Resources for Students
Careers in Practicing Anthropology
Networking
Distance Learning Opportunities at the Graduate Level
Other Resources
Careers in Practicing Anthropology
Online Video
Northern Arizona University has developed a series of video clips about different career options for students in applied anthropology programs. Careers described include medical anthropology, cultural resource management, and environmental anthropology.
Career DVDs
The American Anthropological Association sells two DVDs on careers in anthropology. The first compiles and extends the online video clips mentioned above.
Designing an Anthropology Career: Professional Development Exercises, by Sherylyn H. Briller and Amy Goldmacher.
"This book takes career exploration to the next level. It presents a valuable set of techniques and exercises to help anthropologists apply their knowledge, skills, and experiences to the job search regardless of their stage in the career cycle." --Elizabeth Briody
NAPA Bulletin 27. Applied Research and Practice from the Next Generation: The NAPA Student Achievement Award-Winning Papers, 2001-2005.
The 13 winning papers from the NAPA Student Achievement Awards 2001–05. NAPA began the award to support and encourage students to undertake applied and practicing anthropology projects.
NAPA Bulletin 26. Making History at the Frontier: Women Creating Careers as Practicing Anthropologists.
Eleven practitioners tell the stories of their work lives, and how work and personal strands are intertwined. The lessons learned are useful for both men and women considering a career in practice. Available through AnthroSource, an electronic database of journals. Most universities subscribe to AnthroSource, and it is also a benefit of membership in the American Anthropological Association.
NAPA Bulletin 20. Careers in Anthropology: Profiles of Practitioner Anthropologists.
Includes sections on the private sector; policy, human rights, and advocacy; government, human service, and museums; international development; and academically based work. Available through AnthroSource, an electronic database of journals. Most universities subscribe to AnthroSource, and it is also a benefit of membership in the American Anthropological Association.
Networking
If you are a student planning a career in practice, you should start to network in the applied anthropology community, especially with professionals who have similar interests. Networking will help you learn more about the field, and develop connections that help you obtain internships and jobs.
There are a number of professional associations for applied anthropologists; see our page on this topic. Explore the websites of relevant associations, and consider going to their meetings. Also look at the sections that comprise the AAA; you may find some that match your interests, such as the Society for Medical Anthropology.
Finally, there are many email lists focused on particular applied specialties, from environmental anthropology to design anthropology. They are a great way to connect to a community. You can find these email lists through the association websites, through Google searches, and by networking with professionals in your area of interest.
Distance Learning Opportunities at the Graduate Level
Web-based instruction offers an educational opportunity to people who are prevented by their geographic location as well as work and family situations from attending a traditional on-campus graduate program. At present two universities offer master’s level courses in applied anthropology.
University of North Texas offers the only completely online master’s program in anthropology; it is also possible to take individual online courses. Contact Marisa Abbe, Graduate Programs Coordinator, for more information, at marisa.abbe@unt.edu.
Northern Arizona University offers occasional online master’s courses in ethics and archaeology topics.
