What Next, Now I have a Degree?

[Carl Wheatley]

My other half studied for four years to get her degree in Archaeology. For the last three years she has been a supervisor in a restaurant because she needs to earn a living. We have come to a conclusion that another year or two at university may then give her more of a chance to find that job in Archaeology. After lots of research, we are unsure if thats the best step forward. Why is it so difficult to get a job? Anywhere? Near London would be nice. I see someone suggested trying local to get work. I am unsure where to look. where are the job offers to apply too? starting out with just a four year degree, seems impossible. Can anyone Help Me, suggest what Can be done to get my other half a career in what she loves the most. i need some advice.

[sniper]

evening carl, and welcome. I would suggest having a look on the job page on this site and the lists of units that are also on this site. The best way to try and get a job is to fire off letters to as many units as possible, as well as phoning them. I've got jobs that way before, present job included. I would not necessarily recommend going onto another degree on the understanding that it is more likely to result in a job, it probably won't. Only do it if you really want to do it for your own interest, not becuase you feel you should to stand a better chance in the job market. To put it bluntly, in order to get a job in archaeology, you need to go out and find it, it won't find you :)

++ i spend my days rummaging around in dead people ++

[kevin wooldridge]

Thames Valley Archaeological Services are currently advertising for staff on their web-site www.tvas.co.uk. They are in or around your area. Might be worth a try. Not advertised on BAJR.

[Carl Wheatley]

Thank you for your help, Very, very useful. I havn't found the list of units on the site, but im sure with a bit more time I'll find it. Does anyone know if Archaeologists get a better wage in a country other than the U.K? Is there a high demand for experienced Archaeologists elsewhere? Or do you think the U.K offer the best careers and wages in Archaeology. The Thames Valley Archaeologist Services is local and i appreciate you bringing it to my attention.

"I see Dead people" [8D]

[mercenary]

I'm not sure any other country has the breadth of archaeological opportunity that the UK has. Which is why you find so many foreign archs working here. Good luck.:)

[1man1desk]

I'm told that wages are higher and contracts longer in Ireland, although I have also heard complaints. Mind you, taxes and the cost of living are also higher in Ireland.

1man1desk

to let, fully furnished

[kevin wooldridge]

I have a few examples of what Irish archaeological companies are paying in my OutwageUK survey on the blog-site at www.freewebs.com/outwageuk

I can't really comment on the cost of living in Ireland. It seemed to me last time I visited to be roughly comparable with London. One of the pre-requisites for working in Ireland is a Safepass, the cost of which can exceed 100 euros depending on where you attend the course.

[Mtgorry147]

The cost of living is higher in Ireland than the majority of the UK.

However, the larger and longer contracts at the moment are mainly in the midlands or out in the west, far from Dublin, so the costs of living is slightly cheaper there.

[Carl Wheatley]

Anyone know of any digs I can volunteer for in 2006? Anywhere in Britain? Are there any other interesting Archaeological web sites worth viewing? I'm very interested in getting my hands dirty, but finding a Dig to take part in has'nt been easy.

"I See Dead People"

[the invisible man]

Carl, you don't mention if you have any previous experience. Please forgive me if you have but I infer from your posts that it is your partner who has studied archaeology and you have become interested but have yet to get muddy.

There are a number of training digs around but most of them charge a fee, usually between 100-200 a week (some more). Mostly that does not include food or accommodation but it varies. Very occassionally there is an excavation somewhere that will take "new" volunteers - you might have to chip in a tenner for insurances and biscuits.

There are local societies, some of which have excavations or other fielwork on the go, and all you have to pay usually is the subs to join - usually around a tenner. Society excavations are something of an endangered species however, for a variety of reasons.

Contact Birkbeck College, Uni of London - they run a training dig every year for their students and members of the public, but of course they charge. The UCL Field Archaeology Unit digs in Sussex are good first timers too. Birkbeck also do Cont Ed courses (but you get less CATS points than other unis).

I reckon your best bet is have a look at the website of the CBA (Council for British Archaeology) www.britarch.ac.uk and see their list of Fieldwork Oppurtunities. They also list societies. You can buy their magazine British Archaeology in WH Smiths now, and it includes the listings.

See also the Current Archaeology website - an awful magazine but does a yearly list of digs, societies and things that is on the website. (Google for Current Archaelogy).

There might not be much on the lists at the moment, they tend to start putting together around March/April.

Hope that is of some help.

