Archaeology offers great
opportunities for taking part, whether a lifelong interest beside another
career, or a career in itself. It is never too early or too late to become
involved in archaeology, and archaeology transcends borders, cultures,
languages and social and economic divisions.
EXPLORE
The most excellent way to get concerned
in archaeology is to get out what opportunities for contribution are available
in your own neighborhood, through your local archaeology or history society or
club, national organizations or local government, schools or universities.
There are talks, walks, guides and events on nearly every week around the
world; there are also hundreds of opportunities every year to go on more formal
training in archaeological techniques and so become involved in actual
fieldwork.
READ
There are many good popular
archaeology magazines now available, often from high-street newsagents rather
than specialist vendors. Current Archaeology and Current World
Archaeology are a good starting point, a quick and enjoyable way to
find out more about archaeology. There are also many excellent introductory
books on the basics, origins and practice of archaeology – mostly published in
paperback, cheap to buy and easily purchased online.
WATCH
The chances are that if you’re
interested in getting more involved in archaeology then you’re already doing
this – there are so many good TV shows on archaeology these days, as well as
online videos, that these have become the main entry point for budding
archaeologists.
LISTEN
As noted above, there are talks,
walks, guides and events on about archaeology nearly every week around the
world and most of these events are free or very cheap to attend. A great place
to look beyond your local archaeology society or club is your local university
archaeology or history department: most have weekly talks scheduled by staff
and visiting scholars.
TALK
Archaeologists are friendly
people who love their subject. They want to tell other people about it and help
them get involved. Never, ever be afraid to look up archaeologists who work in
your neighborhood and ask them for advice on how to participate. They may not
be able to help you themselves, but they will know other people who can help
you and be able to put you in contact with them.
PLAN
Talk about your aspirations with
your family and what this lifestyle might mean for them, and be realistic – if
you’ve always wanted a big house with a sports car sitting in your driveway
then archaeology really isn’t the career for you. Once you’ve come to a
decision then plan what you need to do to make a start in your career –
training, experience and contacts.
TRAIN
Realistically, a professional
career in archaeology begins at university. You might not like to hear this but
there it is. Without a university degree in archaeology then you are seriously
harming your chances of getting any job in the discipline, let alone advancing
your career as a professional.
SKILL
Archaeologists who do well in
their careers have multiple skills and fields of expertise. Multiple skills and
specialism make you the most adaptable to change, the most able to apply for
the largest number of jobs. This means both archaeological and
non-archaeological skills, experience and expertise.
VOLUNTEER
There are more archaeologists
out there than available jobs – supply exceeds demand. Beyond expanding your
training, skills and expertise, successful archaeologists volunteer to do
things that make them, and their CVs stand out, that provide opportunities for
networking, publication and self-promotion.
PERSEVERE
Don’t be afraid or dismayed if
at first you don’t seem to be getting anywhere. Everyone who has ever ended up
with a job in archaeology, from the lowliest digger to the most senior
professor, has hit a low at some point, where they wonder if they’ll ever get
work and whether so many struggles are worth it. Struggle and disappointment is
part of this lifestyle.
For more interesting topics related to archaeology, visit archaeology excavations.
