# data[].attributes.body
Please take a look at our resources here: https://mysoas.sharepoint.com/sites/student/teams/car/Pages/PostgraduateStudy.aspx

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If you are interested in pursuing a career in anthropology, then volunteering or doing an internship in a relevant area is a great way to gain first-hand experience of what anthropologists do, as well as knowledge of specialist areas within the discipline. Many students want to volunteer but struggle to find the right placement, not knowing where or how to begin their search. One of the difficulties is that anthropologists work in many different organisations in various roles, often not with the title of 'anthropologist'. To find out more about where anthropologists work, take a look at our Career Paths section.

The following information is intended to help students interested in volunteering or doing an internship related to anthropology. It is important, however, to supplement the information found here with individual research.

What is the difference between volunteering and doing an internship?

Volunteer positions can range from a day to several weeks (longer in some cases). People offer their time, skills and knowledge to an event, cause or organisation primarily in the interest of gaining experience and helping out.

Internship positions are usually longer and more demanding than volunteer positions, with the majority ranging from one to six months. Organisations often look for candidates with previous knowledge of the discipline or a related subject, whose skills and knowledge can help complete a project or programme of activities.

In certain universities, internships form an important part of a student's undergraduate degree, either as an inbuilt component or as an external activity for which they can gain academic credits. In some cases, internships provide an opportunity to earn some extra money while studying or looking for work.

Important considerations when choosing to volunteer / plan an internship:

Work out how much time you can realistically give to volunteering or doing an internship.

Pursue opportunities in the specialist areas of anthropology you are most interested in. For example, if you are interested in material culture, you may wish to do an internship at a museum or art gallery.

Investigate possible organisations. Bear in mind that high-profile institutions often have more competition for placements, and longer and more complicated application procedures, than smaller ones.

When applying, include a cover letter with your CV indicating that you know something about the organisation's work and have an idea of the department/project where you would enjoy working.

If you are going through an agency to do an internship abroad, make sure you understand what type of support, etc, is included in your package; and that there is the possibility of changing your internship position or leaving, if any major problems arise.

Be open and flexible towards your internship tasks. You may not be able to do as many high-level tasks as you might wish, and project plans can change unexpectedly.

Internships as part of your undergraduate anthropology degree:

In the United States, a number of universities offering anthropology strongly recommend that students undertake an internship or work placement as part of their undergraduate degree. In Britain, it is less common for students to undertake a work placement as part of their undergraduate degree. Currently Brunel is the only university to offer students a work placement option. At Brunel students are able to choose a four-year 'thin-sandwich' BSc Anthropology degree, which includes two six-month work placements (or shorter if unpaid).

Doing an internship through educational exchange programmes

Several British universities offer the option of taking part in educational exchange programmes through the Erasmus scheme. Erasmus offers registered students the opportunity to do work placements and study for a semester abroad at partner universities, primarily in the EU.

The RAI Education Outreach Programme organises several outreach events throughout the year. Volunteers are essential to ensuring the smooth running of the events as well as the pre-event organisation. If you are interested in being a volunteer, take a look at the following web pages and email Emma Ford the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

RAI Volunteer and Intern Policy
American Anthropological Association Anthropological Associations around the world
European Association of Archaeology

Museums & Libraries

Look at our interactive map which lists museums and libraries with ethnographic material around the UK.

Working with animals

http://www.animal-job.co.uk - this website has general listings of volunteer jobs around the UK for working with animals

The Great Primate Handshake

Specialist programmes for 14-19 years old

The Gov.UK website has excellent information, specialist programmes and volunteer opportunities for young people of 14-19 years.

Get involved in anthropology through the RAI's Education Outreach Programme
The RAI's Education Department organises events, activities, contests as well as produces teaching and learning materials for anyone interested in learning about anthropology. Take a look at the many ways to get involved with like-minded people who are passionate about the subject:

Become an RAI member: take a look here for all the benefits associated with joining the RAI.

Attend an event: take a look at our events page for a list of various anthropological events which take place nationally.

Take part in discussions by joining our Facebook Group

Become a volunteer: the RAI's Education Department is always looking for enthusiastic individuals to help out with our outreach events such as the London Anthropology Day and the RAI Anthropology, Weather and Climate Change Conference 2016 . If you are interested in volunteering email Emma Ford the RAI's Education and Communications Officer .

Apply for an internship: interns form an essential part of the RAI's Educational Outreach Activities. A minimum of two months is required in order to be considered. For further information about internships at the RAI please visit the page.

