A correspondent recently asked what employment opportunities are available for graduates from linguistic anthropology programs. My response might be of interest to other readers as well.
SLA is a section of the American Anthropological Association. AAA has resources for linguistic anthropologists or anthropology students looking to advance or begin a career in the field. You can learn about academic or professional positions, browse current job listings, or sign up for alerts.
The Linguistic Society of America also has some publicly available career and professional development resources, including information on graduate schools and jobs. LSA’s “Why Major in Linguistics?” advice also describes some of the types of employment available.
The American Association for Applied Linguistics has a career center, but its job listings are only available for AAAL members.
You might also be interested in Anna Marie Trester’s advice to Language and Communication students, shared on the SLA blog, about using the skills learned in sociolinguistics to position yourself for a job search.
On the other end of the scale, you might do well to remember Jason Antrosio’s advice about anthropology majors generally: they may be the worst college majors for finding a lucrative job right out of college, but the best for changing your life.
What advice would you add about considering, starting, or continuing a career in linguistic anthropology?
In related news, LSA’s Special interest Group on Linguistics Beyond Academia will host a webinar presentation and discussion with an executive recruiter specializing in social science jobs on July 27 at 3:00pm Eastern time. Free registration is required.
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According to another correspondent, career advice for linguistic anthropologists elsewhere suggests opportunities as “consultants” or “social scientists”, but does not define these terms.
In my own understanding, “social scientists” tend to work for universities, museums, schools, or government agencies. Traditionally jobs in universities and colleges have been highly sought-after, as they allow relatively steady employment and opportunities for varied research. In recent years, however, as competition for these positions has increased salaries and job security have decreased, with many instructors working part time or as adjunct faculty. Museum and government positions are also appealing, but again competition is high.
“Consultants” tend to work for employers in a variety of industries, frequently on a part time or independent basis. Technology companies, marketing departments, and other employers sometimes hire linguistic anthropologists and ethnographers to help them understand potential customers and adapt their products, services, or marketing.
Perhaps other readers have more experience, or other understandings of these terms?
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