How to Be Applied Anthropologist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 17, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The rise of Applied Anthropology has had a profound effect on society, leading to improved decision making, better understanding of cultural contexts, and increased collaboration between different groups. This has allowed for a more holistic approach to problem solving and has facilitated the development of new strategies to address complex social issues. By analyzing cultural practices, values, and beliefs, Applied Anthropologists have been able to create innovative solutions to global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.

Furthermore, Applied Anthropology has provided valuable insight into topics such as intercultural communication, healthcare, and cultural competency which have a direct impact on the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Applied Anthropology has proven to be an invaluable tool in addressing the challenges faced by the modern world.

Steps How to Become

Earn a bachelor's degree in anthropology or a related field. Anthropology students may specialize in archaeology, cultural and social anthropology, or physical anthropology.
Participate in fieldwork or internships to gain experience in applied anthropology. Fieldwork and internships allow students to work with professionals in the field and gain valuable hands-on experience.
Pursue a master's degree in anthropology or a related field. A master's degree in applied anthropology may be beneficial for those who wish to pursue a career as an applied anthropologist.
Obtain certification. Certification is not required to become an applied anthropologist, but it is a way to demonstrate professional competency and may be beneficial for those seeking employment.
Consider pursuing a doctorate in anthropology or a related field. A doctorate may be beneficial for those who wish to pursue research or teaching opportunities in applied anthropology.
Develop strong research skills. Applied anthropologists must be able to collect data and analyze it from an anthropological perspective.
Develop strong writing skills. Applied anthropologists must be able to effectively communicate their findings through writing.
Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills. Applied anthropologists must be able to effectively communicate their findings to those who are not familiar with anthropology.
Stay up-to-date on current trends in applied anthropology. Applied anthropologists must be knowledgeable about current trends in the field in order to remain competitive in the job market.

The key to staying ahead and capable is to constantly stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the field. This includes reading relevant research articles, attending conferences and seminars, networking with other professionals, and participating in professional development activities. By taking the time to invest in these activities, an Applied Anthropologist can stay ahead of the curve, build their knowledge base, learn new skills, and remain competitive in the field. Furthermore, by regularly engaging in these activities, they can also expand their personal networks, which may lead to new opportunities and career advancement.

You may want to check Political Anthropologist, Biological Anthropologist, and Paleoanthropologist for alternative.

Job Description

Research Anthropologist: Conducts research on human societies and cultures, examining their physical, social, and cultural characteristics.
Cultural Anthropologist: Studies and documents the culture, language, and social organization of a particular group of people.
Forensic Anthropologist: Examines skeletal remains to determine the identity of deceased individuals, as well as the cause of death.
Ethnographer: Studies and documents the customs and culture of a particular ethnic group.
Applied Anthropologist: Applies anthropological theories and methods to solve practical problems in areas such as community development, environmental conservation, healthcare, education, and business.
Linguistic Anthropologist: Studies the relationship between language, culture, and society.
Archaeologist: Studies human history by examining artifacts, buildings, and other evidence.
Primatologist: Studies the behavior of non-human primates in their natural environment.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anthropological theories and approaches
Ability to design and conduct qualitative and quantitative research
Understanding of cross-cultural dynamics
Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation
Expertise in writing and presenting research reports
Skilled in developing and executing action plans
Familiarity with ethical research practices
Ability to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Understanding of digital technologies and their applications

Applied anthropologists use a variety of skills to bridge the gap between the research and practice of anthropology. The most important skill for an applied anthropologist to have is the ability to think critically and analytically. This includes the ability to identify and evaluate the assumptions, values, and beliefs underlying various research or practice scenarios.

Applied anthropologists also need to be able to assess and synthesize complex data, make evidence-based recommendations, and develop creative solutions to address a wide range of real-world challenges. they must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with people from a variety of backgrounds, including government, business, and non-governmental organizations. Finally, having a thorough understanding of cultural dynamics and social structures will allow applied anthropologists to better understand the context in which their work is taking place.

With these skills in place, applied anthropologists can help to shape decisions that will have a lasting impact on our world.

Ethnoarchaeologist, Kinship Anthropologist, and Industrial Anthropologist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in Applied Anthropology?
What challenges have you faced in your Applied Anthropology practice?
Describe a project or research you have conducted that you are particularly proud of.
How do you think Applied Anthropology can be used to address social justice issues?
In what ways do you think Applied Anthropology can be beneficial to business and industry?
What experience do you have working in a cross-cultural environment?
How do you think Applied Anthropology can be used to inform public policy initiatives?
How do you assess the impact of your work in an Applied Anthropology context?
How do you keep abreast of the latest trends and developments in Applied Anthropology?
What techniques do you use to ensure open communication and collaboration with stakeholders on Applied Anthropology projects?

Common Tools in Industry

Qualitative Interviewing. A tool to collect data from people through in-depth, open-ended conversations. (eg: semi-structured interviews)
Participant Observation. A tool for gathering data by observing people in their natural environment. (eg: field notes)
Photo-elicitation. A tool to collect qualitative data through the use of photographs. (eg: asking participants to create a photo story)
Focus Groups. A tool for collecting data from a small group of people who are asked to interact and discuss a topic. (eg: group discussions)
Surveys. A tool for collecting data from a large number of people at one time, often through questionnaires or interviews. (eg: online surveys)
Cultural Mapping. A tool for understanding and documenting the cultural practices of a community by mapping out its physical and social elements. (eg: ethnographic mapping)
Network Analysis. A tool for studying the relationships between people, organizations, and institutions within a society. (eg: mapping out relationships between people in a community)
Ethnography. A tool for understanding and documenting the culture of a particular group or community through in-depth study and observation. (eg: interviews, field notes, observations)
Discourse Analysis. A tool for studying how language is used in a particular context to reflect and shape attitudes, beliefs, and values. (eg: analyzing interviews or media texts)
GIS Mapping. A tool for visualizing data and creating maps to explore patterns in geographic space. (eg: creating maps to explore patterns in urban areas)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Anthropological Association (AAA)
Society for Applied Anthropology (SfAA)
European Association of Social Anthropologists (EASA)
Society for Medical Anthropology (SMA)
Society for the Anthropology of Work (SAW)
American Ethnological Society (AES)
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
National Association of Student Anthropologists (NASA)
National Association of Cultural Anthropology (NACA)
Network of Practicing Anthropologists (NPA)

We also have Primatologist, Urban Anthropologist, and Ecological Anthropologist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Cultural Anthropology. The study of human cultures, their beliefs, customs, and behaviors.
Ethnography. The systematic description of a particular culture or society, usually based on fieldwork.
Ethnology. The comparative study of different cultures and societies.
Linguistic Anthropology. The study of language and its relationship to culture.
Archaeology. The study of past human cultures through the excavation and analysis of material remains.
Applied Anthropology. The use of anthropological knowledge and methods in practical applications in areas such as health care, development, and business.
Social Anthropology. The study of human societies and social systems.
Cross-Cultural Research. The comparative study of different cultures and/or countries in order to identify and understand similarities and differences.
Anthropological Theory. A set of ideas and perspectives used to explain the behavior and practices of humans.
Ethnohistory. The study of the history of a particular culture or region through the analysis of written records, oral histories, and other sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of an Applied Anthropologist?

An Applied Anthropologist works to apply anthropological research and theories to solve practical problems and improve the lives of individuals and communities.

What skills are necessary for Applied Anthropologists?

Applied Anthropologists need to be able to think critically, conduct research, and understand cultural practices and beliefs in order to solve complex social issues. They must also have excellent communication and collaboration skills to work with diverse stakeholders.