How to Become a Anthropologist

- Salary, Qualification, Skills, Role and Responsibilities

#Archivist

Who is a Anthropologist?

Anthropology is the most humanistic of sciences and the most scientific of the humanities ~ Alfred L. Kroeber

Curious about why humans behave the way they do, how cultures evolve, or what our ancestors left behind? Anthropology might be your perfect career. From biological and cultural studies to linguistics and archaeology, anthropologists explore human evolution, societies, and traditions. Discover eligibility, qualifications, career scope, and why becoming an Anthropologist in India could be a rewarding choice.

Anthropologist in a Nutshell

Anthropologists study human societies through social structures, kinship, economy, religion, and culture. Their research explores language, communication, and cultural influences, tracing how these evolve across time. They also investigate prehistory, history, and the diverse ways societies shape human behaviour and identity.

Quick Facts for Anthropologist

Suitable for
Male, Female, Others

Individuals can take up a career as anthropologists, it is not gender-specific. Men, women, and others can choose a career as anthropologists. Curiosity pays no attention to gender. Anyone with a deep interest in humans, their language, culture, and societies can become an anthropologist. The history of anthropology is filled with numerous examples of men and women who contributed to this field of science in major proportion. No doubt, an archivist career is suitable for every gender who has an interest to explore different cultures, past and present.
Any special needs
Yes

Everyone, including those with physical disabilities, is appropriate for individuals who opt for a career as an anthropologist. The career as an anthropologist is well suited to everyone, even those with special needs. One can apply for archivist jobs that are desk-based. Anthropologists are required to work under quite hazardous conditions.
An anthropologist is required to travel to different places as a part of his or her research. The Anthropologist roles and responsibilities can be a little arduous. Hence, it depends on the archivist job position one applies for. However, there are several roles that can be easily accomplished by candidates with special needs.

Table of Contents for Anthropologist

What is the role of Anthropologist?

Types of a Anthropologist

What is the workplace/work environment of Anthropologist like?

How to become a Anthropologist?

What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Anthropologist?

Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Anthropologist?

What is the job outlook for Anthropologist?

Frequently Asked Questions for Anthropologist

What is the role of Anthropologist?

Anthropologists study human evolution, culture, language, behaviour, arts, and social systems to answer questions about adaptation and development. Their work varies by domain—sociocultural anthropologists use ethnography to understand societies, archaeologists uncover artefacts to trace history, and biological anthropologists study humans and primates through ecological and evolutionary perspectives. By addressing issues like poverty, conflict, and overpopulation, they seek not just how but why things happen.

Developing processes

Individuals who opt for a career as anthropologists are required to perform various research on their process to search for particular artefacts or any other physical evidence. During this process of research and findings, they are responsible for developing various processes and diagnosing methodologies in order to excel in the scope of anthropology for the particular section. Developing is one of the most crucial parts of their job duties and responsibilities whether it is developing methodologies, procedures, samples, and many more.

Study

One of the most important parts of their job responsibilities includes studying the project they are working on. Individuals who opt for a career as an anthropologist are required to constantly study and remain updated at each and every step of the project.

They are responsible for studying the project, its scope in human development, limitations, efficiency that the project exhibits, and the consequences related to the project. From the beginning to the end of the project, they are required to analyse each and every aspect of the research and ensure the resources utilised in the project are optimised at their best.

Consultation

Anthropologists are required to consult different professionals including other anthropologists in order to meet certain requirements of the project they are working on. For instance, biological anthropologists are required to meet and consult several research scientists working on the same project as them.

The linguistic anthropologists are required to consult translators, language experts and professors in order to gain detailed information regarding the history or evolution of a particular language for a particular section of society. Individuals who opt for a career as anthropologists are also required to interact with other anthropologists specialising in physical anthropology, linguistics, and archaeology.

Training

Another important job duty of an anthropologist involves teaching and guiding students with their interests and research around anthropology. Various anthropologists work as a professor in universities guiding students with the in-depth knowledge and understanding of anthropology as a subject and further its application in career development.

They also teach and train students interested in becoming anthropologists. The anthropology professors teach various subjects such as linguistics anthropology, physical anthropology, archaeological anthropology, and cultural anthropology.