Be creative: If you have a poem, song, artwork or photographs which reflect anthropological topics, email Emma Ford, the RAI's Education and Communications Officer .

Disclaimer: The above information is provided for information and guidance only. It should not be interpreted as endorsement or otherwise by the Royal Anthropological Institute (RAI) for any external institution listed. Furthermore, the RAI accepts no responsibility for material created by external parties or the content of external websites.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Discover Anthropology website is operated by the Royal Anthropological Institute's Education Outreach Programme. The website aims to encourage a wider appreciation and understanding of anthropology by functioning as a hub for communication, gathering information, and accessing events, activities and resources for people interested in learning more about the subject.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
At a time when we're debating the value of majoring in the humanities, major companies are increasingly hiring anthropologists.

Google, for example, hired an ethnographer to ferret out the meaning of mobile. Intel has an in-house cultural anthropologist, and Microsoft is reportedly the second-largest employer of anthropologists in the world.

So the question becomes: Why are giant corporations now seeking cultural expertise?

While most execs are masters of analyzing spreadsheets, creating processes, and pitching products, anthropologists - and other practitioners of applied social science - can arrive at customer insights that big data tends to gloss over, especially around the role that products play in people's lives.

That information is more valuable than you might think. What customers want from a product and what companies think they want can be totally different, but it can take an anthropological lens to learn why.

Take Adidas, for example. The brand has always been associated with elite performance: Jesse Owens, Muhammad Ali, and Zinedine Zidane all wore the brand. Founded by cobbler and athlete Adi Dassler in 1948, the assumption within the company had been that people bought athletic gear to gain a competitive edge. But in the early 2000s VP James Carnes noticed something strange: He kept running into people who were jogging around the city, headed to the gym, or on their way to yoga.

While they led the active lives of potential customers, these people weren't training for a competition. "Is yoga a sport?" Carnes asked in an offsite meeting in 2003.

Trying to figure out the disconnect, he brought in a consultancy called its n ew book " Red Associates, which has a client list that includes Intel, Samsung, and Carlsberg, the European beer giant. Unlike elite consulting firms such as McKinsey, Red isn't in the business of big data and management science. I nstead, it focuses on arriving at insights that can only be found through the applied liberal arts, or what it calls "the human sciences," a strategy that is detailed in Moment of Clarity: Using the Human Sciences To Solve Your Toughest Business Problems ." That's why most of the Red's 70-some employees aren't MBAs; they come from disciplines like philosophy, sociology, and anthropology.

When Red collaborated with Adidas, it trained members of Adidas's design team in conducting anthropological research. Design staffers spent 24 hours straight with customers, eating breakfast with them, joining them on runs, and asking them why they worked out. As detailed in the Economist, a Red staffer sent disposable cameras to customers, asking them to take a picture of the reason they exercised. Thirty women responded, and 25 of them sent a picture of a little black dress.

A little black dress is quite different than a marathon finish line or gold trophy.

To use a favorite word of Red partner Christian Madsbjerg, the little black dress shows an "asymmetry." The traditional thinking at Adidas was that people bought their gear to help them win. But after observing their behavior through the lens of anthropology, it became clear that customers wanted products to help them lead healthy lifestyles, not win competitions.

How had Adidas misunderstood its customers for so long? Because Adidas executives thought they understood their customers' motivations and lives, but they had never observed them closely enough.

Running, mountain biking, hitting the gym, going to yoga - people did these things to live healthier lives. But these "urban sports" weren't like the traditional competitions that the company was originally organized around.

That was Carnes's realization: His consumer's definition of "sport" had changed, and his company had to change along with it. As described in "Moment of Clarity":

If urban sports are on par with basketball or soccer, Adidas must then deliver on products with functionality, aesthetics, and quality. Adidas must lead, not copy in this whole new category of lifestyle sport ...

The company went from being a sports brand exclusively for athletes ... to becoming an inclusive brand inviting all of us to join a movement of living a healthier and better life. It went from creating corporate credos aimed at high-performance sports aficionados, such as "Impossible is nothing," to sending democratic, yet aspirational message like "All In."

With the help of Red, Adidas was able to understand the world of its customers. Interestingly, it's the human sciences - literature, arts, anthropology - that allow for understanding the unique worlds that people live in. By observing people's daily lives and the ways in which they interact with products, consultancies like Red are able to discern what products mean to customers in a way that big data can't determine.
Why literature helps you understand customers
"If you look at launches of a new product, most of them fail," Madsbjerg says. "That's because people don't understand the worlds in which we operate."

