Expert: Ralph Salier - 11/23/2003

Question
Hi,
I was wondering how you became a business anthro...I have my Bachelors in Anthro and I have always loved the subject. I tutored for this subject in my JC and I am considering a Masters in Anthro, but what then? I do love the school atmosphere so perhaps I will teach or work in a musuem, but what are your thoughts? How did you find your "niche"? Thanks.
JRiley

Answer
I have a masters in a narrow field of Anthropology called Proximics and in the process of doing the research for the thesis, I found a whole area of untapped need.  In business anthropology.  This area can be used is a broad sense in business or more specifically in helping design more appealing business situations such as retail stores.  In a more broad sense, knowing cultures and understanding the nuances of culture have allowed me to work in the international purchasing field for many years.  Negotiating all types of  business deals (and a few political ones) to help resolve differences and get signatures on paper.    Teaching is an honorable profession and have done so in  the past. I plan to r eturn to it at some point.  

You ask how I found my niche.  It was somewhat by accident and political climate at the time.  I was working in Archaeology for the most part and the funding dried up.  I had worked in the University purchasing department and had enjoyed my time there and though that it would work well with a masters in Anthropology so headed in this direction.  I also studied several languages with the hope of doing international work and as it so happened, it did.

For you.  What is your favorite area?  Focus on this and then look how it can be applied in  the larger world.

Good Luck.