15 tips for anthropology majors who are mapping their careers

Career mapping is the process of strategically planning your professional journey by identifying potential career paths, the skills you’ll need, and the steps to achieve your long-term goals. For anthropology majors, career mapping is especially valuable because the field spans multiple disciplines, including cultural studies, archaeology, forensics, and business. Without a clear plan, it can be challenging to connect anthropological training to specific job opportunities.

With an anthropology degree, you might start in roles like cultural resource management assistant, museum technician, market researcher, or nonprofit program coordinator. If you’re interested in archaeology, you could work in field excavation, heritage preservation, or environmental impact assessment. Those drawn to forensics may pursue forensic anthropology, often requiring additional training in biological sciences. Anthropology majors also find success in corporate roles such as UX research, human resources, and diversity and inclusion consulting, where understanding human behavior is a major asset. Career mapping helps you determine whether graduate studies, fieldwork, or specialized certifications—like GIS mapping or ethnographic research—can enhance your career prospects. It’s not just about studying human societies—it’s about applying that knowledge to solve real-world problems in a variety of industries.

We reached out to 15 hiring experts to ask them for tips for anthropology students and recent graduates who are mapping their careers.

• Analyze Market Research
• Become a Public Health Worker
• Research User Experience
• Become a UX Researcher
• Research User Behavior
• Become a Research Assistant
• Work in Human Resources
• Coordinate Activities
• Research Sustainability
• Work With Cultural Groups
• Coordinate Community Outreach
• Become a Research Assistant
• Guide Cultural Tours
• Become a Forensic Anthropologist
• Assist Field Research

Analyze Market Research

Market research analysis is a good job for people who are studying anthropology. Anthropology teaches people how to understand consumer habits by looking at things like cultural trends, human behavior, and how people make decisions. We hired a student to look into how parents choose online tutoring for their kids using qualitative study methods. Because of what they told us, we changed how we talked to parents, which led to a 21% rise in sign-ups. I suggest that you use the research skills you learn in anthropology in work situations. Companies need people who can figure out how people act and turn data into plans that can be used.

Tornike Asatiani, CEO, Edumentors

Become a Public Health Worker

A student majoring in anthropology would get a lot out of working as a public health outreach worker because it applies their understanding of culture, human behavior, and social structures in a meaningful way. Anthropology covers how people live, interact, and access resources, which directly connects to public health outreach. This type of work involves educating and assisting communities with healthcare services, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to connect with people from different backgrounds.

Public health campaigns need to be adapted to the needs of specific communities. What works in one area may not be effective in another, and anthropology students are trained to recognize these differences. They study how cultural beliefs shape health behaviors, what barriers people face when seeking medical care, and how to address those challenges. A student in this role might help immigrant communities navigate healthcare systems, educate underserved populations about disease prevention, or work with local organizations to develop programs that truly meet the needs of the people they serve.

Ann Monis, CEO & Co-Founder, Medical Anti-Aging

Research User Experience

User experience researcher stands out as ideal for Anthropology students based on our hiring experience. When developing our consumer data recovery tools, we struggled to understand why technically perfect solutions weren’t resonating with everyday users. An Anthropology intern revolutionized our approach by conducting ethnographic-style observations of people experiencing data loss. She identified emotional patterns we’d completely missed as engineers. 

After implementing her insights, our customer satisfaction scores jumped 41% within one quarter. Anthropology students excel at observing human behavior without technological bias, making them invaluable for bridging the gap between technical capabilities and human needs. Their distinct methodological training in observation and cultural analysis brings a perspective that traditional computer science education simply cannot provide.

Alan Chen, President & CEO, DataNumen, Inc.

Become a UX Researcher

An anthropology major should seriously consider UX research as a job while in college. For me, it is one of the most underrated but natural career fits because it applies everything anthropology students are already trained to do, like observing human behavior, analyzing patterns, and understanding cultural contexts. 

I have seen anthropology graduates thrive in UX research because they know how to ask the right questions and get to the core of why people behave the way they do. Companies today are obsessed with user experience, but most struggle to understand their customers beyond surface-level metrics. That is where anthropology majors bring real value. They are trained to look deeper, to understand how culture, environment, and psychology shape decision-making—which is exactly what UX research is about. 

When I was building BeamJobs, I saw firsthand how small design choices could impact how job seekers interacted with our platform. Every tweak, every word choice, and every button placement affected engagement. The companies that get this right invest in people who can analyze behavior beyond just numbers, and anthropology majors fit this role better than most people realize. 

