FROM STUDY TO SKILLS
All academic programs offered at the UM help students develop valuable transferable skills. Anthropology addresses both biological and cultural aspects of humans, from the origins of genetic diversity, to the organization of social groups and the human significance of language. This breadth makes Anthropology an ideal liberal arts major. As an Anthropology major, you will study in the various subfields of anthropology‚ archaeological, biological, linguistic, and sociocultural‚ and will develop a broad range of skills.
Related fields include Linguistics, Biology, Psychology, Archaeology, Museum Studies, Organizational Studies, Public Health, and Sociology.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Project Development Skills
Planning long-term projects
Recruiting/coordinating research subjects
Writing grant proposals
Assessing results
Maintaining careful records
Research / Analytical Skills
Reading critically
Gathering and organizing data
Surveying and sampling
Deriving knowledge from artifacts
Applying nonintrusive methods
Computer modeling
Reaching new conclusions through comparative study
Utilizing statistical applications
Examining data or artifacts
Conducting field studies
Interpersonal / Cross-Cultural Skills
Observing human interactions
Understanding group dynamics
Identifying value systems
Recognizing cultural differences and similarities
Adapting to other cultures
Interviewing different populations
Communication Skills
Summarizing results
Writing clearly
Presenting and defending a position
Explaining complex ideas
Communicating across cultures/languages
Understanding language development
BUILDING YOUR SKILLS OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Employers seek out individuals who can demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, teamwork and interpersonal skills, initiative, and a strong work ethic. Student organizations and campus employment offer valuable opportunities to add to the skills you are developing in your classes. Most majors sponsor specific student groups like an undergraduate organization or an honor society. Other options include study abroad, off-campus employment or volunteering in the community. Finally, a summer internship may be the best way of all to test out a career field and develop marketable skills.
FROM SKILLS TO CAREER
Anthropology majors develop both general and technical skills applicable to a wide range of careers. For example, cross-cultural observational skills may be equally useful whether working as a foundation project manager, a corporate recruiter, or a freelance journalist.
Many majors go on to graduate or professional school. The list below is a sample of careers undertaken by Anthropology graduates.
Project Development Skills
Transplant registry database manager 
Collections manager
Curator
Computer simulation model designer
Foundation program manager
Cultural artifact specialist
Project director
Research / Analytical Skills
Physician
Coroner/medical examiner
Behavioral scientist/anthropologist
Medical anthropologist
Field archaeologist
Contract archaeologist
Research fellow
Policy researcher
Federal/state government analyst
Actuary
Lawyer/union legal counsel
Environmental impact assessment researcher 
Market research analyst
Interpersonal /Cross-Cultural Skills
Social worker
Genetic counselor
Academic advisor/counselor
Bilingual/bicultural program specialist
English as a Second Language teacher
Caseworker
National and state park interpreter
International agency representative
Congressional committee staff director
Head Start program director
United Nations representative
Employment recruiter
Industrial psychologist
Travel agent/tour guide
Communication Skills
Public health educator
Advocate (e.g., children, ethnic groups, the elderly)
Museum education director
K-12 teacher, college professor
Freelance journalist
Web designer|
Editor/writer
= Further Study Required = Green Jobs
For more career information, see O*Net at http://online.onetcenter.org/
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
The Anthropology major requires courses in each of the subdivisions of the field, totaling a minimum of 34 credits in anthropology at the 200 level and above.
Evolutionary Anthropology majors often pursue further education and careers in the health sciences. This major, with prerequisites in biology and anthropology, includes five courses in anthropology and three in biology from a predetermined list.
For complete information on course offerings and requirements, please contact:
Department of Anthropology
101 West Hall734-764-7274
www.lsa.umich.edu/anthro
Newnan Advising Center
1255 Angell Hall
734-764-0332
www.lsa.umich.edu/advising
NEXT STEPS / RESOURCES
To begin connecting to professionals in fields that interest you, create your own LinkedIn account:
www.careercenter.umich.edu/article/getting-started-linkedin
To identify internships or job opportunities, visit Handshake: https://careercenter.umich.edu/article/handshake
The Maize Pages list hundreds of organizations for students to get involved in: http://studentorgs.umich.edu/maize
On-campus jobs (work-study and non work-study jobs) are listed at: https://studentemployment.umich.edu/JobX_Home.aspx
The Career Center
3200 Student Activities Building
734-764-7460
www.careercenter.umich.edu
www.facebook.com/careercenter.umich
http://twitter.com/careercenter
The Career Guide series was developed by the University of Michigan Career Center, Division of Student Affairs, in cooperation with the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. ©2011 Regents of the University of Michigan