During my PhD program, I have found that more anthropology graduate students are questioning the traditional tenure-track career path. Within this academic-centric environment, I, as a recent PhD, have been challenged to navigate alternative options, especially given the current job market. As I continue to explore these possibilities, I believe some experiences I have gained along the way can be valuable to share with the community. Meanwhile, I am working as a freelance journalist and taking on research-related gigs to make ends meet.

Here are some recommendations I offer on the basis of my experience.

Consider alternatives to the tenure track. Had I been fully invested in the academy, I would have benefited from awareness of other options. Yet, most programs are still operating under the assumption that everyone aspires to a professorship. It is not uncommon to see young scholars in our field struggle after years of postdocs or adjunct positions. A reality nowadays is that passion and dedication to research alone do not guarantee a fulfilling academic career. At least one way to get prepared is to know what else is possible.

Emphasize networking. I was lucky to have Bo Wang, a close friend from my department, who transitioned into UX (user experience) research a few years ago. Through our conversations, I discovered this profession when it was rapidly expanding during the Covid pandemic. He generously shared his resume and portfolio with me and connected me with other professionals in the field. Thanks to his suggestions, I immersed myself in the UXR (user experience research) area, attending meetups, listening to podcasts, and applying research methods to applied projects.

However, even if you do not have a direct connection like I did with Bo, every anthropology program has alumni working in various fields. These former students share similar academic backgrounds and therefore their guidance may be relevant. More important, coming from the same program and probably having plenty of mutual connections, they are often more than happy to offer advice and support.

If there are no alumni to connect with, there are plenty of other avenues to explore. In fact, I realized that much of the information I gained from my close professional friends also came through various channels.

For example, LinkedIn is an excellent starting point. It does not take too long to build your profile to reach out to professionals in your desired field for informational interviews. Universities often host themed workshops and events that connect you with other PhDs in specific career areas. There might also be workshops or talks on professional skills like resume writing and networking, specifically tailored for graduate students. There are also anthropology-specific career organizations such as ACRN, NAPA (National Association for Applied Anthropology), and SfAA (Society for Applied Anthropology), offering valuable information, resources, and connections to practitioners and students alike. Opportunities and resources are certainly not limited to these and often require proactive searching.

Explore diverse career options as early as you can. I once envisioned a smooth transition into the UXR field, following in the footsteps of Bo and other social scientists I knew. However, the recent job market, especially in the tech sector, forced me to re-consider this goal.

Again, networking is essential. Currently, I am actively contacting anthropology practitioners to broaden my understanding of potential career options. While I wish I had started this sooner, I am grateful for the steps I have taken, including becoming involved with organizations like ACRN. This allows me to connect more easily with experienced anthropologists, who are generous with their insights.

Career resources like ACRN’s student tools are also immensely valuable. The detailed career information they provide perfectly complement the insights I have gained from informational interviews with professionals.

Look into internships, part-time roles, or similar work opportunities. I know the assignments in grad school are often demanding, but practical experience can be immensely valuable. These opportunities grow your skills, expand your network, and strengthen your resume. They also offer firsthand experience that highlights the contribution of your anthropological skillset to real-world problem solving. You might find your passion in this process, which would be the best driving force in your career exploration.

But regardless of the academia-versus-alternative career debate, I always believe in the power of ethnography and cultural insights—the core principles of anthropology—as well as my ability to leverage these skills to make meaningful impact in the “real word.” This conviction keeps me going, despite the challenges and uncertainties.

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