We owe the dead nothing but the truth.

[Carl Wheatley]

[8D] Reply to the Invisible man!

Well done mate, You're absolutely right. It is true, my only experience is what I can read up on, and I would love to get my hands muddy! Thank you for your reply!

It is true, my partner has a BA Honors Degree, from UCL, and is currently looking into further education, maybe into the forensic side to it. I unfortunetly did not study at Uni, but if I had the chance Archaeology would definetly be my first choice to study. I have had an interest since a child, when I remember around the world, my hunts with a metal detector, which I still have collecting dust.

I want to see my partner enjoy a career in archaeology, and I am keen to learn as much as I can, to take part on digs and understand the world of Archaeology. I've had a look at the websites and it's definetly been some help. I'm definetly going to volunteer for any experience I can get and those Training Digs sound very very interesting. I'd love to take part.

I've been Running Kitchens for a number of years, with lots of experience in the catering and Hotel industry. Without any experience, all I can offer would be a catering service to large excavation sites, like a bbq or just lunch. People have to eat don't they. I don't think its going to be a profitable business, but its the taking part that is important.

I'm considering going to a University, but at the age of 22, do you think i'm too old to get involved?? Where should I look to study archaeology? What are the best course's to study?? I'd want the highest standard of qualifictaion but in as little time as possible?

Thanks for your help!

More emails like the previous post, and any more ideas are all appreciated. Ta

[BAJR Host]

Very good to see sucha positive attitude... using skill you already have, thinking about how to gain new skills, supportive and open to suggestions... You are a credit...

You could combine the 2 skills... offer your services to a training dig.... you make lunch in exchange for training! - check out Sarahs site here to find them
http://www.ukarchaeology.org.uk/

As to being too old to learn! Ain't no such thing.... being too old to bend over and trowel perhaps... but there are myriad jobs in archaeology!

Another day another WSI…

[the invisible man]

Too old at 22? Good Lord, you're only a nipper!:D You are certainly not too old to go to uni - I went at the ripe old age of 48 and there are plenty of "mature" students at my uni in their 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's and indeed 60's. Of course there is the question of finance...... I got my fees paid by the LA as my partner earns less than a certain amount, (I think the upper limit is is the low 20 grands) and I got the full loan. It might be different for under-25s though.

If you can't get to uni full time, you could consider doing an extra-mural certificate and diploma. Birkbeck run a number in various venues in London. Oxford's is superb if you can get out there once a week!

As to which uni, the answer is probably it all depends, they all have different strengths and weaknesses, it's a matter of figuring nout which is best for you. The BAJR home page lists them and has links. I'd suggest you check out their websites and send off for prospectuses (prospecti?), then go to some open days to get a smell of the place. Obviously UCL is nearest to you in London - good rep, a large department which has pros and cons. Reading is good too, not too far!

Good luck!

We owe the dead nothing but the truth.

[Carl Wheatley]

I've researched as many courses as possible and still looking to see what else is out there. The Truth is out there? I've heard from some uni's including Birkbeck but the mainly sent me part time type courses. Does anyone know is completing a certificate in Archaeology mean much. I mean I know someone who spent 4 years at UCL but how does a certificate compare to a BA honors Degree? What does a diploma mean. How important are they for me to have. Can I get into Uni without the certificate. Can I become a really knowledgable archaeologist and an experienced one with a certificate or diploma behind me?? Is it essentail that if I want to improve my chances getting onto a dig and maybe even get a good paid job by studying for a certificate or diploma? Thanks if anyone can answer many of my questions. I've been phoning about and researching on courses and don't want top waste my time doing some sort of course like over the internet style courses which personnally I don't think well mean much in the Archaeological society?? There is so many different sides to Archaeology what would be the best path. Personnally I would like to know them all and study the stars, study into English Heritage, study up on politics, study on an international basis, and then intergrate the entire lot at some high level and try to make a difference. So much to learn, where should I start. Iv'e looked into small courses like day courses or one or two week courses and I was wandering if they are going to be worth much on a experience level, and will it improve my prospects getting a job. Each course will cost a little more money, and I don't know if jumping into a two or four year course would be the best idea. Thanks everyone for all your help!


