My career switch from Accounting to Anthropology is unusual. Now in my final year of studies for my BS in Accounting, I have nevertheless cultivated a longstanding interest in human behavior and how it arises, develops, and changes. My extensive study of Economics has confirmed this. I have also read widely in Anthropology, most recently ‘Tristes Tropiques’ by Levi-Strauss. This reading fired a determination to pursue the formal study of the subject with the goal of working for an organization devoted to promoting information about Chinese history and cultural development. I am especially interested in passing on my passion to young people and therefore seek to form and develop an understanding and appreciation of China's uniquely rich heritage.
Apart from reading widely on the subject, I have taken steps to expose myself to the practical side of Anthropology. In 2016, I planned a ‘Summer Social Practice’ and led a team of 10 on a visit to Dun Huang, the place of cultural integration, to investigate the local cultural brand construction. I was exposed to many of the glories of Chinese culture and achievement. To read about Dun Huang is fascinating but to be there, to see the many beautiful artifacts, to see the topography that provided such effective defensive and trade opportunities - and to hear the ‘singing sands’ - was unforgettable.
As an intern with Huachen Auctions, I arranged thousands of photographs and documents created by Weigh Gold, a German ornithologist who explored land to the west of Sichuan. These images and records, preserved for over a century, provided a window into a part of China as it was over a century ago and brought a remote civilization ‘to life’ for me. It was a privilege to organize these records so that others would share my wonder and fascination. I would be extremely interested in participating in such projects in the future. I also have a strong interest in film and music, both historic and modern, as reflections of a society’s contemporary mores, priorities, and concerns. As a result of this interest, I became a volunteer for the World Organization for Video Culture Development which works to preserve and catalog visual records of cultural interest.
Although a study of accounting may seem irrelevant to Anthropology, however, it does call for an analytical mind, a facility for numbers and statistics that will aid my future studies and research, and an understanding of the significant effect that trade and competition for resources have in human activities and development. I possess the characteristics necessary to assist in research projects. I am capable of original and creative thinking, I am determined, I have numerical skills, I happily cooperate with others to reach a common goal, and I am diligent with an eye for detail.
I have researched the programs available to me and am confident that the Anthropology Program at UXXX will provide precisely the kind of challenging but supportive environment that I seek. The program offers the opportunity to learn about Chinese culture from world experts in the field, which is my main area of interest. I am also aware, of course, that the department has a prestigious reputation and faculty.
I can assure the reader that I shall apply myself with exceptional diligence and enthusiasm and I thank you for considering my application.
Sample Statement of Purpose Anthropology