Congrats, You’re an Anthropologist. Now What?

College Graduation... Now What?

I started my college career as a theater major, political science major, psychology major, history major and ended ultimately as an anthropology major.  When I finally got my degree (after gentle but pointed nudge out of the academic nest by the Dean of Admissions)  I was filled with a sense of accomplishment, chased by a moment of panic. Applied Anthropology…. what on earth is one to do with that?

Many of  my fellow Applied Anthropologists were entering the fields of academia, health care, public service, social service, and international development often as professors, educators, and “Agents of Change.” But After years of studying the harmful after effects of big brother policy implementation in the 3rd World, I was not inclined to participate in the game of social politics. Fortunately for me, Kismet intervened and I found myself slurped up by a local software development company.

Given my natural aptitude for business and information systems, I found myself drawn to a successful career in software development. It wasn’t always smooth sailing however, for the next 10 years those words “Applied Anthropology” as my major study was more of a liability on my resume than a door opener.  Most employers in my industry preferred skills in code development over expertise in human interaction design. Their thinking was… we can teach a dog to fish, but a bird will never bury a bone (or something like that).

Studies now show, and my own experience confirms, that once given a chance applied anthropologists make far more effective employees than not. In every job from graduation to present I have had opportunity to use the tools and techniques I learned as an anthropologist for the benefit of my employer. Business System Optimization and User Interface Design became my specialty; my erstwhile marginally useful degree had somehow launched me into the brave new world of Business Analysis and Project Management.

The career outlook for applied anthropologists is much better today than when I graduated. Applied Anthropologists are no longer limited to teaching and service within Academia, Public Policy implementation, and Social service. More and more businesses are recognizing the unique contribution that applied anthropologists can bring to the table in manufacturing and software development, marketing, advertising, and industrial design.

Applied Anthropologists make top notch Business Analysts, Project Managers, and Program Managers, no longer bound by rigid academic conventions, they are often free to scope out careers that result in more meaningful contributions than with other degrees. New opportunities for people with applied anthropology skills are opening up daily in the software, computing, sustainable development, agriculture, alternative energy, advanced aeronautics, and transportation industries. Recently I was treated by a fellow applied anthropologist to a special test drive of the car of the future (designed by GM/Segway). This lucky individual is currently putting his skill set to work solving the increasing problem of providing reliable and affordable transportation to an aging population and a world of increasingly limited resources.

For applied anthropologists in commercial industry, there is little need to return to graduate school in order to validate your credentials. Applied anthropology degrees are quickly enhanced by professional certifications in practical application. Even for those whose degree was not Applied Anthropology, educational  opportunities exist to learn the tools and techniques typically taught in applied anthropology courses. Of course, these do not always carry the same level of theoretical background as an Applied Anthropological degree, they are at least a testament to the value  the tricks and tools that exist in the applied anthropologist’s arsenal.

Following is a list of Organizations I recommend for anyone seeking to learn more about the benefits of Applied Anthropology as a discipline. Most of these organizations provide not only educational opportunities, professional certifications and degree enhancements, but opportunities for participation in practical application under the guidance of a seasoned mentor.

Watermark Learning – Auburn University Continuing Education

International Institute of Business Analysis

Project Management Institute

National Association for the Practice of Anthropology

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Anthropologists in Business and Industry: A Synopsis
by: Chris Bailey, 10.28.2009

Anthropologists at Work: Responses to Student Questions About Anthropology Careers
Developed by: The National Association for the Practice of Anthropology, American Anthropological Association

NOTE: Starting Salaries for Applied Anthropologists who have cross trained as Project Managers, Business Analysts,  or with minors in Information Systems, Urban Architectural Design, or Mechanical Engineering, do not conform to the salary expectations stated in this paper.   I recommend consulting Payscale.com for more accurate industry quote.