Research work

Research is one of the basic and fundamental job responsibilities of anthropologists. None of their projects can be accomplished without proper conduct of research on the relevant topic. From the beginning to the end of the project, they are required to carry out research at each and every level of the project.

The scope of research starts from the pre-research about the project they will be working on, to its conclusions and after-effects. Anthropology is a broad and interdisciplinary field, which makes it non-negotiable to compromise in research and study, after all, it is the study of humankind.

Publishing

The Anthropologist roles and responsibilities are to conduct research and studying about their projects is one thing but it will not matter if the work done is not published. Publishing comes as an important part of the research and study in anthropology. The anthropologists are responsible for publishing their content related to the research they conduct and the work they do for anthropology and its various fields such as biology, culture, linguistics, and archaeology.

Types of a Anthropologist

Some of the major Anthropologist career options or types of an Anthropologist list is given below:

Biological Anthropologist: Biological anthropology is defined as the study of humans and non-human primates on their biological, evolutionary, and demographic dimensions. Biological anthropologist jobs mainly focus on the biological and social factors that have affected the evolution of humans and other primates and then generate, maintain, and change contemporary genetic and physiological variation.

Socio-Cultural Anthropologist: Socio-cultural anthropology is a merged study of social anthropology along with cultural anthropology. Cultural anthropologists manifold procedures in which people make sense of the world around them, whereas social anthropology is the study of relationships among individuals and groups.

Linguistic Anthropologist: Linguistic anthropologist studies human communications, verbal and nonverbal communication, variations in language across time and space, the social uses of language, and the relationship between language and culture.

Archaeologist: Archaeological anthropologist studies the human past through its material remains. These archivists work involves examining archaeological material remains in order to deduce patterns of past human behaviour and cultural practices. An Archaeologist analyses the reasons behind major changes that have occurred in certain cultures and societies. In a career as an archaeologist, I try to figure out the reasons why ancient man gradually stopped hunting and started farming and what may have prompted them to build cities and trade channels. Read further to know about how to become an Anthropologist and a career in anthropology in India.

What is the workplace/work environment of Anthropologist like?

The work of anthropologists depends on the specific job. Although most anthropologists work in offices, some collect and analyse samples in laboratories or work in the field. Archaeologists often work for cultural resource management firms. Individuals who opt for a career as an archivist or anthropologist often do fieldwork, either in the United States or in foreign countries.

During fieldwork, cultural anthropologists are expected to live with the people they study to know about their culture. The roles and responsibilities of archivists can involve irregular or sturdy living conditions and demanding physical exertion. Business anthropologists also work in museums, historical sites and government agencies.

Does Anthropologist require travelling?

Likely

When doing fieldwork, anthropologists may be required to travel and work for several irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. Individuals who opt for a career as an anthropologist may travel around the world to uncover artefacts to aid in their research.

Employment Shifts

Full Time, Part Time

Archivists who work independently work according to their own timings as they do not have fixed work hours. Whereas, full-time business anthropologists work eight to nine hours a day with weekends off. Some cultural anthropologists also work on an hourly basis or work from home. Individuals who opt for a career as anthropologists are usually consultants or work on a freelance basis.

Employment Nature

Contractual, Permanent

The nature of the employment of an anthropologist can be either contractual if he or she is working on a freelance, hourly or part-time basis. Those working full-time have permanent employment as archivists.

Work Place

Office

Depending upon the type of work, anthropologists work either in offices, universities, or on-field. Business anthropologists usually work the regular nine-to-five shift or eight hours. Work hours can increase depending on the nature of the work or the project. If there is a deadline to be met for a company, anthropologists sometimes work extra hours. Individuals who opt for a career as an anthropologist work overtime, depending upon the roles and responsibilities they are required to work for.

Presence in Geographical Area

Urban, Rural, Semi-urban

In India, there are many opportunities that anthropology students can choose from. The major job profile for anthropologists is teaching in educational institutes which are located in almost every tier-2 and tier-3 city in India. The other option for archivists is to make it to organisations such as art galleries, curators, publishing houses, NGOs, archives, museums, libraries, etc which can also be found in almost every city in India.