"I See Dead People"

[Hugh]

Although a degree looks good on a CV, it is only really there to prove that you have a background knowledge in archaeology. Experience should outweigh qualifications to some degree but it's suprising how many people out there insist on a formal qualification. I didn't find my degree particularly interesting or stimulating and was bored with it by the start of third year (although this wasn't helped by my placement year which showed me just how irrelevant most of the degree was for my job prospects).
Volunteering might be a good idea, either at a unit or an SMR/HER, to get some experience and proof of knowledge of the subject. You can always go on a degree/diploma etc later if the experience doesn't help. Oh yeh and read lots of books, thats the bit I forget :D

[the invisible man]

Carl, I wasn't sure if you wanted to study full or part time. To be perfectly honest I doubt if an extramural certificate (theoretically equal to first year degree) or diploma (theoretically equally to second year degree) is worth tuppence in the world of work. They are good courses for the amatuer to do part time. I do feel that reading books is essential but is best done with some guidance andf structure - there is so much tosh out there, in bookshops and book clubs.... and you need to get into stuff that just isn't in WH Smith - papers in journals and stuff.

Birkbeck only do part-time courses. You'll have to check with individual unis for entry requirements which are less formal for mature students - mainly done on interview - but they look for evidence that you will be able to do the course.

We owe the dead nothing but the truth.

[Louloubelle]

Hi Carl,
If you are based in London, it is possible to register for UCL course units on an individual basis as a continuing education student, instead of doing the full whack of a degree, and they cost £130 per module. This more importantly allows you access to the Institute of Archaeology library, where you can find out pretty much anything you ever wanted to know about archaeology and is open in the evenings and on Saturdays.
Birkbeck is OK too, as they have sharing rights with various libraries around London, but they are quite expensive diplomas/certificates.
You could try the University of Leicester, who are doing diplomas degrees and all sorts via internet/mail etc, and have a good academic reputation. Its not too cheap to do, but the support you get is supposed to be very high.
Hope this helps!

[Carl Wheatley]

Some excellent replies, thank you! Where do you suggest I get the best guidance and structure for my reading? UCL is an hour away, and I know someone who studied there. I can imagine how I'll find most/some of it irrelevant or unnecessary and with my experience in the catering industry, I know that experience means a lot more than a certificate. I've run kithchens and Bars, with high standards and never studyied at home or in school.
The main problem I have, is trying to make my mind up, wether its a part-time or full-time course I should do. Are the individual modules If I complete a specific number of them, going to leave me with a degree equivelant to the four year full-time course?? Part-time sounds good, because then I can enjoy lots of volunteer work, field experience, find spare time to Read lots, and if I went to UCL that library sounds minted!!! I can get a Part-time job as a chef or waiter, or barman in the local area or maybe work as a catering assistant on site. Part-time sounds great but can anyone tell me if It's going to leave me with the same degree? In the extra time it takes I can enjoy a lot of hands on experience. Would that be a better path.
So many courses, so little jobs, can anyone tell me what the best sort of annual wage is, im most likely going to get even with loads of experience? Everyones reply's have been more than helpful.
Another question if anyone knows london, what are my chances of getting accomodation with a part time course? Or even a full-time course? Also anyone know the best company to apply for student loans?? I don't think it is the best idea i've had, I know but these courses can cost a lot of money, and then I'm going to need accomodation nr the uni and living expenditures. What is the best way to fund my education. So many questions, thanks for your time!

"I See Dead People"

[the invisible man]

A part time degree will take at least 5 years, maybe 6 or 7 - depending on how many moduels you do at once. They are exactly the same as full time, it's the same course; you go in during the day to the same lectures as if you were full time, but take two years to do one year's worth, if you see what I mean. Full time degrees are usually 3 years.

The only exception that I am aware of is Birkbeck, which exists solely for part time students and run their courses in the evening so it is possible to have a proper job and study. They do a BSc in History and Archaeology, 4 years, was about a grand a year. Be warned though that there is almost no archaeology in the course. There is no prehistory at all (or wasn't a coule of years ago) so check the modules offered very carefully.

UCL will offer accommodation roughly the same as any other uni, I believe, but not if you live in Gretaer London and first years get priority.

It might not be too easy to get volunteer work, there isn't a great deal about these days as far as I know. As for wages and conditions, I suggest a quick glance back through numerous threads here for a clue - poor would be the polite description.

We owe the dead nothing but the truth.