The problem with standard corporate research, Madsbjerg says, is that it's incredibly difficult to get around your own preconceptions . Even if your analytics are fresh, you'll read old assumptions into them. By applying the humanities, however, you can get around them.

Say, for instance, you read an epic novel by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. In doing so, you're not just processing words on a page, you're beginning to understand a character's world in Russia in a specific place, specific time, and from a specific perspective. To hear Red tell it, making an empathetic understanding of a character in a novel is very much like trying to understand a customer - Ford, after all, would be immensely interested in the world of someone buying a car.

It's anthropological research, like Red helped the Adidas design team with, that allows for understanding the customer's world.

This is different from the approach of most corporations, which rely on measures like surveys and focus groups. The problem with those is that people have a terrible time reporting their own preferences, Madsbjerg says. In one Swedish study, for instance, everyone reported that they were an exceptional driver, which is obviously impossible. By the same token, asking customers to tell you why they like a particular vodka doesn't necessarily reveal their motivations.

That's why Red emphasizes ethnographic interviewing, where you interview a subject again and again and observe them in a range of environments, looking for patterns of behavior. The long-form, in-depth research helps to reveal the worlds that people live in and their real motivations. Major insights follow - that little black dress told Adidas way more about their customers' world than a survey ever could.

Finding an industry's need

In another case, Red consulted for a leading pharmaceutical company specializing in diabetes. Back in the day, it was common practice for sales reps to use a "frequency and reach" strategy, talking to as many doctors as possible and pushing a brand message. The sales reps would get the time with doctors by giving them free flights and concert tickets. But then the law changed, and giving swag to doctors was made illegal. A ll of a sudden what was once a long courtship turned into a 90-second phone call.

In order to sell drugs in this new situation, they needed to recalibrate the conversation.

During the course of interviewing physicians, Red discovered a major concern that most doctors shared: "How do I get my patients to understand their conditions? How do I change their lifestyles?" Medication, it turned out, was the third most important aspect of treating diabetes - diet and exercise were much more vital.

As a result, Red's associates worked with doctors to find different ways to help people change their diets, and they worked with sales reps to present that info to doctors. Since so many of the diabetes patients didn't know how to cook, basic meal preparation became part of the sales material. Correspondingly, the pharmaceutical company became way more resonant: By understanding the world of the doctor, the brand saw a 15% increase in key indicators, like doctors' trust.

The secret was to understand the world of the physicians and to give them what they needed, even if they didn't consciously realize it yet.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Here's Why Companies Are Desperate To Hire Anthropologists

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
At a time when we're debating the value of majoring in the humanities, major companies are increasingly hiring anthropologists. Google, for example, hired an ethnographer to ferret out the meaning of mobile. Intel has an in-house cultural anthropologist, and Microsoft is reportedly the second-largest employer of anthropologists in the world.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Social researchers plan, design, conduct and manage social research projects, reporting on findings in order to shape policy or to examine the effectiveness of existing policy

As a social researcher you'll use a range of methods such as interviews, survey questionnaires and focus groups to investigate the attitudes, behaviour and experiences of population samples on specific issues.

Your research could focus on topics such as:

the benefits system

crime

education

the environment

gender

healthcare

population structure and migration

poverty

social services

transport

unemployment.

You'll collect, analyse and evaluate data and information and present your findings to clients and key stakeholders in order to influence policy decisions.

For information on working in social research for the government, see government social research officer.

Responsibilities

As a social researcher, you'll need to:

follow instructions from your client about the nature of the research to be carried out

use an appropriate and creative methodology to design and manage a research project, which may involve the use of quantitative and/or qualitative methods and may include both pilot and development work

design and write questionnaires and surveys

apply a range of research techniques to gather relevant information, including document analysis, surveys, case studies and interviews (face-to-face, telephone and online)

develop and test theories

liaise with and direct social research field interviewers to gather information

carry out information and data retrieval searches using electronic databases

analyse and evaluate research and interpret data using a range of statistical packages

gather information by directing or carrying out fieldwork

prepare, present and disseminate results in the form of reports, briefings, research papers and presentations

offer research-based briefings and advice, which may involve writing action plans

advise external bodies on social policy

prepare and present tenders for new research projects.

Salary

Starting salaries at researcher level typically range from £20,000 to £29,000.

You're likely to earn between £30,000 and £50,000 as a senior social researcher with significant experience.