Time Pressure

Likely

Although most anthropologists work in offices, some collect and analyse samples in laboratories or work in the field. Business anthropologists who work in fields or outdoors are more likely to face time pressure because of factors such as traveling discrepancies, or weather conditions.

Overtime Details

Generally, anthropologists work according to their time schedule. However, if there is a deadline to be met for a company, anthropologists sometimes work extra hours. Individuals who opt for a career as an anthropologist work overtime, depending upon the roles and responsibilities they are required to fulfil.

Weekly Hours of Work

Min 45 Hours

Anthropologists usually work the regular nine-to-five shift or eight hours. Work hours can increase depending on the nature of the work or the project. If there is a deadline to be met for a company, anthropologists sometimes work extra hours. Individuals who opt for a career as anthropologists work overtime, depending upon the roles and responsibilities they are required to work for.

How to become a Anthropologist?

Steps to become a Anthropologist

If you are interested in the study of the origin, development, culture, societies, and behaviour of humans and want to learn about the past as well as the present of human being's physical characteristics in various parts of the world, then a career as an Anthropologist is the best career option for you. Below, we have listed the steps for how to become an Anthropologist.

Gain Relevant Skills
Courses to Pursue/Formal Training
Pursue Certification Courses
Build a Strong and Attractive Resume
Apply for an Internship/Training
Hunt and Apply for a Job
Landing a Job

01 Step

Gain Relevant Skills

If you are interested and want to know how to become an Anthropologist and how to gain and develop Anthropologist skills, then in this section we will talk about it. To obtain a career as an Anthropologist, you must possess certain skills such as communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, active listening, data interpretation, research, and field studies. As an Anthropologist, you must have both soft and hard skills. Below, we have listed some of the soft and hard skills required for an Anthropologist in India.

To become an Anthropologist, you must have soft skills such as critical thinking, analytical thinking, teamwork in research, active listening, and sharp thinking skills.

Good Communication Skills
Critical Thinking Skills
Analytical Skills
Research Skills
Observational Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Problem-solving Skills
Active Listening Skills
Sharp Thinking Skills

Some of the hard skills needed to become an Anthropologist are computer skills, the ability to collect data, computer modelling, statistical applications, examining data or artefacts, and field studies.

Computer Skills
Ability to Collect Data
Data Interpretation
Computer Modelling
Statistical Applications
Examining Data or artefacts
Field Studies
Project Development Skills
Knowledge of Laboratory experiments

02 Step

Courses to Pursue/Formal Training

To obtain a career as an Anthropologist, you need to have a bachelor's degree in Science, Arts, Social Science, or International Studies with a major in anthropology. You need to complete your 10+2 in the Science stream with major subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, or in the Humanities stream with major subjects such as History, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, Philosophy, and Sociology, with a minimum aggregate of 50 per cent or equivalent from a recognised board.

You can opt for a bachelor’s degree programme by appearing for the entrance examination. Some colleges and universities conduct entrance exams to provide admission. After completing your bachelor’s degree, you can opt for a master’s degree programme, an M.Phil, or a PhD programme for higher job opportunities.

If you wish to work with international development agencies, you are required to have a PhD in the subject. Below, we have listed the Anthropologist exams, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctoral degree programmes for anthropologists in India.

Entrance Examinations

SAT	CUET PG
CUET UG	CUCET
NPAT	AMUEE

Bachelor’s Degree Programmes

B.A. in Anthropology	B.A. Social Science
B.A. History	B.A. Hons in Anthropology
B.Sc. Hons Anthropology and Sociology	B.Sc. Anthropology
B.A. Sociology and Anthropology Hons	B.Sc.in Archaeology
B.A. Archaeology and Anthropology	B.A. History with Archaeology and Museology
B.A. in Indigenous Studies	B.A. Museology

Master’s Degree Programmes

M.A. in Anthropology	M.A. in History
M.A. in Museology	M.Sc. in Anthropology
M.A. in Sociology	M.Sc. in Sociology
M.A. Sociology and Social Anthropology	M.A. History and Archaeology

Postgraduate Master’s Degree Programmes

M.Phil. Anthropology
M.Phil. Anthropology by Research

Doctoral Degree Programmes

Ph.D. Anthropology
Ph.D. Anthropology by Research
Ph.D. Ancient Indian History, Culture, and Archaeology

03 Step

Pursue Certification Courses

The certification courses are not mandatory to pursue, but they will help you gain additional knowledge and skills related to that specific field. Below, we have listed some of the certification courses related to anthropology.

