archaeology conversion

[Shorty]

Hi all. I haven't posted much here but I hope someone can give some advice. I've got a degree in history and have a choice of two 'conversion' degrees which are supposed to qualify me to work in archaeology. First question: I've only ever volunteered - if I did more would I still get hired or do I need to 'convert' in order to work? Also, one of the degrees is from a good university but has almost no field work. The other course is at a minor university but has lots of field work. Which would be better from an employer's perspective? Sorry if I sound a bit naive, but I'm very new to archaeology.

[Cautionary Tale]

The lack of an archaeological degree is not an automatic barrier to getting work. If you have a flick through various discussions on the board, you'll see the varying opinions regarding the manpower period wherein large numbers of people were gainfully employed on archaeological sites who did not necessarily have archaeological qualifications. An ex colleague of mine has a history degree and started out this way. I'm not sure that an employer will judge a CV in an extremely positive or negative way based on your choice of university, when I was in that position I certainly didn't. Fieldwork experience is crucial, and from that perspective (if you have a choice) you may be wish to go to the 'good university' and seek out voluntary experience during time off - I did something similar during my uni course and built up links to several units into the bargain. Out of interest, have you applied to any of your local units to test the water? - may be worth a shot.

Desiderate le fritture con quello? (www.rathergood.com//)

[stripeykelly]

Find out your local units or just apply for a few digging jobs, phone people etc. There is plenty of work out there, and since you've voluntary experience you should be reasonable stead to get something. Plenty of u-grad students are getting excavation work in their hols (I was one a few years ago), so I am sure you'll get something. If you are looking for conversion courses most Unis do them.

Good luck!

the future's bright; the future's trowel shaped

[Shorty]

Thanks for the advice. From my reading round this forum, opinion seems divided over what constitutes 'professional' and I'm worried I'd fall into the unprofessional category if I haven't done the academic side of it. And I've got to admit, I'm a bit reluctant to get even further into student debt unless it's absolutely necessary. I never thought of testing the water with my local units, though - I thought they'd just laugh in my face, but I'll give it a shot and keep my fingers crossed. Cheers for the tips!

[Shorty]

I almost forgot to ask... should I wear bad jumpers? The volunteers I've worked with always seem to be quite well dressed.

[Curator Kid]

You earn the right to wear a bad jumper when you become a proper professional. [:p]

[troll]

Greetins shorty:D There are archaeologists out there with degrees in history, geology, conservation,classics or languages-all happily diggin.There are archaeologists out there who have no qualifications either.The term professional used to (and still does?) determine the degree holder from the "amateur". As there are superb archaeologists out there (qualified or not), your choice of degree in terms of being employable in an archaeological market has to be seen as a positive benefit and soundly relevent.To echo the offerings of everyone else on here-the soundest advice of all is simply to go and get the work.Be honest and start at the beginning.I don`t feel that more debt for another qualification would be at all justified immediately- although you might like to consider that when you have identified where in the industry you would like to be (after few years slopping about in the mud). Good luck and I don`t remember anyone being laughed at by a unit-Graham Hancock maybe.....:Dps the term "professional" is now a measure of competence in the eyes of most......

..knowledge without action is insanity and action without knowledge is vanity..(imam ghazali,ayyuhal-walad)

[Shorty]

Cheers troll,
I've had little luck locally other than unpaid (still). I decided to avoid more student debt so I'm doing a part-time job with some volunteering at weekends. I could look pitiful and do puppy-eyes at potential employers but I don't think it would help... :)