Salaries at manager/director level can rise to £70,000+, depending on the sector.

Salaries vary depending on your experience, the sector you work in and your location.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Working hours are typically 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Some extra hours will be required, particularly near to project deadlines.

Part-time work in field research is possible.

What to expect

Jobs are available throughout the UK, particularly in university towns and cities. Some sectors of employment are more concentrated in London and the South East.

In some sectors, short-term contracts are common and you may need to be flexible to find a constant flow of work.

There are opportunities for freelance or consultancy work once you've got substantial practical experience, which will suit you if you're outgoing and enjoy bidding for work, networking and making contacts.

Working to regular project deadlines can be challenging, especially if you're working on policy issues in a changing and quick response environment.

The work is largely office based, although you may need to travel for meetings and to undertake research.

UCL Anthropology

Scholarships available for students looking to study a Masters in Anthropology

Qualifications

You'll usually need a degree to get into social research. Although any subject is acceptable, employers often prefer those with a strong analytical and/or research focus. The following subjects may be particularly useful:

It's possible to move into a career in social research straight after your degree, particularly if your course included social research methods and statistics. However, many employers now expect you to have more detailed knowledge of research techniques. You can develop this knowledge through taking a taught Masters course in social research methods or by doing a research degree (MPhil, PhD).

Search for postgraduate courses in social research.

Some of the large research agencies run graduate training schemes and you may need a 2:1 or above to be considered for a place.

If you want to work in the higher education sector, a PhD may be particularly useful as an advanced understanding of subject-specific academic methodology is often appreciated.

Skills

You'll need to have:

experience in quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies and using different research techniques

strong analytical and problem-solving skills

excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

interpersonal skills to develop and maintain relationships

report writing skills

teamworking skills and the ability to work well on your own

confidence in using Microsoft Office software, statistics packages and other data management tools, and research database packages

project management skills to oversee all aspects of a research project right through from questionnaire design to the final report

accuracy and attention to detail for handling data and reporting research findings

a flexible approach to work, with the ability to work on several different research projects at once

organisation skills, excellent time management and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Work experience

It's important to get practical experience in research or market research interviewing or through work involving research methodology. Try to get training in as broad a range of methods as possible, while still focusing on areas you're interested in.

Visit Market Research Society (MRS) - Work Placement & Intern Opportunities for details of companies that welcome approaches from students and graduates looking for a work placement in social or market research.

Opportunities for freelance and temporary survey interviewers are also available with NatCen (National Centre for Social Research) and ScotCen, or you could get experience in a managerial or administrative role in which research is used to evaluate service delivery.

Although the larger research agencies are likely to have graduate traineeships, small businesses specialising in social research may not have formal vacancies. Use your networking skills at social research or training events to find out about possible openings.

Employers

There are opportunities available in many types of organisation, including:

central government - social researchers work in the main government departments (see government social research officer), as well as for the Scottish government

local government departments - particularly social services, housing, education and chief executive

charities

large and small research agencies

higher education institutions.

Many of the larger research agencies, such as Ipsos MORI and Kantar Public UK, have specialist social research departments and some offer graduate traineeships. There are also many small businesses that specialise in social and market research.

If you're working in higher education, you'll either be employed in a large research centre, which employs both permanent and fixed-term research staff, or a university teaching department, where researchers are often employed on fixed-term contracts of one or two years.

Other employers include:

NatCen

the Office for National Statistics (ONS)

trade unions

pressure and lobby groups.

Some market research consultancies in the private sector also conduct social research for clients such as government agencies, consumer goods producers and retailers, and media agencies.

Look for job vacancies at:

The Research Buyers Guide provides information on companies and consultants offering market research services, which may be useful for speculative applications.

Professional development

Graduate training programmes are available with some of the larger research agencies and government departments. These usually last two years and include initial induction, on-the-job training, a range of short courses and mentor support.

With many smaller organisations you'll be trained on the job, learning from colleagues. You'll also take short training courses on specific areas, such as:

evaluation techniques

statistical methods

qualitative methods

survey design and sampling

presentation skills

the use of software packages.

The SRA and NatCen Learning provide training in a broad range of areas, including:

report writing

interviewing

questionnaire design and testing

qualitative approaches

commissioning and managing research.

SRA membership is also useful for networking and career development opportunities.

You could also study for an MSc in social research part time while working.

Career prospects

In central and local government, higher education and most of the independent research institutes, there's a recognisable career structure with different grades reflecting levels of experience, responsibility and seniority.