Anthropology of Current World Issues	Anthropology: Understanding Societies and Cultures
Exploring Focus Groups in Anthropology Research	Bipedalism: The Science of Upright Walking
Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology	An Anthropology of Smartphones Communication Ageing and Health

04 Step

Build a Strong and Attractive Resume

After completing your certification course, you can now apply for the job position by building a strong and attractive resume. Your resume must be clear and concise and include all the necessary information, such as your educational background, summary, work experience, internships, skills, and certifications related to anthropology.

05 Step

Apply for an Internship/Training

Once you have built your resume, you need to apply for internships on various internship-providing platforms, such as Indeed and other related websites. Working as an intern will help you gain experience and knowledge in archaeology, which will help you become an experienced Anthropologist in India. You can apply for jobs at research organisations, government agencies, consulting firms, offices, laboratories, or fieldwork.

06 Step

Hunt and Apply for a Job

Once you have completed your internship, you will have an idea of how anthropologists work and you will also gain practical knowledge. You can choose to work either for the government or a private organisation and apply accordingly. There are several job portals, such as Indeed, Naukri, Monster, and other websites, where you can apply for the Anthropologist job by uploading your resume and other necessary documents. Before applying for a job, check the details thoroughly and apply for a job.

07 Step

Landing a Job

The final step in learning how to become an Anthropologist is to clear the interviews. You need to appear for various interviews and clear them. Once you have cleared the interview and received some offer letters, choose the best among them and then begin your career.

What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Anthropologist?

Communication skills
Curiosity
Visionary
Thirst for knowledge
Persistent

When it comes to how to become an anthropologist, the first thing that they should know about anthropologist skills are required to become an anthropologist. Some of the essential skills we have mentioned below.

Curiosity: Curiosity is one of the most crucial skills required for candidates to excel as an anthropologist. There are various sections of human society that work towards the evolution of human races ranging from socio-cultural factors to economic, and biological factors. In order to understand and conquer the research in the relevant field, it is important for archivists to be curious enough to know and understand a certain factor responsible for the development of mankind. One must possess the curiosity to understand different cultures and diversity.

Vision: Anthropologists should possess a wide perspective of the inscrutable world of variation. Individuals who opt for a career as anthropologists are required to conduct various research across a wide range of anthropological topics. Anthropology careers are required to have a wide perspective in order to ensure the efficiency of the project and the various sectors its scope works on. They must be able to visualise various conclusions available for a particular project in order to decide whether to go about a particular project or not.

Communication skills: Individuals who opt for a career as an anthropologist are expected to showcase strong communication skills as their main objective is to study the human race and deliver their perspective to the world. Anthropology careers are required to conduct research and complete projects. In order to complete their research and study effectively, they are required to talk to and consult various professionals from different fields such as scientists, librarians, professors and many more. Hence, effective communication becomes an inevitable part of the research.

Thirst for knowledge: The thirst for knowledge will allow the company to adapt to the updates and improvements situations more quickly than its competitors. One should stay updated about current world issues related to everyday life experiences in different places by different people, should be familiar with people of different communities which makes it easy to research about them, and should engage in culture comparison.

Persistent: As an anthropologist, one must be persistent towards the research work that they are working on. The time and resources required for a particular project can be vaguely identified but is still uncertain. There are various projects that take much more time and resources than predicted. In situations like these, it is important for anthropologists to remain persistent and patient enough to conduct the research properly. Read further to know about how to become an anthropologist or anthropologist jobs.

Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Anthropologist?

We have provided below several certification courses that aspiring individuals may opt to upgrade their skills and knowledge for an anthropologist or related roles.

Why Religion Matters: Religious Literacy, Culture and Diversity	Culture and Tourism
Cultural Heritage in Transformation	Intercultural Communication

Internship Availability

Yes

There are numerous local, regional, national, and international internship opportunities available to undergraduate students of anthropology. Depending upon the type of internship the student gets, the roles and responsibilities differ for every profile. Individuals who opt for a career as an anthropologist analyse samples and study them according to the demand and requirement. Anthropology careers such as archaeologists, archivists and anthropologists are required to carry out research on particular topics, working on the analysis of the data collected.