[Carl Wheatley]

5 years ago I dropped out of 3 A levels, Of course it was a big mistake and it will also go against me. I need to discuss requirements with UCL and find out what I have to do to get on a course. As i'm paying for it I Don't see why there should be a problem. I've got loads to look into. Thanks

"I See Dead People"

[the invisible man]

Not necessarily - they look at each case individually, unlike with school leavers where there is a points system. In principle there is not an education-on-demand-for-a-fee system but one suspects that the fee is one reason why mature students are so welcome at unis.

You might get your fees paid by your local authority - I did. Your income will be zero if you're full time, and if your partner earns less than about 22k you should get them paid.

There is only one Student Loans Company. You can get the application forms and explanatory leaflet from your LA or off the web - go to www.studentfinancedirect.co.uk You can apply online from there too.

Good luck, keep us posted with what you decide.:D

We owe the dead nothing but the truth.

[Carl Wheatley]

I will keep you updated! On this topic! Here's another question! There are many different types of courses, from different stages in the past and subjects like history and geography are mixed with archaeology. What is the best path to take. I enjoyed running kitchens and working in the catering trade, I also enjoyed Scallfolding. My favorite subject in school was geography and I got a A for GCSE Geography. Then attempted A level geography, but with physics and math, I ended dropping out of the 3 A levels. Anyway to get to the point, I have lived and travelled all around the world, mainly when young, but I've allready lived. I want a career which I can make a difference, maybe mix geography with Archaeology and somewhere I read, the hotel industry can be involved with Archaeology too. I suppose what I'm trying to ask is what period, age, should I be studying on. Are there courses or degrees which will leave me with more field experience. What I don't want is to waste my time studying stuff that I won't ever need to know. Different stages like Medievil times, bronze age, iron age are sometimes found on different courses so any suggestions which ones I should be looking into.

Thanks again for your important replies!

"I See Dead People"

[the invisible man]

My personal view (and it is only my opinion) is that it is best to start with a course with a broad period base so you can find what is your preferred field. Of course you can pick modules that particularly interest you. Actually I don't think there are that many (if any) whole single honours degree courses that specialise in periods, they tend to just be Archaeology - Sheffield no longer offer their Prehistoric Archaeology degree, for example. Also if/when you graduate and find work, you will be called upon to work in whatever period the site is in (broadly speaking). UCL, being very big, has a wide range of modules to choose from, but smaller unis tend to have less choice. A number of contributors here maintain that nothing they learned at uni is of any use in contract archaeology. Personally I feel that a broad study of the subject is necessary, in most cases - but everyone is different.

Different unis require different amounts of fieldwork, usually done in the summer hols. Some require none at all, most require 3-4 weeks, some require 12 weeks - including UCL I believe.

Bradford (where I am) offer a 4 year degree including a placement year between years 2 and 3. Not sure if anyone else does such a thing. Bradford also has a range of Arch Science courses if you like wearing white coats and doing strange things in labs. Yes there are joint honours degrees at many unis, Arch and Geog for example.

We owe the dead nothing but the truth.

[Carl Wheatley]

Thanks... If i studied geography and archaeology what sort of job could i get from it? I'll contact Bradford too.

"I See Dead People"

[the invisible man]

I'm not sure it would make much difference really. Might help if you wanted to specialise in landscape archaeology.

We owe the dead nothing but the truth.

[1man1desk]

If your motivation in studying archaeology is to follow a career in archaeology, the key thing is to look for a course that tries to provide some training in archaeological practice as well as education about archaeology.

Both things are important. Most courses (including the one I did 20-odd years ago) concentrate on the educational side, which leaves you knowledgeable about archaeology but not knowing how to do it. Hence, most people complain that they had to learn the job on-the-job almost from scratch.

1man1desk

to let, fully furnished

[moey]

hello,
just so you know....
i did a joint degree in geography and archaeology and the fieldwork requirements were minimal, we only went on a fieldtrip for one week and that was in the second year....the single honors arch students went on a field course in the first year and then did more fieldwork in the second year. and the whole business of volunteering on excavations during the summer isn't so practical if you need to work to afford university!
so really just look into it carefully if you are considering joint honors. I really enjoyed my degree but as far as practically preparing me for the world of work it was less good!
hope that is helpful

[the invisible man]

Exactly, what 1man and Moey say is true, but the problem is finding a course with a substantial training (for contract archaeology) component.

We have discussed this many times before, and if memory serves the most fieldwork provided by/for an arch degree is UCL at around 12 weeks. Most are 3-4 weeks. And of coursethese are university digs, which I believe one or two BAJRers are just a tad sceptical about.

We owe the dead nothing but the truth.

