As society becomes more technologically advanced, greater numbers of people are being reached.  In virtually every area of industry—public, private, government, non-profit and academic—there has become a strong need for individuals who can provide insight into various cultures and people groups.  A master’s degree or doctorate affords the greatest opportunities, particularly in academic positions of teaching and research.  However, many jobs also are available with a bachelor’s degree. 

The business world has generated an enormous need for anthropological researchers and analysts to aid in marketing, advertising and product development.  For example, when Chevy launched the Nova in Latin America, it may well have been a staff anthropologist who alerted the company that the vehicle would benefit from a name change (“No va” means “No go” in Spanish).  Government agencies hire practicing anthropologists to study and analyze people in innumerable regional and cultural contexts.  Hospitals and other medical facilities often use anthropologists to contribute to issues such as bioethics, public health, etc.  The non-profit sector also is a large employer, using anthropologists and their research and analyses to better serve.  Museums frequently have an anthropologist on hand to do research, as well as to interpret findings for the general public.  Many students who focus on archaeology during their studies pursue the field of contract archaeology, supporting various excavation and research projects.  With an increase in cultural awareness and the desire to preserve cultural elements, many employers hire archaeologists to investigate and research the potential presence of artifacts or other cultural remnants— as when an archaeologist is contracted to excavate a building site before construction begins.

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