Michigan State University’s Department of Anthropology is building a plan to prepare its students, from undergraduate minors and majors to graduate students, for careers in industry, government and the nonprofit sector.

The department will develop the plan with help from the Anthropology Career Readiness Network, known as ACRN, after being selected to participate in its Departmental Advisory Initiative. The initiative begins with a three-day campus visit Nov. 4–6 and continues with about 15 months of support as the department puts the plan in place.

ACRN is a volunteer-led organization of about 1,200 members, including anthropologists who work in the public, private and nonprofit sectors as well as professors and students. Its Departmental Advisory Initiative, launched in 2021, centers on what ACRN calls a Career Ready Curriculum, which emphasizes problem solving, collaboration, communication and professional networking as core elements of anthropological practice.

“We are fortunate to have been selected to partner with ACRN as we work to strengthen our graduate program’s ability to ensure that our students graduate with skills that will make them competitive for the job market. Working with ACRN will provide us with actionable strategies that maintain the strengths that anthropological training provides for understanding and evaluating complex situations and using that analysis to address pressing issues,” said Dr. Andrea Louie, chair of the department.

During the November visit, two trained ACRN facilitators will lead presentations, brainstorming sessions and a design workshop to set the goals of a career readiness plan customized for MSU anthropology students and to build broad consensus on next steps.

The facilitators will work closely with a department working group of faculty, staff, administrators and students. Its members include Louie; Dr. Heather Howard-Bobiwash, graduate program director; and Dr. Mindy Morgan, undergraduate program director and associate chair.

After the plan is finalized, the department will meet quarterly with the facilitators for about 15 months to review its progress and address any obstacles.

The department expects the work to strengthen the connection between its curriculum and essential workplace skills, sharpen students’ career focus and deepen its connections with anthropology alumni.

“Working side by side with faculty, staff, and administrators, ACRN helps bridge the gap between academia and the workplace by integrating real-world skills and problem solving into coursework. Having a clear, actionable plan for career readiness gives MSU students a roadmap for the future,” said Elizabeth Briody, founder of ACRN.