As far as anthropologist salary in India is concerned, it is extremely low for interns. If at all remuneration depends on the organisation they are working for. If it is a big organisation, there will be some kind of remuneration. But in most cases, interns are required to work for free in order to gain experience in the industry and its understanding. There are several archivist jobs in anthropology with a bachelor's degree.

What is the job outlook for Anthropologist?

Anthropological Survey of India is a recruiter for anthropologists in the country both at the centre and at the state levels as well. There are many government research institutes that employ anthropologists in India. One can also choose the option to make it to organisations such as WHO, UNESCO and UNICEF. Sectors such as art galleries, curators, publishing houses, NGOs, archives, museums, libraries and several other places. are also options where one can think of starting to work. It is expected that there will be continued growth in the number of these non-academic jobs.

The most common profession for Anthropologists is a teacher or researcher. Government organisations like the Archaeological Survey of India, the Planning Commission, and International Organisations such as the United Nations UNESCO or UNICEF hire anthropologists for research. Candidates start anthropology careers right from their college academic sessions. There are several universities and colleges that offer students the opportunity to work as research assistants with their professors. The employment of anthropologists is expected average in comparison to other careers. Scroll down to read more about how to become an Anthropologist.

Frequently Asked Questions for Anthropologist

Que. What does an Anthropologist do on a daily basis?

Ans.

Depending on the field a person chooses, anthropologists research the social behaviour of a certain community and how it is different from others, they also study artefacts and interpret how human beings lived during a particular time. They also work as linguists and study how languages were developed in certain societies. Sometimes anthropologists also assist police and medical examiners by studying human remains in identifying the cause of death.

Que. What hours do Anthropologists work?

Ans.

Anthropologists who work in the field do not limit to the usual 9 to 5 a.m. as they require to travel and explore more. Many anthropologists work full-time in classrooms, universities and offices and do not work beyond the prescribed number of hours.

Que. Where do Anthropologists work?

Ans.

Depending on the kind of job they are assigned, they work in large corporations such as Intel and GM or study primates in Africa. They also work in deserts, cities, schools, and even underwater archaeological sites.

Que. What jobs can you get with a degree in anthropology?

Ans.

The job options available for anthropology students are Attorney, Diversity officer, Foreign language teacher, Foreign Service officer, Human Resource Manager, International non-profit administrator and Interpreter or Translator.

Que. Is there a demand for anthropologists?

Ans.

Employment of anthropologists and archaeologists is projected to grow 10 per cent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations.

Que. How long does it take to become an anthropologist?

Ans.

To become an anthropologist, it will take four years to complete a bachelor's degree and if you are pursuing a master's degree as well it will take more than two years.

Que. What qualifications do I need to study anthropology?

Ans.

The qualification that is required to study anthropology is 10+2 (Science stream) with a minimum of 50 per cent of marks from a recognised board.

Que. Is anthropologist a good career in India?

Ans.

Yes, an anthropologist is a good career in India as it is in high demand and a rewarding career. You can work in academia, social services, research institutions, government agencies, non-profit organisations, cultural heritage management, public health, and international development.

Did you know?

Fact 1

Delhi University runs one of India’s largest anthropology departments with 500+ students enrolled yearly.

Fact 2

India has 705 recognised tribes, forming 8.6% of the population.

Fact 3

Anthropologists study India’s 19,500+ languages and dialects, with 121 widely spoken.

Fact 4

CFSLs in India solve thousands of forensic anthropology cases every year.

Fact 5

The Anthropological Survey of India has completed 300+ research projects on cultural and biological diversity.

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How to Become a Anthropologist

Who is a Anthropologist?

Anthropologist in a Nutshell

Quick Facts for Anthropologist

Table of Contents for Anthropologist

What is the role of Anthropologist?

Developing processes

Study

Consultation

Training

Research work

Publishing

Types of a Anthropologist

What is the workplace/work environment of Anthropologist like?

Does Anthropologist require travelling?

Likely