27th May 2012, 02:44 PM
Whether I agree with it or not, a degree in archaeology does not make one an archaeologist and certainly doesn`t` make an employable archaeologist. A bit of paper is just the beginning. If it`s field archaeology that you have your sights on, volunteer and beg. You will be competing with lots of others out there so have all the appropriate ingredients in place;
1. Grasp the concept that you will have to start at the beginning
2. Grasp the concept that employers value honesty and detest arrogance
3. Get a CSCS Card (no big deal-bacteria can pass the test)
4. Get a driving licence
5. Be prepared to be highly mobile and take every short contract offered
6. Learn everything
7. Get fit
8. Join the IfA
9. Recognise that to become a professional Field Archaeologist, you are signing up to years of learning alongside highly skilled practitioners.
10. Recognise that when you finally achieve your goal, that non-field archaeologists will depend on your competence to perpetuate their own delusion of self-importance, depend on your competence to provide them with the ability to command higher incomes and, will have the right to dismiss you as mere labour-monkeys.
The entire cast of "Archaeologists" operating outside of Field Archaeology depend on highly skilled professional Field Archaeologists for their living. Whether they like to admit it or not. Field archaeology is a noble profession-much derided by the work-shy and the unskilled who believe they are of greater value. For the new graduates out there who are about to choose the Field- we salute you! Be proud of what you do, take pride in what you do, do it for the right reasons and there will always be a space for you in my hole anyday!
1. Grasp the concept that you will have to start at the beginning
2. Grasp the concept that employers value honesty and detest arrogance
3. Get a CSCS Card (no big deal-bacteria can pass the test)
4. Get a driving licence
5. Be prepared to be highly mobile and take every short contract offered
6. Learn everything
7. Get fit
8. Join the IfA
9. Recognise that to become a professional Field Archaeologist, you are signing up to years of learning alongside highly skilled practitioners.
10. Recognise that when you finally achieve your goal, that non-field archaeologists will depend on your competence to perpetuate their own delusion of self-importance, depend on your competence to provide them with the ability to command higher incomes and, will have the right to dismiss you as mere labour-monkeys.
The entire cast of "Archaeologists" operating outside of Field Archaeology depend on highly skilled professional Field Archaeologists for their living. Whether they like to admit it or not. Field archaeology is a noble profession-much derided by the work-shy and the unskilled who believe they are of greater value. For the new graduates out there who are about to choose the Field- we salute you! Be proud of what you do, take pride in what you do, do it for the right reasons and there will always be a space for you in my hole anyday!