Anthropologist
What does an anthropologist do?
Have you ever wondered, what is anthropology? Anthropologists are driven by an interest in humans – from our origins as a species, to our modern cultures, to how humanity will survive in the future. Anthropology focuses on studying the development and behaviour of humans by taking a holistic look at everything that impacts the human experience including physical, social, cultural, economic, and political factors. It may surprise you to learn that anthropologists work in a wide range of places, including public service organisations, cultural heritage consultancy, universities, and community planning organisations to name a few.
Is a career in anthropology right for me?
If you're fascinated by the history of human societies and cultures, this could be the career for you. Anthropologists are critical thinkers with an interest in mathematics, science and language. You may be well suited to this field if you have an enthusiasm for research, sensitivity towards people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and the ability to make detailed observations and conduct accurate practical work.
Other key skills and attributes that are beneficial for a career in anthropology include:
An ability to analyse and interpret information.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, supported by strong interpersonal skills.
Problem-solving and decision-making
The ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and make informed decisions.
An ability to work effectively and collaborate with a range of stakeholders.
Effective time-management and prioritisation skills.
An ability to manage change positively and perform effectively in changing environments.
How to become an anthropologist
Whether you hope to work in research, heritage management or consulting, a relevant degree can provide the foundation for a career in archaeology.
Every journey is individual and there are several ways to reaching your anthropology career goals. Here is one pathway to becoming an anthropologist:
- Complete a bachelor's degree in anthropology or a related field such as archaeology, social science or humanities.
- Develop research, analytical and communication skills through coursework and fieldwork opportunities.
- Gain practical experience by participating in research projects, cultural studies, community engagement activities or heritage programs.
- Consider postgraduate study, such as an honours, master's or doctoral degree, to specialise in an area of anthropology and expand career opportunities.
- Apply for roles in research, government, community organisations, museums, heritage institutions or higher education.
How long does it take to become an anthropologist?
An anthropologist’s career has a multitude of different study pathways. It’s common to pursue an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a related field. At UniSQ, we offer a range of degrees in this area and have multiple pathways to help you get into anthropology. Typically, a bachelor degree takes three years to complete, however if you choose to study part-time, this can increase your study time.
Additionally, gaining practical experience through internships, volunteer work, or research projects may also factor into the overall timeline for becoming an anthropologist.
Start your journey with UniSQ
Prepare for a career as an anthropologist with a UniSQ degree and develop the research, cultural analysis, critical thinking and communication skills needed to understand and address complex social and cultural issues.
Responsibilities and work settings
Conducting fieldwork to collect data and interact with study populations.
Analysing cultural, linguistic, archaeological, and biological data.
Assembling historical data by consulting sources such as historical indexes and catalogues, archives, court records, diaries, newspaper files, and other materials.
Organising, authenticating, evaluating, and interpreting historical, political, sociological, anthropological, and linguistic data.
Undertaking historical and cultural research into human activity and preparing and presenting research findings.
Universities and higher education providers
Museums, galleries and heritage institutions
Government agencies, departments and councils
Research institutes and research centres
Non-profit, charity and community organisations
Environmental and sustainability organisations
Courts, tribunals and justice agencies
Anthropologist FAQs
Related careers
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