possible for anthropology graduates to obtain a position working in a museum, a physical anthropology lab, or on an archaeological field site with a master's degree. Anthropological positions within the government and private sector are also possible with a master's degree. Limited opportunities may exist for graduates at the bachelor's level.
Often, anthropology majors choose to apply their skills to occupational areas that are not directly related to anthropology. Students who study anthropology acquire a variety of skills during their four years of college, including strong written and oral communication skills and enhanced analytical abilities. They also learn to pay close attention to detail and to think clearly and critically. These are important skills for employees to have in today's competitive job market. Therefore, the task for students who are not interested in pursuing an advanced degree in anthropology is to target an area where they would like to work, then tailor their courses, extracurricular activities, and experiences to meet their career objectives.
Broad areas of employment are:
Archaeology: Some archaeological positions, primarily in fieldwork, are available to anthropology majors who have obtained a bachelor's degree. However, some type of field experience is usually required. Therefore, it is important for anthropology majors interested in archaeology to spend a summer at an archaeological field school or volunteering/interning on an archaeological site. This type of experience is the best way for anthropology majors to learn how to properly excavate and record archaeological sites. Some form of an advanced degree, such as a master's or doctorate, will most likely be needed to move into a supervisory position in archaeology.
Non-Profit/Community Organizations: Anthropology majors are often found working in hospitals, health care organizations, shelters, human service agencies and other nonprofit and community organizations. Anthropology graduates also work in minority and women's groups, as well as consumer and environmental organizations. Anthropology graduates are becoming increasingly valued as our nation continues to explore and establish relations with countries around the world. For this reason, anthropology graduates are particularly attractive to international agencies and service organizations where they interact with people, help with education and related programming, and assist with environmental concerns.
Education: A majority of anthropologists are employed at colleges and universities, where they typically teach or conduct research. A Ph.D. or some form of an advanced degree is usually required in order to obtain this type of position. Because this is such a diverse field, anthropologists are not only located in anthropology departments, but can also be found in a number of other departments and university programs, including schools of medicine, public health, ethnic studies, cultural studies, linguistics, ecology, and cognitive psychology, to name just a few. Anthropology graduates also work as educators in museums and other historical settings.
Business: Anthropology graduates are employed in many areas of business and industry, including business management, sales, marketing and research. Some of their responsibilities include overseeing employee relations and staff training, monitoring sales and improving service to customers. They are also found working in the fields of advertising, media production and public relations. Some possible job titles include assistant manager, banker, customer service representative, insurance agent, investor and market researcher.
Government: Federal, state and local governmental organizations use anthropology majors in planning, research and managerial capacities. Positions within the government may range from researching social and economic trends to developing programs for underrepresented groups. Anthropology graduates are also hired to work as evaluators, researchers, service providers and policy makers by a variety of government agencies.
A student majoring in anthropology should gain as much related experience as possible once they determine what they want to do with their degree after graduation. Students can increase their marketability by completing internships, participating in extracurricular activities, conducting research on areas of interest, or by obtaining part time jobs in the field in which they are interested.
Anthropology is also good preparation for a variety of graduate programs, including law, social work, and public health. Acceptance into a graduate program usually requires a strong academic record, but involvement in activities and organizations related to the field can also increase your chances of acceptance into a graduate program. Those who wish to work as a professional anthropologist should be prepared to obtain an advanced degree, especially a Ph.D., since competition within the field is strong.
The field of anthropology is expected to grow steadily over the next few years. Many of the positions that arise during this time are expected to be nonteaching positions in corporations, government agencies, research institutes or consulting firms.
For further reading, consult the following books in the Career Development Center:
Camenson, B. (2000). Great Jobs for Anthropology Majors. Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Horizons.
Jebens, H. (1996). 100 Jobs in Social Change. New York, NY: Macmillan.
Marek, R.J. (1997). Opportunities in Social Science Careers. Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Horizons.
Omohundro, J. T. (1998). Careers in Anthropology. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Publishing Company.
Paradis, A.A. (1994). Opportunities in Nonprofit Organizations. Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Horizons.
Pitz, M.E. (1997). Careers in Government. Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Horizons.