As a typical new entrant in the Civil Service you might expect to be a research officer for two years before promotion to senior research officer. Promotion to principal research officer generally takes four years, depending on your skills and experience. If you're employed at a university specialist research centre, your career and salary structures are usually linked to those of lecturing staff.

If you're working for a major research agency, you're likely to start as a researcher before moving on to the role of senior researcher. At director level, you may be in charge of a group of researchers focused on a policy area, and will need strong leadership and management skills.

Promotion from entry level generally leads to involvement in larger projects, project management, more policy decisions, tendering for new business, and staff and financial management. Senior researchers are also expected to win new business.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Social researchers plan, design, conduct and manage social research projects, reporting on findings in order to shape policy or to examine the effectiveness of existing policy As a social researcher you'll use a range of methods such as interviews, survey questionnaires and focus groups to investigate the attitudes, behaviour and experiences of population samples on specific issues.

# data[].attributes.body
https://mysoas.sharepoint.com/sites/student/teams/car/Pages/Anthropology.aspx

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Discover Anthropology website is operated by the Royal Anthropological Institute's Education Outreach Programme. The website aims to encourage a wider appreciation and understanding of anthropology by functioning as a hub for communication, gathering information, and accessing events, activities and resources for people interested in learning more about the subject.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Welcome to AppliedAnthro.org

Notice: As of 1 August 2019, all passwords have been reset as part of a website upgrade. If you have an account, please use "Forgot Your Password."

Photo by Perry Grone on Unsplash
SfAA was founded in 1941 to promote the investigation of the principles of human behavior and the application of these principles to contemporary issues and problems. The Society is unique among professional associations in membership and purpose - and in representing the interests of professionals in a wide range of settings including academia, business, law, public health, medicine, environment, and government. The unifying factor is a commitment to making an impact on the quality of life in the world.

SfAA Statement on Global Violence, Systemic Racism, and Deep Inequities
2023 Meeting Agenda

Annual Meeting

Annual Meeting

83rd Annual Meeting
March 28-April 1, 2023
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
Cincinnati, OH

The SfAA Annual Meeting provides an invaluable opportunity for scholars, practicing social scientists, and students from a variety of disciplines and organizations to discuss their work and brainstorm for the future. It is more than just a conference: it's a rich place to trade ideas, methods, and practical solutions, as well as enter the lifeworld of other professionals. SfAA members come from a variety of disciplines -- anthropology, sociology, economics, business, planning, medicine, nursing, law, and other related social/behavioral sciences. Make 2023 the year you'll spend a few days socializing, growing, and relaxing in Cincinnati, OH with the SfAA.
Online Registration

Awards & Prizes

Awards & Prizes

The Society for Applied Anthropology proudly sponsors prestigious awards including the Malinowski Award, the Peter K. New Award, and the Sol Tax Award; as well as co-sponsoring the Margaret Mead Award with the American Anthropological Association. In addition, the Society offers 12 student travel awards to help offset the costs of attending the Annual Meeting.

Malinowski Award|Sol Tax Award|Margaret Mead Award|Peter K. New Award|Hackenberg Award|Pelto International Travel Award|Bodley Student Travel Award|Cernea Resettlement Student Travel Award|Human Rights Defender Student Travel Award|Del Jones Student Travel Award|Kushner Student Travel Award|Bea Medicine Student Travel Award|Spicer Student Travel Award|Student Endowed Travel Award|Valene Smith Poster Award|Student Poster Prize
Click here for more information

Online Journals

Online Journals

SfAA's mission through publishing articles that advance, synthesize, and interpret the application of anthropological method and theory is to analyze solutions of practical problems in the contemporary world.

Access previous and current issues of Human Organization and Practicing Anthropology online.
To view journals online go to sfaajournals.net.
Member Access to Journals

Oral History Project

Oral History Project

The goal of the SfAA Oral History Project is the documentation of applied/practicing anthropology through recorded oral history interviews that are properly archived, transcribed, and disseminated. Topics which are important to the project include the experiences of applied/practicing anthropologists in various domains of application in the past, the history of precedent-setting projects, the history of the SfAA and other related organizations and the history of applied/practicing anthropology training programs. Special attention will be directed to interviewing persons that have received awards from the Society. The project also attempts to identify related resources such as oral history interviews relating to the history of application and practice in anthropology.