[rachstebbs]

BAJRers who are sceptical?! I don't believe that for a minute! :D;)
Bradford is good for a few reasons (not that I'm biased!) but you only have to do a month's fieldwork. There is the placement year which is well worth doing (I'm on it now). I don't think there are any courses that will give you enough training for contract archaeology as any digs you ended up doing at uni would be research... But that is why the placement year at Bradford is so good, as you do get the chance to go out and work with units (occasionally even getting paid!)

[1man1desk]

If you do find a course that gives training opportunities, don't forget that digging is not all there is in archaeology.

I reckon site experience is the most important experience you can have - but, when you come to develop a career in archaeology, other things are also vital, such as post-excavation work; anything that gives you report-writing experience; curatorial work; and anything that gives an insight into how projects are planned and managed.

I would say, if you do a course that has an optional year out (like Bradford - great idea), try to spend say 6 months on site and 6 months doing other things (always assuming you can find the opportunities).

1man1desk

to let, fully furnished

[rachstebbs]

I thought 6 months in the office over winter...dig when its warm next summer!!

[the invisible man]

In fairness many Bradfordians spend their year not on one placement but at 2 or 3 different ones. Quite a few actually stay at the uni doing post-ex stuff for part or all of the placement.

I elected not to do a placement - it's an age thing - but if I was a gay young blade I'd jump at it. It's actually post-ex and report writing that interests me - but then I'm weird. I actually enjoy the CRM module.....

We owe the dead nothing but the truth.

[rachstebbs]

Carl,
Since June I've had 2 placements both office based, one in Wales and one at the Yorkshire Dales National Parks Authority. Once I finish in the Dales I'm skipping over to Malta (I hope) to do some museum stuff. Then I plan to spend the summer digging where ever I can. After that I'll be back at uni to finish my degree. Some of the people I know have only had one placement for the whole year, others are going where ever the work is. Thoroughly recommend it to any one though!:D

[the invisible man]

Hey rach, I'll pop into the office and see if they'll pay us a commission...:D

Carl, the only thing I'd oint out is that Bradford offer a BSc, not a BA. This is because most of the student are doing an Arch Science degree of one sort or another (there are three different ones) making us straight archaeology types a (quite substantial) minority. This means there is a relatively small choice of period based "humanities" modules to choose from, but loads of practical science and black arts ones - geofizz, fiddling with old bones, funny monkeys, dating, (no not that!) magic molecules, lithics, ceramics, near-alchemy with archaeometallurgy, conservation, loads of white coat stuff.

Depending on what you want to do, this can be a good thing or a bad thing. It was one of the things that attracted me to Bradford, having flirted with period stuff for some years, but to be honest I could have done with a bit more.

We owe the dead nothing but the truth.

[rachstebbs]

BUT, Bradford are introducing a BA in 2006. So lots more period/culture stuff coming soon...
i don't need commission, just letting me off my fees while I'm not in Bradford would be a start! Had a thought as well, maybe the B in Bajr could stand for Bradford, we appear to be a fair majority on BAJR!!!;)

I'm only playing!!:D:D

[mercenary]

Maybe its a Yorkshire thing. I know at least 6 York based archs who post here.

[the invisible man]

Is the BA still going to start? I had a sneaky peek at the new prospectus and there's nothing in there about it. I wondered if the recent departure may have scuppered it.

Sorry, wandering off-topic.....

We owe the dead nothing but the truth.

[27trowels]

Don't be too put off by the science parts of the Bradford course. With the scope of module choices they allow for people on the straight archaeology degree (not archsci, bio arch or geo arch) I have managed to do almost no science except a couple of modules in the 1st year. The first year doesn't count towards your final mark either so as long as you pass the modules (40%) then you can continue the degree with out having to know how many atoms it takes to change a light bulb :D

[Louloubelle]

Another option is the University of Winchester, which is where I am a part time student, although I live in London and study at UCL as well. They do part time flexible degrees in Archaeology or Archaeological Practise: I know students in similar positions to you that have taken 4 or 5 years to complete the degree, but have made the most of the contacts and resources there and have graduated with a vast amount of experience. Its a really small college, and the archaeology department is very friendly and supportive, and a lot of mature students are there. There are special bursaries for mature students like yourself, and tuition fee bursaries as well. Its easy to get to from London via Waterloo. Hope that helps.

