Featured items

There are no featured items on this page

Return to page navigation menu

Anthropologist - Personal requirements

Kaimātai Tikanga Tangata

Skills & knowledge

Anthropologists need to have:

knowledge of the theories of anthropology and anthropological research methods
knowledge of various cultures and societies
in-depth knowledge of a specialist area of anthropology
research skills, including the ability to analyse and interpret information
oral and written communication skills
people skills
planning and organisational skills.

Anthropologists should be prepared to learn new languages so that they can carry out research and fieldwork effectively.

Ethnomusicologist Kirsten Zemke-White playing music on her keyboard

Personal Qualities

Anthropologists need to have an awareness and understanding of a range of cultures, and should be able to adapt to life in different environments. They also need to be imaginative and motivated.

"Sensitivity to, and an awareness of other cultures are very important. You have to be non-judgemental because you are dealing with a variety of facts and situations that are unique to individual cultures."

Julie Park - Anthropologist