Resources

Resources

The SfAA strives to find and create opportunities for students, scholars, and practioners to further enjoy and develop their work. Here you will find information on current jobs relevant to applied anthropologists, other organizations of interest, and universities that offer degrees oriented towards the applied social sciences.
Resources

Podcasts

Podcast Project

The SfAA Podcast Project is a student-led initiative to provide audio records of sessions from the Annual Meetings to the public, free of charge. We strive to include a broad range of interests from diverse perspectives with the intent of extending conversations throughout the years. Our ultimate goal is to make these dialogues accessible to a global audience.

Since 2007, the Podcast Project has published over 150 podcasts, has touched 6 continents, and has experienced over 110,000 views.
Podcast Project Page

New HO Editor

New Editor of Human Organization

We are excited to announce the new editor of Human Organization: Lenore Manderson. Lenore is a long-time SfAA member and has served the society in numerous positions, and has extensive editorial experience. Lenore served for 11 years as the editor of Medical Anthropology. Lenore has extensive experience in practice, research, and publishing. She has brought many exciting ideas to our board and publication committee about how to increase readership and access to HO and support to practitioners and academics. Her term will begin in January 2023. Over the next six months, through listening sessions and possibly a survey, and in sessions at our annual meeting in Cincinnati, she will engage our members in discussions about how best to serve your needs and disseminate your work as we explore new ideas and approaches for Human Organization.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Home :: Society for Applied Anthropology

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to AppliedAnthro.org Notice: As of 1 August 2019, all passwords have been reset as part of a website upgrade. If you have an account, please use "Forgot Your Password."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We use cookies on our website. Some of them are essential for the operation of the site, while others help us to improve this site and the user experience (tracking cookies). You can decide for yourself whether you want to allow cookies or not. Please note that if you reject them, you may not be able to use all the functionalities of the site.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We use cookies on our website. Some of them are essential for the operation of the site, while others help us to improve this site and the user experience (tracking cookies). You can decide for yourself whether you want to allow cookies or not.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A degree in anthropology covers the cultural and biological diversity of humans. The broad discipline you will gain from studying both science and the humanities could lead to a variety of careers

Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

Take a few minutes to answer the Job Match quiz and find out what careers would suit you

Work experience

Gaining work experience is vital when starting out in most careers and shows commitment to a future employer. Take a proactive approach and find opportunities in which you can build up a desirable range of skills such as communication, planning, and project management.

Look for opportunities that are relevant to the area in which you wish to work. For example, if you want to get into charity or international aid roles, there are many opportunities for you to volunteer overseas in your summer break.

Involvement in a student society can help you develop relevant skills and experience in, for example, publicity, campaigning, and public speaking.

Try contacting local council offices or museums and galleries for information about project activities and ask if they need volunteers to help out with the organisation or running of events.

Search for placements and find out more about work experience and internships.

Typical employers

Only a tiny proportion of graduates become anthropologists, as academics or researchers. Some choose careers that build directly on anthropology, including social policy and teaching, development/overseas agencies and work for non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

A high proportion of anthropology graduates work in the public and not-for-profit sectors, all branches of the Civil Service, local government, charities, central government bodies, universities, international organisations, such as the United Nations (UN), museums and voluntary organisations.

Anthropology graduates also pursue roles in:

advertising

conservation

health and social work

heritage management

museums

sales and marketing.

Find information on employers in charity and voluntary work, marketing, advertising and PR, and other job sectors.

Employers hiring anthropology graduates now
View more charity and public services jobs
Skills for your CV

As well as knowledge of anthropology, your degree equips you with general skills, including:

written communication

analytical and critical skills

the ability to gather, assess and interpret data

oral communication and presentation skills

time management

discussion and group work skills

statistical and computing techniques

clear, logical and independent thinking

organising and planning

problem-solving

the ability to construct an argument.

You'll learn theories and methodologies for research work, which can be applied to many job roles. You may also be able to offer subject-specific knowledge, including topics such as genetic and biological traits, globalisation and society, an understanding of how cultures function and their common traits, and the importance of language and power.

UCL Anthropology

Scholarships available for students looking to study a Masters in Anthropology

Further study

Courses chosen by recent graduates include:

criminology

development studies

environmental anthropology

industrial relations

journalism

law

marketing

public health

teaching

youth and community work.

Some students go on to Masters degrees and specialise in an anthropological area, such as visual or medical anthropology, while others pursue related disciplines, such as community health, sociology, social research methods, politics, human geography and economics.

Anthropology graduates also take up vocational courses, such as museum ethnography, counselling, health and social work.

To find a course that interests you, search postgraduate courses in anthropology.

