Career Options for Anthropology
Anthropology in the Workforce
Anthropologists are no longer found only in far off locations and studying ancient remains. A degree in Anthropology means a graduate can be anywhere; whether it’s government, business, journalism, cultural resource management, environmental consulting, health policy development, law enforcement, or non-profit organizations, to name just a few career pathways.
Culture, technology, society, politics and history impact so much of the human experience. Anthropologists help to understand these complex relationships which shape the globalized world. Employers value Anthropology graduates for their critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills, which apply to a wide range of employment opportunities.
Career Options for Anthropology Graduates
Here are some of the most frequently-reported career categories for Anthropology graduates in Canada, according to census data:
Anthropologists in the workforce can:
- Help businesses understand the different ways people use technology or other products and services;
- Assist major corporations understand relationships between the company, its customers and employees;
- Work with governments and local communities to manage and protect important cultural and historic resources.
Employers seek out the skills acquired by Anthropology graduates, such as:
- Theoretical and practical methods for enhancing cross-cultural understanding;
- Interview, survey design, and ethnographic research skills;
- Ability to analyze root causes of social problems, and work towards solutions with diverse groups of people;
- Experience writing descriptive reports and analytical papers;
- Knowledge of a variety of ethnic group, cultures, and languages;
- Knowledge about biological, ecological, cultural and long-term historical factors which influence human behaviour.
Common Sectors of Employment
Anthropologists often work in the following sectors:
Examples of Anthropology career paths:
- Archaeology & Cultural Resource Management
- Human Resources
- Health & Genomic Research
- Foreign Aid
- Refugee Services
- Marketing and Research Consulting
- Historical Tourism
- Education & Teaching
- Museum Work
- Public Health
- Law Enforcement
- Qualitative & Ethnographic Researcher
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Anthropology Program Information Visit the Anthropology Site
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