Lateral Job Hunting & Applied Anthropology

Robert Morais of BusinessAnthro.com has written an article for the Anthropology Career Readiness Network discussing how applied anthropologists can navigate job loss and find new opportunities through lateral job hunting. Morais suggests that in the face of a shrinking employment sector, affected individuals should consider shifting their focus to healthier industry domains or alternative job functions that could utilize their anthropological competencies and broader intellectual aptitudes. By leveraging these skills, one can open up unexpected occupational avenues, expanding their professional network and skillset. He advocates for a strategic, lateral approach to job searching, encouraging individuals to explore fields of interest, conduct a skills audit, arrange informational interviews, and tailor their resumes accordingly. Drawing from his own career journey and the concept of lateral thinking championed by Gillian Tett in her book, “Anthro-Vision,” Morais underlines the benefits and potential return on self-investment this approach can offer.