Education & Career Trends: January 17, 2023
Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS
Content Credit:
- Article published on geteducated.com. Original article link.
An anthropology degree may sound fascinating, with studies of ancient and faraway cultures and the ways in which people form bonds and interact with one another, but how can you put that to use in the real world?
Understanding the ways that people and societies communicate and respond to situations is key to a wide range of careers.
According to the American Anthropological Association, anthropology is the only contemporary discipline that approaches human questions from historical, biological, linguistic, and cultural perspectives, providing a unique perspective.
What is Anthropology?
Anthropology, simply put, is the study of what makes us human. Anthropologists study human behaviour, biology, cultures, and societies from ancient times through the modern day. Armed with this knowledge, many anthropologists work within their own societies, examining complex issues in economics, health, education, laws, and policies.
Various subsets of anthropology focus on different aspects of human life. Some of these include the following:
- Social anthropology studies the development of human societies, seeking to understand the diversity as well as commonalities among various groups.
- Cultural anthropology takes a more in-depth look at specific cultures, including their patterns of behaviour, language, customs, rituals, laws, ideals, art, and more.
- Linguistic anthropology examines how language affects social life, such as social identity, group membership, and establishing cultural beliefs and ideologies.
- Biological or physical anthropology is most interested in human evolution, our extinct ancestors, non-human primates, and understanding the causes of current human diversity.
- Visual anthropology often falls under the umbrella of social anthropology and consists of two main intentions: understanding modern-day photography, film, and new media through an anthropological lens; and studying art and visuals of past cultures and societies.
Benefits of an Anthropology Degree:
The study of anthropology is so broad-reaching that it doesn’t limit you to one specific job, like say accounting or law enforcement or software engineering. The four main career paths for anthropology graduates are academic, corporate and business, government, and nonprofit and community-based careers. Graduates have the advantage of possessing key skills and knowledge that will benefit them in any setting, especially as the business world becomes ever more global and interconnected.
Career Prospects with an Anthropology Degree:
Here are some of the most lucrative careers related to anthropology.
1. Archivist, Curator, or Museum Worker
- Working in a museum allows you to study, interact with, and teach about historical items from cultures around the world.
- Archivists focus on processing, cataloguing, and preserving historically valuable records and documents.
- Meanwhile, curators’ work is often more public-facing, overseeing collections and leading public activities for their organisation.
- Other fascinating jobs in a museum include technicians and conservators who restore artworks and artefacts and prepare them for exhibition.
2. Survey Researcher
- The emphasis on research and understanding other people gained from an anthropology degree fits perfectly with a career in survey research, where you will work to collect and analyse data in order to understand people’s opinions, preferences, beliefs, and desires.
- In this role, you might design surveys, test and solve problems with survey questions, analyse and summarise answers using software and data visualisation, and evaluate the performance of surveys to improve future projects.
3. Public Relations Specialist
- A degree in anthropology may be an unorthodox choice if you plan to go into public relations, but anthropologists can deliver a unique viewpoint when it comes to communicating with a specific audience or trying to connect with various cultures.
- Public relations specialists use skills in research and communication to help their clients interact with the media and the public.
- Your job is to be the mouthpiece for your organisation and ensure that your company maintains a positive image.
4. Historian
- Anthropology students spend a lot of time studying the past, so a career as a historian is a natural fit.
- This is one job field where you really need at least a master’s degree, if not a doctorate, to get started.
- Ideally, your graduate education should focus on a specific area of study so that you can become an expert, such as a particular country or region, time period, or topic.
5. Market Research Analyst
- Market research analysts conduct studies to help companies understand what products people want, who the target audience is, and what the best pricing strategy is.
- The strong research, analytical, and communication skills you honed through your anthropology coursework are key to this position, as is your nuanced understanding of different people and cultures.
6. Writer
- Did your anthropology studies leave you wanting to know more about a particularly fascinating society, time period, or topic?
- Writers can focus on promoting their own books and articles, or they can find success in developing content for everything from advertisements to blogs to movie and TV scripts.
- Your skills in research, effective communication, and understanding your audience all play into this career field.
- Any previous work in this area, such as with the college newspaper, magazine, radio, or TV station, or internships with advertising or publishing companies, can help showcase your experience and abilities.
7. Anthropologist
- As an anthropologist, you might be in charge of managing and protecting an archaeological site in a national park or historical area.
- Other anthropologists assess building sites to make sure plans follow federal regulations for site preservation.
- Some anthropologists actively conduct research, doing fieldwork to learn about current or past civilizations in remote locations.
8. Social or Community Service Manager
- With explosive growth on the horizon, good pay, and a job you can feel good about doing, becoming a social or community service manager can be a great choice for anthropology majors.
- You might find yourself helping veterans, working with homeless individuals, or tackling child hunger, among many other charitable causes.
- You will find a good fit for your skills in communication, analysing data, and connecting with other people.
9. Urban or Regional Planner
- Your background in anthropology can help you understand the needs of various communities and societies, which lends itself well to a career in urban or regional planning.
- Planners also use tools and techniques familiar to anthropologists, such as those in research, data analysis, and presentation.
- All of these skills can make you an asset in this career field.
10. Sociologist
- Sociology is very closely linked to anthropology.
- Sociologists study groups, cultures, and social institutions to better understand how people work and interact with one another.
- As a sociologist, you might research the impact of a new law on a specific demographic, help formulate effective public policy, and work alongside administrators, educators, lawmakers, and social workers to create positive change.
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Have you checked out yesterday’s blog yet?
How to Become a Business Writer
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)
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