The experience problem

[ChrisC]

Hi Folks! I'm from Canada and I just graduated with my B.A. Honours in Archaeology. Looking for field experience until I figure out what I want to do for grad school and I'm starting to wonder about the whole thing. Most positions I'm seeing on BAJR or Shovelbums are asking for field experience of 3 months or more. I'm sure people have asked this before because as your reading it the circular argument is forming. If no one will hire me how do I get experience... Also, I've been out of school for 3 months now and still haven't got anything. If I had my choice I'd like to work in the UK. It would be a wonderful travel opportunity and my degree is actually Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology during the course of which I focused a great deal on Roman Culture. I need some advice. How do I get a job in the UK (how do employers feel about Canadians and the whole VISA application process) and is 3 months a long time or does it just feel that way?? Thanks for reading!

Chris

[idontdodinos]

Hi Chris,
Do you have any experience doing field work? I too am Canadian and I have been working over here in the UK for over a year now. I did have some field experience in Canada though. Oh, and I also majored in Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology, did you go to the U of S?
Cheers,
Kristin

[ChrisC]

Hey Kristin! Yeah I was at UofS just got out in May and I really want to stop waiting tables and start working in Archaeology. The only field experience I have right now is the 6 weeks at Wanuskewin with Dr Walker. It was Awesome and I learned a lot but I still haven't got anything yet :( I've applied to places in Canada and the US with no luck. I'm about to start sending CV's via snail mail to every CRM here that I can get an address for but I would love to work in the UK. Any advice about which companies I should contact? Thanks for replying you can send me e-mails at w_chris_carleton@hotmail.com if you'd rather that than chatting on the message bored. TTYL

Chris

[troll]

Hi Chris-Sounds like your in the archaeology "dark room". Bit of paper says I can do the job but no-one will take me seriously? Hideous is`nt it? You just have to get out there, be honest and apply for everything and pester everyone until it happens.And it will happen mate. But, only for those who are motivated, keen, persistant and honest enough to inform potential employers that hey-I`m new at this but desperate to learn. There are trainee (paid positions) around-hunt them down. There are some forward-looking employers who would rather take a newby on than an old hack-can be easier writing on a blank sheet of paper than trying to fill in between lines of old, bad habits. No experience-no job-no experience...a particularly crap place to be but, persevere,widen your net and BE HONEST. Keep us informed mate and good luck.You only need that first break....go hunt it....:D