[rachstebbs]

They're looking for a professor of archaeology at the minute... on the particulars for the job it says "A new BA in Archaeology is being finalised and we intend to recruit to this programme from September 2006" so its looking quite positive!

[Sith]

quote:Originally posted by mercenary

Maybe its a Yorkshire thing. I know at least 6 York based archs who post here.


Do I score double as a York based Bradford Graduate? :)

D. Vader
Senior Consultant

Vader Maull & Palpatine
Archaeological Consultants

With our combined strength, we can end this destructive conflict and bring order to the IFA

[rachstebbs]

20 points!:D

[mercenary]

I think my total for Yorkies has just gone up to about ten.

[rachstebbs]

maybe that could be the next bajr poll, where all the graduates studied... results would make for interesting reading im sure.

[mercenary]

It would. But keep in mind few of us end up where we studied.

[rachstebbs]

Being born and bred in Bradford i sincerely hope I don't end up there! I'm just curious as to where people studied thats all!!:D

[mercenary]

Nowt wrong with Bradford that a bulldozer couldn't fix.;) I get the impression it's being overrun by Leeds anyhow. Not sure if that improves it!

[rachstebbs]

But Bradford has plans!... aparently it will be THE place to be in about 10 years, and not surprisingly it does involve a lot of bulldozers! unfortunately they seem to be knocking down some of the nicer buildings and leaving the 60s monstrosities...sure it will be lovely, i'll be watching from far away!:D

[27trowels]

personally i cant wait to see the massive lake they have planned for the city centre. Nothin like a lake to make people happy shoppers.

[rachstebbs]

I just cant wait for all those silly girls in tiny skirts and boys who grunt to fall in it after a few too many alcopops... gonna be right next to police station and near to courts...perfect!

[kevin wooldridge]

I remember a few years back, a construction worker quizzing a Museum of London archaeologist about the merits of Bradford uni. The archaeologist said he had studied there for 4 years to which the construction worker replied he had put in a few years there as well.

When the archaeologist asked him what he had studied, the builder said 'Like most of the students there not a lot, but I did lay an awful lot of bricks!!':)

[Hugh]

quote:Originally posted by mercenary

Nowt wrong with Bradford that a bulldozer couldn't fix.;) I get the impression it's being overrun by Leeds anyhow. Not sure if that improves it!


Yeh I used to think that.

How long until the Bradford lake is full of cars and matressess?

[Hugh]

quote:Originally posted by mercenary

Nowt wrong with Bradford that a bulldozer couldn't fix.;) I get the impression it's being overrun by Leeds anyhow. Not sure if that improves it!


Yeh I used to think that.

How long until the Bradford lake is full of cars and matressess?

[Carl Wheatley]

I don't think Bradford has as many Chavs than Hemel Hempstead. This place is proper ChavScum Capital of the U.K. I wouldn't be surprised if one of the Hood Rats where responsible for the explosion the other day. I live here, unfortunetly & luckily i'm a mile north of the depot, & the wind has been traveling south so i've been quite lucky to avoid it. A new lake in Bradford! Won't last long, before its dirty!

"I See Dead People"

[Carl Wheatley]

I don't think Bradford has as many Chavs than Hemel Hempstead. This place is proper ChavScum Capital of the U.K. I wouldn't be surprised if one of the Hood Rats where responsible for the explosion the other day. I live here, unfortunetly & luckily i'm a mile north of the depot, & the wind has been traveling south so i've been quite lucky to avoid it. A new lake in Bradford! Won't last long, before its dirty!

"I See Dead People"

[mercenary]

Nice red sunsets though.[8D]

[mercenary]

Nice red sunsets though.[8D]

[Carl Wheatley]

I can't say i've seen them, but never stayed long there!

"I See Dead People"

[Carl Wheatley]

I can't say i've seen them, but never stayed long there!

"I See Dead People"

[mercenary]

I mean from the smoke put up by the fire. At least that's what I imagine it was. Then again fires out but still getting nice sunsets up here.

[mercenary]

I mean from the smoke put up by the fire. At least that's what I imagine it was. Then again fires out but still getting nice sunsets up here.

[deepdigger]

I'm quite suprised that no-one has claimed responsibility for this. Maybe it was just an accident!
Will we ever know?
I doubt it!!

deep

[troll]

I think the lessons are clear. Which single celled amoeba gave the go ahead for a fuel storage facility and housing to exist side-by side? By all accounts, the Fire service have called this an accident. I would argue that it was an accident waiting to happen. I also seem to remember that the Kuwait oilfield fires were blown out with controlled explosions. Ours was allowed to spew into the atmosphere for days.

