ABSTRACT
A professional network is a major resource, handcrafted to anthropologist practitioners' specific needs and interests. A well-developed network will provide with connections, information, and advice. It will also provide them with access to people, to institutions, and eventually, to job opportunities. A survey of Master of Anthropology (MA) holding practitioners indicated overwhelmingly that they were referred by "a colleague or friend" to their current position; i.e., by a member of their network. Networking is a relatively simple skill, and it can be learned fairly quickly. Networking involves three main steps: deciding who to contact; making contact; and exchanging information. There are excellent books available on the subject and university has a careers center, there is a good chance that they offer workshops or sessions on networking. The final core competency should acquire in graduate school is that of an actual work assignment which relates as directly as possible to situations of practice.
