Pathways to Careers – Spring 2021
Reduce the stress of figuring out how your anthropological knowledge and skills can apply in the workplace by attending the Spring 2021 Pathways to Careers webinars. Offered by the American Anthropological Association, this career webinar series is designed for anyone interested in an anthropological career – from undergraduate student to career professional. This series introduces you to a wide variety of careers in every major sector of the economy. The presenters are ready to share key insights about their day-to-day work lives: what they do, how they do it, and why their work matters. They will provide useful job preparation suggestions as well, including specific details on getting into their industry. Collectively, they are high-energy, high-performing anthropologists with great experience and advice. After their remarks, the floor will be open for Q&A. Come join us every Thursday at 1:00 p.m. Eastern between March 4 and April 22.
Thursday, March 4, 1:00-2:00 pm EST
Career Pathways
Join us Thursday, March 4th at 1:00 PM EST for a webinar on how current undergraduate anthropology students can explore a variety of career paths. The webinar will cover topics that include why you should major/minor in anthropology, career options for anthropology students, how to find a virtual career during the pandemic, internship and fellowship opportunities, and AAA membership benefits. We look forward to seeing you there!
Register *Registration closes the day before the webinar at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
• Presenters: Palmyra Jackson (Education Research Coordinator) and Katie Patschke (Executive Office Coordinator)
Thursday, March 11, 1:00-1:45 pm EST
User Experience (UX) Jobs from the Inside Out
UX represents one of the fastest growing areas of employment for anthropologists. Organizations of all types are looking for data-driven and human-centered insights on their products and services from prospective users and customers. Anthropologists apply their perspective, methods, and theory to identify problems and design new solutions. Presenters describe the work they do, how they got there, their approach to problem solving, and what they find satisfying in their respective industries.
Register *Registration closes the day before the webinar at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
• Presenters: Rachel Fleming and Lisanne Norman, followed by Q&A
• Organizer: Elizabeth Briody
Thursday, March 18, 1:00-1:45 pm EDT
Anthropologists Working in Hospital Settings
Hospitals employ vast numbers of people committed to improving health, arresting disease, and educating patients. Anthropologists seeking career opportunities in clinical settings find work as voice-of-the-customer and marketing specialists, patient and family advocates, researchers, and quality improvement coordinators, to name a few. This career webinar focuses on anthropologists working with both current and prospective patients, careers requiring an understanding of the patient landscape, clinical objectives, and hospital missions.
Register *Registration closes the day before the webinar at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
• Presenters: Nadine Bendycki and Joshua Liggett, followed by Q&A
• Organizers: Nazia Hussain and Elizabeth Briody
Thursday, March 25, 1:00-1:45 pm EDT
Doing Cultural Resource Management (CRM) Your Way
Most graduates of archaeology programs find their way into CRM. Employed by government agencies, private-sector CRM businesses, and tribal governments, these professionals apply their archaeological, ethnohistorical, and archival skills to shed light on cultures of the past. Their clients range from local community groups to firms to tribes and beyond, necessitating that they be able to develop rapport quickly, collaborate effectively, and produce customized reports and other digital materials. Presenters describe the work they do, the path leading into it, what they find satisfying about their employment, and any useful tips and preparation for getting into CRM.
Register *Registration closes the day before the webinar at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
• Presenters: Dennis Griffin and Misty Jackson, followed by Q&A
• Organizers: Elizabeth Briody and Johnda Washington
Thursday, April 1, 1:00-1:45 pm EDT
Contemplating a Career in Tech?
The economy’s technology sector spearheads significant work in research and development related to computers, software, artificial intelligence, and other aspects of information technology. Anthropologists work in many tech firms, typically entering this industry with a Master’s degree. Presenters introduce the audience to their jobs, how they landed those jobs, the aspects of their work that relate to their anthropological training, and the value of networking to find similar positions. Register *Registration closes the day before the webinar at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
• Presenters: Kevin Newton and Astrid Countee, followed by Q&A
• Organizers: Elizabeth Briody and Jenessa Spears
Thursday, April 8, 1:00-1:45 pm EDT
Careers in the Public Sector
Anthropologists perform a range of jobs in the public sector, with a vast number working in federal government positions and others in state, local, and tribal government. The presenters at this webinar apply their anthropological training to program management in a federal government agency and performance management in a state government agency. They describe their own work, the paths they took to get where they are now, what they find valuable about the work they do, and suggestions regarding job market preparation for government jobs.
Register *Registration closes the day before the webinar at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
• Presenters: Ariela Zycherman and Steven Thomson, followed by Q&A
• Organizer: Elizabeth Briody