This is not just some theoretical path. Anthropology majors can get paid internships and entry-level UX research roles while still in school. If they know how to conduct interviews, analyze qualitative data, and synthesize insights, they can help companies make real, user-driven decisions. 

People often joke that anthropology majors will be stuck in academia, but that is outdated thinking. The job market values insightful problem solvers who understand human behavior, and UX research is one of the best ways to apply that skill set in a way that companies will actually pay for.

Stephen Greet, CEO & Co-Founder, BeamJobs

Research User Behavior

User research. Companies need people who can analyze human behavior, spot patterns, and figure out what actually makes customers tick—sound familiar?

Tech startups, marketing agencies, and UX teams all hire researchers to conduct surveys, run interviews, and decode why people do what they do. Even as a student, you can freelance or intern in UX research, market research, or cultural consulting.

Best part? It’s hands-on, pays better than your average campus job, and sets you up for careers in design, marketing, or even product development. Way better than just writing papers on ancient civilizations.

Justin Belmont, Founder & CEO, Prose

Become a Research Assistant

One job that I think is a great fit for a college or university student majoring in Anthropology is working as a cultural research assistant. In this role, students can apply their understanding of human behavior, social structures, and cultural patterns while gaining practical experience. I’ve seen many anthropology students thrive in research positions where they help collect and analyze data on various cultural practices, social trends, or historical contexts.

For example, one student I worked with assisted in a project that explored the impact of social media on cultural identity, which involved both qualitative and quantitative research methods. This position not only deepened their academic knowledge but also provided valuable real-world skills in data analysis and project management, making them more competitive for future career opportunities.

Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen

Work in Human Resources

I suggest looking at a role in Human Resources, as it would allow students to apply their understanding of cultural diversity and human behavior in a real-world setting. Since anthropology teaches how different social and cultural backgrounds shape the way people communicate, collaborate, and make decisions, this knowledge can be valuable in HR for improving hiring practices, supporting inclusive workplace environments, and strengthening employee relations. 

For example, an anthropology student interning in HR could help assess a company’s hiring process to ensure it’s free from cultural biases. They could also contribute to diversity and inclusion initiatives by helping organizations create policies that make employees from all backgrounds feel valued and supported.

Bayu Prihandito, Psychology Consultant, Life Coach, Founder, Life Architekture

Coordinate Activities

Working as an activities coordinator at an assisted living community is a great fit for a college student majoring in anthropology. It’s an opportunity to apply cultural understanding in a way that directly impacts people’s lives. Many seniors in assisted living come from different backgrounds, and having someone who appreciates their stories, traditions, and experiences makes a difference in their daily interactions. Anthropology students are trained to listen, observe, and engage with people from various cultural perspectives, which is exactly what’s needed to create meaningful activities that keep residents mentally and socially engaged. 

We’ve seen how well this role suits someone with an anthropology background. A student in this position would design and lead activities that encourage social connection, whether through storytelling sessions, music from different cultures, or discussions about traditions from around the world. It’s a job that requires patience, curiosity, and a genuine interest in people, which is what anthropology is all about. Plus, it gives students a chance to apply what they’re learning in a real-world setting while making a meaningful impact.

Moti Gamburd, Chief Executive Officer, Raya’s Paradise

Research Sustainability

A great job for a college student majoring in Anthropology could be working in the sustainability or eco-fashion industries, specifically focusing on researching and developing cultural perspectives on sustainable practices. Anthropology students have a unique ability to understand how cultures use materials and resources, which is essential when considering how to design eco-friendly products that resonate with diverse customer bases. In this role, they could explore Indigenous and local practices to help brands source materials responsibly or connect with communities to understand sustainable traditions.

Such a position allows the student to blend their understanding of human behavior with practical applications that benefit both the environment and society. The research done can directly inform product development, ensuring that the brand’s approach is culturally sensitive and aligned with sustainable principles. Students would also gain valuable insights into the intersection of culture, ethics, and business that are critical for responsible entrepreneurship in today’s marketplace.

Jehann Biggs, President & Owner, In2Green

Work With Cultural Groups

I think a great job could be working with cultural organizations or museums. These places often look for people who can bring fresh insights into human cultures, history, and behaviors. Students with an anthropology background can help create exhibits that are not only informative but also engaging. Their understanding of human evolution, societal structures, and cultural practices gives them a unique perspective that can connect people with artifacts and history in a meaningful way.

Another possibility could be roles in community outreach programs. Many nonprofit organizations rely on anthropology majors to work with diverse populations, understanding their needs and helping tailor programs to serve them effectively. It’s a role where they can use their research skills and deep understanding of human diversity to make a real impact.

