Anthropology is the study of human societies and cultures, encompassing various aspects of human life including social behavior, cultural practices, linguistic diversity, biological evolution, and archaeological remains. Anthropologists seek to understand the complexities of human existence across time and space, exploring how societies are structured, how cultures develop, and how humans interact with their environments.

An anthropologist is someone who specializes in the study of anthropology. They may focus on one or more of its subfields, such as cultural anthropology, physical (biological) anthropology, archaeology, or linguistic anthropology. Regardless of their specialization, anthropologists employ a range of research methods including participant observation, ethnographic interviews, archival research, and laboratory analysis to gather data and analyze human behavior and culture.

Some common duties of anthropologists include:

1. Research: Conducting fieldwork to gather data on human societies, cultures, and behaviors. This may involve living among and observing communities, conducting interviews, collecting artifacts, or analyzing historical documents.
2. Analysis: Analyzing the collected data using qualitative and quantitative methods to draw conclusions about social, cultural, and biological phenomena. This could involve interpreting cultural practices, identifying patterns of behavior, or tracing historical developments.
3. Teaching and Education: Teaching anthropology courses at universities, colleges, or schools, and educating the public about anthropological concepts and findings through lectures, workshops, or publications.
4. Policy and Advocacy: Applying anthropological insights to inform policy decisions and advocacy efforts related to issues such as human rights, social justice, healthcare, or environmental conservation.
5. Cultural Preservation: Collaborating with communities to document and preserve cultural heritage, traditions, and languages threatened by social, economic, or environmental changes.
6. Consultation: Providing expertise to government agencies, businesses, or NGOs on matters related to cultural sensitivity, community engagement, or cross-cultural communication in various projects and programs.
7. Collaboration: Collaborating with scholars from other disciplines such as sociology, psychology, biology, or environmental science to address complex societal challenges from interdisciplinary perspectives.

Overall, anthropologists play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of human diversity, cultural dynamics, and social change, and their work often contributes to creating more inclusive and equitable societies.

Step 1:  Choose the Right Stream in Class 11th and 12th: In India, after class 10th, students usually have to choose between different streams for their higher secondary education. Opt for the stream that aligns with your interest in anthropology. Generally, the Humanities stream is the most suitable for pursuing anthropology in the future. Ensure to excel in subjects such as History, Geography, Sociology, and Biology during this stage.

Step 2:  Pursue Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology: After completing your class 12th education, you need to enroll in a Bachelor's degree program in Anthropology at a reputed university or college. Look for institutions that offer Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degrees in Anthropology. Ensure that the program is recognized by relevant accreditation bodies.

Step 3:  Specialize in Anthropology: During your undergraduate studies, you'll have the opportunity to explore various subfields of anthropology, such as cultural anthropology, physical anthropology, archaeology, or linguistic anthropology. Choose the specialization that interests you the most and tailor your coursework accordingly.

Step 4:  Engage in Fieldwork and Research: Anthropology involves hands-on fieldwork and research. Take advantage of opportunities provided by your university to participate in field studies, internships, or research projects. This practical experience will enhance your understanding of anthropological methods and concepts.

Step 5: Pursue Higher Education (Optional): While a Bachelor's degree is sufficient for entry-level positions in some sectors, you may choose to pursue higher education for advanced career opportunities or academic research. Consider enrolling in a Master's program (M.A. or M.Sc.) in Anthropology to deepen your knowledge and specialization.

•     Researcher
•     Ethnographer
•     Cultural Resource Manager
•     Museum Curator
•     Forensic Anthropologist
•     Cultural Anthropologist
•     Archaeologist
•     Linguistic Anthropologist
•     Policy Analyst/Consultant
•     Community Development Worker

•     Academic Institutions (Universities, Colleges)
•     Research Organizations
•     Government Agencies 
•     Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
•     Museums and Cultural Heritage Institutions
•     Healthcare and Public Health Organizations
•     International Development Agencies
•     Environmental Conservation Organizations
•     Media and Publishing Houses
•     Corporate Sector (Market Research, Human Resources, Diversity and Inclusion)

The salary and remuneration for anthropologists can vary widely depending on factors such as education, experience, specialization, geographic location, and employer. Here's a general overview:

•     Entry-Level: ₹3,00,000 to ₹5,00,000 per annum
•     Mid-Level: ₹5,00,000 to ₹10,00,000 per annum
•     Senior-Level: Above ₹10,00,000 per annum
•     Consulting/Corporate: Competitive, varies based        on organization and role
•     Government/NGOs: Varies based on funding,            typically includes benefits
•     Academic Sector: Salaries vary, often                      supplemented with grants and research funding.

Overall, salaries increase with experience, education, and specialization, but anthropology is valued more for its meaningful work than for high salaries.