Get Hired - The Art of Persuasion: Articulating Anthropology’s Value to a Prospective Employer

Acquiring New Skills for Your Job Search - Part 1

Introduction to the Webinar Series

• Elizabeth Briody introduces herself and the webinar series aimed at helping individuals whose job opportunities have been disrupted by COVID-19.

• The first part of the series is titled "The Art of Persuasion: Articulating Anthropology's Value to a Prospective Employer," with two additional webinars planned for subsequent weeks.

Webinar Logistics

• Presenters will provide visual descriptions, and attendees are reminded to keep their video and microphone off while using the chat function for questions.

• Attendees can access resources post-webinar, including a recording, slide deck, references, and answers to chat questions on the AAA website.

Acknowledgments

• Elizabeth acknowledges Alayne Unterberger for organizing the webinar and thanks various AAA staff members who supported the initiative.

Purpose of the Webinar

• The session aims to explore effective ways of demonstrating anthropology's value to potential employers through insights from diverse presenters across different sectors.

Key Insights from Robert Morais

Presenter Background

• Robert Morais introduces himself as an experienced business anthropologist with a background in advertising and market research spanning over 40 years.

Key Advice for Working in Private Sector

• Morais outlines a three-phase process for applying anthropology in business:

• Discovery Phase: Understand potential employer challenges before proposing solutions.

• Value Proposition: Clearly articulate what you can offer based on your understanding of their needs.

This structured approach emphasizes preparation and insight into employer perspectives as critical components of successful job applications in anthropology-related fields.

Understanding the Value of Anthropological Skills in Job Applications

Presenting Unique Insights to Employers

• Emphasize your ability to bring uncommon methods and insights to address challenges, making it specific and meaningful for potential employers.

• Provide relevant examples from your experience or known cases that align with the employer's challenges, demonstrating active listening to their needs.

Navigating Job Descriptions as an Anthropologist

• Many job postings do not explicitly seek anthropologists but look for relevant skills; focus on these skills while subtly integrating your anthropological training.

• Rather than leading with "I am an anthropologist," use this identity as a supporting point that distinguishes you from other candidates who may not have similar backgrounds.

Shirley Fiske's Perspective on Anthropology in the Public Sector

Introduction and Background

• Shirley Fiske introduces herself, providing context about her location and work environment, emphasizing her multi-purpose office setup.

The Demand for Anthropological Expertise

• Despite challenging job conditions under current administration, there are opportunities within government sectors (federal, state, local).

• Fiske shares her background in environmental anthropology and policy, highlighting her experience with NOAA and legislative work related to climate change.

Key Advice for Job Seekers in the Public Sector

• The public sector requires anthropological insights to enhance services; translate your skills into terms that resonate with hiring officials' needs.

• Reflect on your training experiences (e.g., environmental classes), translating them into applicable public sector roles without labeling yourself strictly as an anthropologist.

Tailoring Applications Effectively

• Conduct thorough research on organizations you're applying to; tailor applications based on job descriptions even if it's a cold application.

• Many graduates fail to leverage their education effectively; emphasize tailored responses and inquiries during the application process.

Understanding the Role of Anthropology in Community Insights

Distinctive Skills of Anthropologists

• The speaker emphasizes their extensive experience in the public sector and involvement with various anthropological organizations, highlighting the unique skills anthropologists bring to community studies.

• Anthropologists view communities as heterogeneous rather than homogeneous, recognizing diverse power dynamics and access to resources among individuals.

• They focus on understanding the underlying reasons ("the why") behind social phenomena, informed by political ecology and historical context.

• The recognition of disparities is crucial; anthropologists identify social injustices, health inequities, and environmental issues affecting marginalized groups.

• A specific example includes high COVID infection rates among Indigenous populations in New Mexico, attributed to structural conditions like lack of electricity and clean water.

Lessons Learned from Research Experiences

Demonstrating Value Over Arguing

• David Fetterman introduces himself and outlines key lessons learned regarding demonstrating value in research settings rather than engaging in arguments about methodologies.

• He recounts a past conflict over reliability versus validity with a colleague at his first research corporation, illustrating how initial disagreements can be counterproductive.

Importance of Contextual Understanding

• Fetterman shares an anecdote about mapping burnt-out buildings in Bed-Stuy, New York, to visually convey the extent of urban decay that colleagues overlooked due to their busy schedules.

• He stresses that spending time within communities allows for deeper insights into contextual factors that influence behavior and societal issues.

Navigating Methodological Disputes

• Fetterman advises against entering methodological debates early on; instead, he suggests focusing on building relationships and understanding different perspectives within research environments.

Understanding the Value of Context in Dropout Programs

Theoretical Insights vs. Practical Knowledge

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of balancing theoretical knowledge, such as kinship theory, with practical insights to address dropout rates effectively.

Contextualizing Attendance Data

• A magnifying glass symbolizes the need to place attendance data in context; low attendance should be compared to previous metrics rather than viewed in isolation.