Shaun Bettman, Chief Executive Officer, Eden Emerald Mortgages

Coordinate Community Outreach

One job I think is a great fit for an anthropology student is working as a community outreach coordinator. I had a close friend in college who landed this role at a local nonprofit focused on cultural preservation.

She used what she was learning in anthropology—like understanding how cultural practices shape social dynamics—to connect with diverse communities in meaningful ways. Her ability to listen, empathize, and respect cultural nuances helped the organization build trust and expand its programs.

What stood out was how her academic focus on human behavior translated so seamlessly into the job. Whether she was organizing workshops or interviewing community members for oral history projects, her knowledge of cultural sensitivity made a tangible difference.

She once told me that the role opened her eyes to how anthropology wasn’t just theoretical—it had real-world applications that could empower people and promote understanding.

For a student, this kind of job is valuable because it bridges their curiosity about cultures with actionable impact. It can also shape their perspective on how anthropology can create change outside of academia. That’s inspiring to see.

Alan Chen, President & CEO, DataNumen, Inc.

Become a Research Assistant

A great job for a college or university student majoring in Anthropology could be something that leverages their research and analytical skills, like a research assistant position or a role in cultural resource management (CRM). Many students might not realize how valuable those anthropology skills are outside of academia. Research assistant jobs often involve a lot of data collection, interviews, and sometimes even fieldwork. These tasks are a natural fit for someone with an anthropology background since they’ve likely already had experience in analyzing human behavior, understanding cultural contexts, and gathering insights from different sources.

A role like this can help students build a strong portfolio for when they graduate, and it gives them a sense of how their skills can make a direct impact. Plus, it offers great networking opportunities, especially when working on projects that involve various stakeholders, from local communities to governmental organizations.

Paul DeMott, Chief Technology Officer, Helium SEO

Guide Cultural Tours

If you’re an Anthropology student looking for a job that’s both relevant and hands-on, my top recommendation is working in travel and tourism—especially as a cultural tour guide or heritage site assistant.

Anthropology is all about understanding human cultures, behaviors, and traditions, and what better way to apply that than by immersing yourself in a role that connects people with history, local traditions, and storytelling? Whether it’s leading walking tours in historic districts, working at a museum or heritage site, or assisting in community tourism projects, these roles allow students to see anthropology in action—not just study it in a classroom.

Plus, jobs in tourism teach soft skills like communication, public speaking, and cross-cultural understanding—valuable assets whether you’re aiming for a career in academia, research, or international relations. And if you’re working in a destination with a rich Indigenous or historical heritage, it’s an incredible opportunity to learn firsthand from local communities.

Matthew Heyes, Founder, Backpacker Job Board

Become a Forensic Anthropologist

Anthropology is a broad and fascinating subject—describing the cultural and biological evolution of humans. For students who enjoy studying humans of the past and present, Anthropology may be a great major. One career path that may be a good fit for anthropology majors is forensic anthropology. These anthropologists study human remains from crime scenes and reconstruct information regarding the person’s life and death. 

This field combines both aspects of cultural anthropology (ascertaining what the person was doing at the time of death or what types of activities they may have participated in during their lifetime) and biological anthropology (determining approximate age, sex, or health conditions from remains). Students who wish to pursue this path must be academically motivated as this field usually requires a Master’s or PhD. This career field is stable and in demand, making this path an excellent choice for students seeking a lifelong career.

Leslie Delhomme, Marketing Coordinator, Achievable

Assist Field Research

Field Research Assistant is excellent employment for a college or university student studying Anthropology. This position is especially important for students interested in hands-on, real-world applications of their anthropology knowledge, whether in cultural, archaeological, or biological anthropology.

Below are the reasons why Field Research Assistant might be a good fit:

1. Data collection, observation, and analysis are all abilities that must be developed while working in the field. Students will have the opportunity to improve their critical thinking, communication, and research skills, which are crucial for a variety of anthropology-related occupations.

2. Anthropology students frequently examine human societies, cultures, and histories. As a field research assistant, they can directly participate in data collection activities such as ethnographic study, archaeological excavation, and biological studies. This practical knowledge is invaluable for implementing classroom concepts to real-world situations.

3. As research assistants, students frequently work alongside professors, professionals, and other researchers. This can lead to future academic opportunities, internships, and even full-time careers following graduation.

4. Work could be in cultural studies, working with communities and monitoring habits, or in archaeology, assisting with excavations and artifact examination. Students studying biological anthropology may help collect data on human genetics, primates, or evolutionary biology.

Anthony Mc Cann, Co-Founder, FindQo.ie