What do anthropology graduates do?

The most popular job for anthropology graduates is a police oficer. Other jobs that anthropology graduates go into include welfare and housing associate professionals, care work (including home carers) and marketing professionals.

Find out what other anthropology graduates are doing 15 months after finishing their degrees in What do graduates do?

Graduate destinations data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What can I do with an anthropology degree? | Prospects.ac.uk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A degree in anthropology covers the cultural and biological diversity of humans. The broad discipline you will gain from studying both science and the humanities could lead to a variety of careers Jobs directly related to your degree include: Jobs where your degree would be useful include: Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
International Masters Degrees - Guides to Postgraduate Study Abroad | FindAMasters.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Are you considering studying your Masters abroad? Our detailed guides explain international postgraduate study in countries around the world.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
You'll need to bring a flexible approach and initiative to a career as a policy officer, in order to adapt to this rapidly evolving field of work and make autonomous decisions

Your responsibilities as a policy officer will include researching and advising on issues, carrying out developmental work and liaising with internal and external contacts.

Depending on your role, you may also be involved in campaigning for change.

Types of policy work

You'll usually work across a range of functions in either the public, private or charity sector:

local and central government - researching, developing and implementing public policies that affect everyone. This type of role could involve advising senior or elected officials such as MPs. You could be working on policy across a range of issues and sectors.

think tanks and charities - researching, monitoring and aiming to influence policies in favour of a cause. These roles often involve communications, campaigning and public affairs.

public and private sector (internal policy roles) - you'll be developing and implementing the policies that an organisation needs, in order to run effectively.

Responsibilities

As a policy officer, you'll need to:

undertake or commission research

gather and analyse data and information

develop expertise in a particular area, or draw on the expertise of others

keep up to date with social, political and economic developments, and brief others on these

provide advice to senior managers, stakeholders and decision makers

support or coordinate meetings, conferences or debates, sometimes including diary management

write briefings, reports, and speeches

deliver oral briefings and presentations

carry out consultations with internal and external stakeholders - including colleagues, customers, or members of the public

work with a wide range of people and organisations, including senior managers, public office officials and members of the public

manage and track the delivery of political or organisational priorities

write and monitor communications to ensure consistency and accuracy

develop expertise in a particular area, or advise in a generalist capacity, depending on the nature of your role.

Salary

Starting salaries for policy assistant or officer roles range from £22,000 to £30,000.

Senior policy advisors can earn between £32,000 and £40,000.

Progressing to the role of policy manager, you could earn a salary of £40,000 to £50,000 or more.

Salaries can vary between sectors and organisations. Starting salaries are typically lower in the charity sector than in central government or the private sector.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Your working hours are likely to be a standard working week. In some roles, you may need to work longer or more irregular hours, or evenings and weekends. For example, to attend meetings or events, or if necessary to meet deadlines in a high profile or fast-moving policy area.

Most organisations in the public and charity sector allow some degree of flexible working, including part-time roles, flexible hours, or job sharing. The precise nature of arrangements will depend on your employer and role.

What to expect

Most roles are office based, but will require some travel for meetings, conferences and events. The extent will depend on the focus of your role.

Policy evolves rapidly, so you'll have to adapt to what could be frequent changes to situations or priorities. This can be exciting and will give you lots of variety, but it can also be frustrating and stressful at times. You may find that something you have been working on for months is no longer relevant, or that you need to change direction quickly and meet tight deadlines.

You could have the opportunity to influence or help implement local, national and even international changes to improve the experiences and lives of others.

Go beyond the state

Evaluate the policy challenges of cross-cutting transnational issues facing the world today

Qualifications

An undergraduate degree is usually required, but degree level and subject requirements will vary.

A degree in one of the following may help:

public administration and social policy

economics

anthropology

philosophy

politics and internal relations

psychology

sociology.

For some roles, an analytical subject or previous training in research methodologies may be an advantage.

Some positions will require a formal postgraduate research qualification (MRes or PhD) in a subject such as public policy, policy research or social research. Where this is not a requirement, it can still sometimes be an advantage. This is most often seen for roles in think tanks where there is an emphasis on policy research.

Specialist knowledge of the policy area through a degree in a relevant subject could be required or be an advantage.