Addressing Funding Concerns

• During a critical call from funding agencies regarding a dropout program's 60% attendance rate, the speaker was asked for insights before potential defunding.

Highlighting Improvement Through Context

• The speaker argued that a 60% attendance rate is significant when contextualized against a baseline of zero, leading to continued funding for the program despite concerns about improvement.

Practical Application of Theory

• While acknowledging the utility of kinship theory in understanding gang dynamics, the speaker suggests focusing on more practical applications for better outcomes in dropout programs.

The Language of Power: Translating Findings into Impact

Financial Implications and ROI

• Emphasizing financial language can enhance communication with stakeholders; translating findings into monetary savings (ROI) can capture attention and support.

Legislative Engagement through Data

• Presenting data on how many minority kids were kept away from tobacco translated into over $83 million saved caught legislative attention during discussions about public health initiatives.

Bridging Digital Divides

• A project aimed at bridging digital divides among Native Americans showcased effective use of visuals and statistics to communicate impact and garner support from corporate partners like Hewlett-Packard.

Statistical Significance in Medical Education

Transforming Medical Education Models

• The speaker discusses efforts to shift medical education from traditional models focused on biology first to integrated approaches involving early patient interaction using anthropological methods.

Empowerment Evaluation Approach

• Utilizing empowerment evaluation helped demonstrate statistical significance in educational outcomes, although this approach has its methodological challenges.

Understanding the Power of Anthropology in Non-Profit Work

The Importance of Methodology

• Discusses the challenges of conducting research without a double-blind methodology, emphasizing that while it may not meet all assumptions, proper treatment can yield powerful and statistically significant results using anthropological insights.

Language of Power

• Highlights the existence of various languages when discussing power dynamics, indicating a need to understand these nuances in professional settings.

Alexandra Jones: A Unique Perspective

• Introduces Alexandra Jones, an African-American woman working in the non-profit sector with multiple roles, including professor and Executive Director of Archeology in the Community.

Skills from Anthropology Education

• Emphasizes that skills gained from anthropology programs—critical thinking, community engagement, and problem-solving—are valuable assets for various careers beyond academia.

• Notes that graduates are trained communicators who can effectively express ideas through writing and discussions with diverse stakeholders.

Innovation and Adaptability Post-COVID

• Stresses the importance of innovation learned during COVID-19, highlighting new skills like Zoom participation and video creation as marketable assets for job seekers.

• Encourages graduates to creatively market their anthropology degrees across different fields such as education, business, nonprofits, heritage management, and museums.

Job Market Strategies

• Advises on tailoring resumes to highlight relevant skills for specific jobs while being creative about educational qualifications (e.g., omitting Ph.D. if necessary).

• Suggests being resilient and adaptable in job applications by presenting oneself strategically based on job requirements (e.g., indicating "Ph.D.-in-progress").

Conclusion

• The session concludes with Ken Erickson's introduction but does not provide further content at this timestamp.

The Importance of Community and Ethnography in Consumer Research

Personal Reflections on Support Systems

• The speaker emphasizes the significance of having friends who assist during various processes, highlighting the value of community support.

• A personal description includes short grayed hair and a small goatee, with pronouns typically being he/him. The speaker shares their workspace details, including shelves filled with pottery and a stack of unread books.

Influential Scholars and Their Works

• The speaker reflects on the recent loss of notable scholars David Graeber and George Frison, acknowledging their contributions to understanding power relations and climate change respectively.

• They stress the importance of recognizing foundational figures in academia, stating that "we are all standing on the shoulders of giants."

Current Academic Position and Background

• The speaker discusses their current role teaching at a business school after previously leaving academia for private sector work, indicating a journey filled with learning from both successes and failures.

• They recount experiences from the 90s when ethnography was less understood in consumer research compared to today’s context where it is more recognized but often misinterpreted.

Understanding Client Needs in Ethnographic Research

• There is an emphasis on adapting to client language; clients may request ethnographies without fully grasping what that entails, necessitating ethnographic skills to clarify expectations.

• The speaker advises researchers to be attuned to local jargon within specific business verticals to effectively communicate and meet client needs.

Leveraging Theory in Practical Applications

• Ethnographic theory can enhance observational skills; theoretical knowledge should not be underestimated as it provides depth in questioning techniques and data interpretation.

• An anecdote about Boeing illustrates how theoretical concepts like ritual process theory can offer new perspectives that clients might overlook.

Reframing Problems for Insightful Solutions

• Researchers are encouraged to recast client problems by asking critical questions that challenge existing assumptions, which can lead to innovative insights beneficial for product development or problem-solving.

• Listening carefully to clients' inquiries allows researchers to identify whether they are addressing the right questions, thus adding significant value through fresh perspectives.

Understanding Consumer Insights: The Case of Epson Projectors

Misalignment Between Companies and Consumers

• The speaker discusses how companies may be asking the wrong questions about their products, leading to a disconnect with consumer needs.

