Blobseekers Allowance

[BAJR]

IT was interesting that archaeology was seen as a good 'all round' degree... much valued..

This is from the Southampton University website (and I am not picking on them per ce... as they represent the general view)
http://www.southampton.ac.uk/archaeology...reers.html

Careers in archaeology

About a quarter of our graduates have pursued a career in archaeology or related subjects. Opportunities exist in practical archaeology as field archaeologists, with national bodies and local authorities, in museum curation or in higher education. We have close links with many archaeological organisations and opportunities exist for placements with several of these bodies over the summer or at the end of your course. This is also helped by further work experience opportunities and careers talks organised by the Archaeology Society.
There are many jobs in archaeology. The estimated archaeological workforce in 2007-08 was 6865, a 20% increase on the figure of 5772 estimated for 2002-03 (and a 55% increase over ten years on the estimated archaeological workforce in 1997-98 of 4425).

Other careers

Archaeology is an all round degree blending academic and practical subjects across arts and science. You will acquire a wide range of key skills that employers look for when appointing graduates. These include presentation skills, use of IT, time management, problem solving and report writing, and analytical skills. Out wide range of assessment methods allows you to develop these skills throughout your degree. In particular fieldwork is highly regarding with respect to potential for working in a professional environment.

What about Bristol Uni?
http://www.bris.ac.uk/careers/dept/archaeology.asp

Archaeology students develop a wide range of skills from their academic study where the analysis of written and statistical data is developed. The practicals, fieldwork and project work, which are a feature of this degree, will build teamworking, communication and technical skills which are transferable to many occupations. Large numbers of graduate vacancies do not require a specific degree discipline; therefore past Archaeology graduates can be found in careers sectors as diverse as charities, publishing, retail and healthcare.

Or how about this now pant wettingly funny (well perhaps not!) view of archaeology from 2007 (thats only 3 years ago folks!) as a damned good degree to give you the world on a plate... with quotes from IfA and CBA about how archaeology means getting your hands dirty... but you can get any other job you want.
http://www.independent.co.uk/student/mag...55597.html

He points to the recent research from the Association of Graduate Recruiters, which found a number of graduates lack soft skills such as communication and presentation skills. "One of the great things about an archaeology degree is that it teases out these skills among students, alongside problem solving and team working. Indeed, they often have to spend summers working on digs doing intense work in intense conditions. You have to get along with your team and be sufficiently analytical to make it a success. I'd also say that archaeology students tend to excel at critically assessing the worth and value of other people's opinions, as well as understanding scientific data and constructing logical written arguments."
Wysocki would like to see more careers advisers informing young people that an archaeology degree is worthwhile for these very reasons. "Careers advisers need to make sure that students understand the degree will give them really good job prospects, as well as offering an exciting three years where they get the opportunity to travel round the country and visit amazing sites. I think it's one of the best degrees you can do."

So why this disparity? Why the fond belief and the harsh reality? Who is kidding who? and do they even know the reality?

In between jobs I used to get to be a Petrol pump attendant, a security guard and a cream boy ( not a word I tell you!! ) I did try for CAD work, survey etc... but "I was too precise", no building job for me... "in case you find something"... etc.... all my transferable skills were as much use as a chocolate fireguard... a concrete lifejacket... etc.

So perhaps the big boys should tell the truth... don't build up hopes...

I tell people now - get a job and do archaeology as a hobby.... OR do archaeology and realise thats it... archaeology or burger operative are the two job options you give yourself.