Skills

You'll need to have:

good written and verbal communication skills, to absorb complex information and present it to different audiences in a clear and accessible way

interpersonal skills, to work and build relationships with a wide range of people holding different views

the ability to understand diverse perspectives and to be able to successfully influence and negotiate

effective research and analysis skills (including quantitative and qualitative), needed to build an evidence base from which you will work

good organisation skills, to track priorities, work to deadlines and manage projects

a flexible and adaptable approach, in order to respond to shifting priorities and a rapidly evolving external environment

the ability and desire to acquire and maintain knowledge of a policy area or areas

a commitment to learning and improvement

good political judgement and initiative, for making decisions autonomously or advising others on the most effective course of action.

For roles within government, you'll need to evidence a commitment to developing and delivering policy to improve the lives and experiences of citizens. For roles within charities and think tanks, this will mean evidencing your commitment and passion for advancing a particular cause.

For all positions, you'll need to demonstrate a developed interest in the policy area, policy making in general, or the organisation you'd like to work in.

Work experience

Policy work can be a competitive field, so it's advisable to gain work experience. Volunteering, internships and building a network in the sector will increase your chances of securing a position. Consider volunteering for a charity, political party, or MP.

There are few paid work experience opportunities in government. For example, the Civil Service runs two Diversity internship schemes for first and penultimate-year students.

You may also be able to secure an internship, or work experience placement at a local council. Use the GOV.UK - Find your local council to find contact details. Think tanks offer some internships, though these are not always paid and can be extremely competitive. You could try the formal schemes run by the Institute for Government, Chatham House, UK Research and Innovation (PhD students only) and the Adam Smith Institute. Many charities offer internships, advertising directly on their websites or on websites like CharityJob.

Employers

Opportunities exist within central and local government, charities and NGOs, and think tanks.

Fast-track graduate routes into central and local government are available through the Civil Service Fast Stream, HM Treasury Graduate Scheme and the National Graduate Development Programme, which can all lead to specialising in policy work.

Government departments and individual councils advertise policy officer roles, and other entry-level positions (that you can work your way up from) directly. This is also true for other public sector organisations, including housing associations and the NHS. Members of Parliament employ parliamentary and constituency assistants and their roles will involve some policy work.

Charities, NGOs and think tanks sometimes advertise positions. However, it can be competitive and you may need to apply speculatively as well.

Look for vacancies at:

To find organisations to approach speculatively, you can look at:

Professional development

There are no prescribed qualifications or training routes for a career in policy. The development you undertake will depend on your role, the organisation, and whether you choose to specialise.

You may undertake specific training, in areas such as:

legislative or parliamentary processes, such as bill training

policy communications, including writing briefings and submissions, press releases, or speeches

quantitative or qualitative research or analysis.

Most graduate schemes combine formal training with on-the-job learning. In addition to policy work, you'll also likely develop skills in people and project management, change management, and financial/commercial awareness.

The Civil Service Policy Profession has a framework for professional development which sets out the skills those in policy roles are expected to develop, as well as a range of training and development opportunities.

Professional associations and policy think tanks offer training courses, events and conferences, which you could participate in as part of your ongoing development. You may wish to look at the opportunities provided by:

You could undertake a postgraduate qualification, such as a Masters or PhD, in social policy or a related area.

Career prospects

You may choose to continue working in your policy area, progressing to become a senior policy officer or advisor and developing subject expertise.

There is mobility in the field, so you could develop in your role by moving to a larger or more influential department or organisation. This is a typical progression route for roles in charities or think tanks, if you would like to continue working on individual research projects and developing in expertise.

You could also progress to become a policy manager, having oversight of a number of policy areas and leading a whole programme of work. From there you could move into senior management roles, such as deputy or head of a policy function or department. Typically, you'd have responsibility for several programmes of work, and have a role in the strategic direction and management of the organisation.

You could also move into other related functions within your organisation or the sector, securing a role in public affairs, communications, governance or compliance for example.

Written by Ellen Grace

University of Bristol · December 2018

© Copyright AGCAS & Graduate Prospects Ltd · Disclaimer

Related jobs and courses

work experience

International Internships

Mountbatten Program

Competitive salary

New York

View job

work experience

International Internships

The Intern Group

Unpaid

Various locations

View job

graduate job

Customer Experience Administrator
View job

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You'll need to bring a flexible approach and initiative to a career as a policy officer, in order to adapt to this rapidly evolving field of work and make autonomous decisions Your responsibilities as a policy officer will include researching and advising on issues, carrying out developmental work and liaising with internal and external contacts.

# data[].attributes.headline
Social Impact Consultant Firms like Dalberg and BCG etc

# data[].attributes.subject
Social Impact Consultant Firms like Dalberg and BCG etc