• An example is provided regarding Epson's misunderstanding of its consumers; they focused on technical features like lumens rather than what customers truly valued.

Importance of Ethnographic Research

• Basic anthropology principles suggest that engaging directly with users can yield valuable insights. The speaker emphasizes the need to observe and interact with target audiences.

• Through research in an airport lounge, it was discovered that reliability and seamless experiences were more important to consumers than technical specifications.

Applying Anthropological Skills in Business

• The speaker highlights that anthropologists possess skills that can significantly benefit businesses by understanding consumer behavior and preferences.

• Graduate training in listening and understanding people's lives is crucial for applying anthropological insights effectively in business contexts.

Networking and Professional Organizations

• Discussion on the Washington Association of Professional Anthropology (WAPA), emphasizing the importance of local practitioner organizations (LPOs).

• Encouragement to start or join informal groups for networking, sharing experiences, and discussing industry issues.

Overcoming Networking Challenges

• The speaker shares personal discomfort with traditional networking but encourages finding opportunities through simple actions like responding to job ads.

• A personal anecdote illustrates how adapting language used in applications can lead to success despite initial rejection.

Staying Informed About Industry Trends

• Emphasis on reading business press to stay updated on industry developments, linking methods and theory to real-world business problems.

• Final advice stresses the importance of collaboration and support from peers within professional networks.

Discussion on Academic Credentials and Career Paths

Introduction to the Session

• Gabby will assist in the session, with Daniel Ginsberg introducing himself and thanking participants for their engagement.

• Daniel Ginsberg identifies himself as the Director of Education and Professional Practice at AAA, sharing his background briefly.

Marxist Theory Application in Academia

• Daniel introduces a Marxist perspective on academic degrees, focusing on "use value" versus "exchange value" of an anthropology degree.

• He emphasizes the importance of articulating skills gained from studying anthropology versus merely presenting the degree as a qualification.

Career Path Considerations for Anthropology Graduates

• Discussion points include how undergraduates can leverage their degrees for internships or jobs before pursuing graduate studies.

• The conversation extends to whether advanced degrees are necessary or if alternative credentials (like certificates) could be more beneficial.

Navigating Job Markets with Advanced Degrees

• Daniel raises questions about the relevance of a Ph.D. when transitioning out of academia into other job sectors.

• He invites panelists to address various aspects of these discussions, indicating that further resources will be available online post-session.

Insights from Panelists on Internships and Fellowships

• Alexandra shares her experience running a nonprofit, highlighting that unpaid internships can lead to employment opportunities.

• She encourages building skills through short-term internships, which enhance marketability in competitive job markets.

Expanding Educational Opportunities

• Alexandra mentions free online courses as a way to gain additional knowledge without incurring debt from traditional education paths.

• She discusses affordable certification options (e.g., social media certificates), emphasizing continuous education's role in career advancement.

Creative Resume Building Strategies

• Alexandra advises including specialized research or volunteer experiences on resumes, especially for those with only a BA degree.

Additional Contributions by Shirley Fiske

• Shirley adds that fellowships and intergovernmental personnel acts (IPA) are valuable alternatives to internships for advanced degree holders.

Career Pathways for Social Scientists

Transitioning from Academia to Industry

• The discussion highlights that many organizations often recruit from their own fellowship programs, with a significant percentage of candidates coming from these experiences.

• Examples are given of social scientists, including anthropologists, who have taken fellowships at prestigious institutions like the Bureau of Standards, focusing on practical applications such as earthquake preparedness outreach.

• Emphasis is placed on internships and transitional tools that can help Ph.D. holders remain connected to academia while exploring opportunities in executive branches or other sectors.

Skills and Perspectives in Anthropology

• Bob discusses the importance of understanding business terminology (e.g., customer journey mapping), suggesting that anthropologists can provide deeper insights into problems faced by businesses.

• The conversation stresses the value of applying anthropological training to address real-world issues, highlighting how this approach benefits both the organization and the anthropologist's career.

Understanding Stakeholder Perspectives

• David emphasizes the need for anthropologists to consider not only community perspectives but also those of sponsors or funders when conducting research or mediating between parties.

• A cautionary note is raised about potential arrogance in focusing solely on community concerns without acknowledging the realities and expectations of funding sources.

Continuous Learning and Resource Utilization

• The Knight Foundation is mentioned as a valuable resource offering free classes on data visualization and investigative journalism, which can enhance skill sets for social scientists.

• Ongoing education is highlighted as crucial for marketing oneself effectively in a competitive job market; numerous free resources are available to support this learning process.

Key Takeaways from the Webinar

• Elizabeth summarizes key points discussed during the webinar:

• Bringing unique methods to organizational challenges.

• Understanding an organization's mission and job descriptions thoroughly.

• Applying skills for measurable returns on investment for employers.

• Innovative thinking as a critical asset in various fields.

• Listening first before sharing insights based on experience.