Career Compass: Anthropology

Anthropology is a science of humanity that addresses human issues both from a cultural and from a biological point of view. The narrowest concern of anthropology is the survival of humanity; its broadest is the conditions of continuity and change for all human life. While broadly educated, individual anthropologists generally specialize in a particular approach to this whole view of humanity. The Department of Anthropology has many opportunities for you to explore, with four sub-disciplines of study:

1. Cultural Anthropology: Cultural Anthropology or Ethnology systematically compares diverse cultures and societies around the world, from small groups of Arctic hunters to complex industrial nations. The objective is to understand the complex conditions and consequences of environmental, social, economic, political and cultural changes rapidly altering our world.
2. Archaeology: Archaeology deals with the reconstruction of past ways of human life through the recovery and analysis of artifacts and other material remains from past cultures. Archaeologists help us understand processes such as domestication, ancient urbanization, and long-distance trading. Archaeologists often require special training in zoology, botany, and/or history.
3. Bio/Physical Anthropology: Biological or Physical Anthropology is concerned with the evolution of the human species, and the biological characteristics of past and present human populations. Today, there are new opportunities to bridge the division between the cultural and biological points of view, especially in the area of medical anthropology. Training in human biology as well as human social life and in a range of cultures both past and present uniquely equips anthropologists to research the human condition.
4. Linguistic Anthropology: Anthropological Linguistics is the study of language as the primary mechanism of human communication. This sub-discipline is offered primarily through the Department of Linguistics.

Skills you will gain by studying ANTHROPOLOGY

• An understanding of human behaviours and how they are affected by biological, ecological and cultural factors
• The ability to describe, understand and predict human behaviours using quantitative and qualitative methods
• The ability to analyze the root causes of social problems and work towards solutions with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds
• The ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
ANTH 1210 and ANTH 1220

To do this year:

1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor to help you plan your program.
2. If you need academic support, visit the Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a learning skills instructor.

CAREER TIPS

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Set up your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including the University of Manitoba Anthropology Students’ Association and Arts Student Body Council.
2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience or join the Student Leadership Development Program.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as Community Engaged Learning programs.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Considering international opportunities? Visit the Language Centre and check out the International Centre website to learn more international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit Migizii Agamik, the International Centre for Students or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
ANTH 2000, ANTH 2100, ANTH 2860 and ANTH 2020 or ANTH 2530

To do this year:

1. Should you follow a 3-or 4-year plan? Meet with an academic advisor and career consultant to map out your options.
2. Take ANTH 2370 as one of your elective courses.
3. When choosing a minor, take courses that will open opportunities.

CAREER TIPS

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
3. Become a Student Affiliate with associations such as the Canadian Anthropology Association and/or Manitoba Archaeological Society.
4. Develop professional connections with professors by applying for an Undergraduate Research Award.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Explore student research opportunities: Apply for a research assistant position or Undergraduate Research Award.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out the Manitoba Museum, and social service agencies.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Become a Faculty of Arts Student Ambassador.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange, Tel Burna Excavation Project, My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday".

Staying local? Check out the Archaeological Field School or WUSC Student Refugee Program. Consider learning a new language and culture through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
General: 12 credit hours of ANTH at the 2000 level and above including at least 6 credit hours at 3000 or 4000 level

Honours or advanced: ANTH 3470 plus additional required courses

To do this year:

1. Meet with anthropology advisor for honours program approval.
2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).

CAREER TIPS

Investigate your career options:

1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.
4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other academic institutions.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Check out student job opportunities with: Canadian Border Services Agency, Parks Canada, social service agencies and market research firms

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Job Bank, Find My Job, Indeed or Canadian Heritage Information Network.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Did you travel abroad? Become an exchange mentor for the International Student Mentorship Program, join the exchange student community at the University of Manitoba or write an article about your experience.

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program or take part in Graduation Pow Wow.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
ANTH 4850 plus additional required courses

To do this year:

1. Meet with an anthropology advisor for honours program approval.
2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

CAREER TIPS

Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to graduate school: Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Present your research at the Canadian Anthropology Society’s Annual Conference.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the Post-Secondary Recruitment Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus or explore Manitoba Start which offers events and free workshops for newcomers to assist their job search.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Antique Dealer
• Archaeological Field Technician
• Archivist Assistant
• Border Services Officer
• Citizenship and Immigration Agent
• Community Development Officer
• Community Impact Analyst
• Conservation Technician
• Curator
• Employment Equity Officer
• Foreign Service Officer
• Immigrant Settlement Worker
• International Student Advisor
• Interpreter/Translator
• Market Research Analyst 
• Research Assistant
• Social Policy Analyst
• Social Program Coordinator
• Volunteer Coordinator
• Youth Worker

Options requiring other education

• Anthropologist
• Archaeologist
• Archivist
• Art Conservator
• Developmental Policy Officer
• Journalist
• Lawyer
• Linguist
• Social Worker
• Teacher
• University Professor
• Urban and Regional Planner

Industries such as education, government, heritage and social services would value an anthropology major in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Oral and written communication
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Teamwork
• Numeracy and data use
• Digital technology
• Industry specific knowledge
• Continuous learning

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.