[deepdigger]

Quite right mate, you should see Milford haven, its just as bad!
They did move some people out a few years ago but the houses are just too close!

deep

[Carl Wheatley]

An accident waiting to happen! I've lived in Hemel Half my life and I didn't even know there was an Oil Depot here. I even worked in the Office buildings next door to the depot, and still didn't know it was there. Personnally Im not surprised its even happened. Where is Milford Haven, did they have an explosion too?


"I See Dead People"

[deepdigger]

They have had some fires explosions and various accidents but by far the worst accident was when the oil tanker ran aground a few years ago.
The environmental damage caused by the oil spill was horrendous, not the same thing but it begs the same question.
Why do they always put these things in such sensitive areas?

deep

[Carl Wheatley]

If a company can make a profit, they don't care too much for the risks. I'd personally like to see things change, but that's a bit late now, environmental development, Global Warming, terrorists, There ain't No turning back Now. Something needs to be done, but I think it will be too late! Hope Everyone Had a good Christmas. Its Snowing here!!!

"I See Dead People"

[deepdigger]

Well, lets not start e new year by saying "never" Carl!
It's never too late for change, lets hope that the coming year can see some of the more essential ones happening!!
I doubt any changes will be very big, but hey, any move towards commensense has got to be good!!!

deep

[1man1desk]

quote:Why do they always put these things in such sensitive areas?

Hard to find a location in the UK that isn't sensitive. Its either near a major population centre, or a wilder area sensitive for wildlife/landscape reasons. There isn't really anywhere in the country that doesn't meet at least one of these criteria for sensitivity.

However, this thread is supposed to be about career development after graduation - can we get back on track? Most of this discussion hasn't even been about archaeology.

1man1desk

to let, fully furnished

[deepdigger]

Good shout, after you mein herr!!

deep

[Carl Wheatley]

NEVER! Has anyone read the Da Vinci Code, by Dan Brown and feel there is any truth to it. And I still havn't found a position I can volunteer for without any previous on-site or off-site experience. Any Ideas?????

I think it would be better as a hobby rather than a career because I keep getting told there aint much money in this career, and If I want the big money I have to study for a minimum of 4 years at uni. That really doesn't sound to good, especially as I have run kitchens, Bars, and other Retail Businesses without any qualifications or training, just worked my way up from a Kitchen Porter to Head chef with no experience in about 3 months. Of course you know how I feel about, experience is more valuable than any qualification.

Over & Out

"I See Dead People"

[deepdigger]

C'mon Carl, The Da Vinci code may well have been a good read but its not fact based is it!

deep

[Sith]

quote:Originally posted by Carl Wheatley

If I want the big money I have to study for a minimum of 4 years at uni.

Blimey! I've been at this for about 18 years and I've seen little evidence for the existance of this.

D. Vader
Senior Consultant

Vader Maull & Palpatine
Archaeological Consultants

Our geophysicists have completed their scan of the area and found nothing

[deepdigger]

Earn big money? Not in this game, unless you want to join the dark side that is!!

deep

[troll]

Carl-with or without a degree-the entrance route into field archaeology seems to be the same.Volunteer first.Some read for degrees first, some volunteered-skipped the degree and became professional anyway.Either way,volunteering builds not only the beginnings of a c.v but, a network of people.As I`m sure that your lady is painfully aware-even a degree has to be accompanied by evidence of some relevent experience.Tiz a hideous place to be I know.....start at the beginning,grab trowel and get yer face known.Be persistant.Keep us informed too.Good luck.

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

[deepdigger]

He's right Carl, Get stuck in, as my old supervisor(Mr Anthony) used to say!!

deep

[Aphrodite]

Get in there!! and get dirty


Aphrodite
xxxxxxxxx

[peta]

why don't u go on a training dig ? it costs u money (can be a couple of hundred quid a week if yer unlucky) but at least u can say that u have done it, AND been trained a bit while u were at it ! just don't give up the day job until u are sure u can get a job in archaeology.

i know a degree isn't required, cos lots of people get work without one. but i suppose some employers see it as an entry-qualification. well, there has to be some reason why i'm doin this !!

good luck

peta

[Carl Wheatley]

Thanks for your advice. I'll come back to this when I have a job in archaeology, until then enjoy your dead people.

"I See Dead People"