Preparing Anthropology Students for Careers in Industry, Non-Profits, and Government

By creating a closer community among students, teaching faculty and instructors, and practitioners.

Will using ACRN’s new book for instructors inspire the teaching of career readiness and help advance the future of anthropology?

Teaching Tools for Anthropology Careers

How do you prepare anthropology graduates for meaningful careers? This book contains 37 tools that provide straightforward guidance about career readiness for programs and individual instructors. The tools are intended to complement and enhance your current departmental offerings and are organized into three groups: Moving Your Department Ahead; Building Career Readiness into Your Courses; and Securing Anthropology’s Future. They can be used in conjunction with the workbook, Career Tools for Anthropology. Put your anthropology to work!

Career Tools for Anthropology Workbook

What CAN you do with a degree in anthropology? This Workbook answers that question and guides you through the possibilities of anthropology in the workplace. Written with anthropology students, graduates, and instructors in mind, readers will learn how to assess their own skills, how to communicate the value of anthropology, and how to craft their own career path. Each tool provides a guide on a career topic, such as basic skills like Crafting a Cover Letter to complex challenges like Reducing Polarization. This Workbook features 39 peer-reviewed tools and exercises mapped along a career journey. Put your anthropology to work!

Career Tools for Anthropology
ACRN Logo

WHO WE ARE

Hundreds of anthropologists have contributed to the Anthropology Career Readiness Network since its launch in 2021. As a broad, volunteer network, it has the support of numerous anthropology professional associations covering all subfields.

WHY THIS NETWORK

  • Most anthropology students at all levels will not teach anthropology
  • Many jobs in industry, non-profits, and government benefit from anthropological knowledge and skills, but
    • Current and potential students, and their instructors, are generally unaware of the work of anthropologists beyond the academy and the opportunities that exist in the job market
    • With few exceptions, anthropology programs have significant gaps in career preparation
    • Many employers are unaware of the value and relevance of anthropological training
  • As a result, enrollment in anthropology programs is decreasing sharply, jeopardizing the future of the field.

WEBSITE PURPOSE

A “one-stop shop” for resources

To consider, prepare for, and secure a job in industry, non-profits, or government so that you use your anthropological knowledge and skills

To integrate anthropological practice and career awareness and preparation into your courses and programs effectively

To build a career-oriented network offering resources, support, and guidance

PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

ACRN Logo

Updates from the ACRN

Stay up to date on our World of Work blogs, news, and events.

  • How do you set your consulting rates?

How do you set your consulting rates?

August 9th, 2026|

If you are starting a consulting practice, one of your first decisions is how much to charge for your expertise. Price yourself too low and you undervalue your work; too high and you may lose opportunities. Two common approaches can [...]

What does it take to major in anthropology?

July 12th, 2026|

When I started undergrad, I was a pre-med biology major. I had done all the research pertaining to this and what was required for the career I apparently wanted. I had told my friends, family, and everyone else I knew exactly [...]

Join Our Network of students, instructors, and practitioners.

Be Part of Making Anthropology Practice Friendly

Go to Top