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+--- Thread: PIFA Application (/showthread.php?tid=3200)
PIFA Application - BAJR - 15th June 2010
Quote:Hi everyone, wondered if you could help me out with something, im currently a student and i have a student membership with the IFA, but after talking to the unit i work with and my uni tutor, they've told me i should really be applying for PIFA, i have already paid for my Sifa stuff, but what i really need some help with is the application process.
I understand that for practitioner, im require to proved evidence of my field work and other things, however im not sure how to go about it, most of my field work has been on community sites, and as such, i don't really have anything to provide myself (if you know what i mean).
Can any one tell me what type of stuff might be able to support my application?
Any suggestions are more then welcome!
Over on the groups page, the following question has been posed... so... as I don't want to be the font of any knowledge
what would your answer be... especially if you have done a recent PIFA application
PIFA Application - kevin wooldridge - 15th June 2010
I am assuming that you have read the IFA Application handbook....
http://www.archaeologists.net/modules/icontent/inPages/docs/join/Handbook.pdf
The most important aspect of a PIFA application seems to my mind at least to be the Statement of Competence and the choice of referee. The Statement of Competence allows you to expand upon your experience to date and how that applies to the membership criteria. It isn't wholly necessary to furnish a portfolio of achievement at PIFA level although I would imagine that the backing of a referee knowledgable about your work and competence would be a great help...It probably helps that you are already a student member, (suggests you have an understanding of the principles behind the IFA and how they should be applied as a professional archaeologist)...Hope this helps
PIFA Application - BAJR - 15th June 2010
Just to now add my bit... (and say... LISTEN TO KEVIN)
Statement of Competence: Your statement of competence is one of the most important documents used to judge your eligibility for the level of membership you are applying for, so please take time to write it carefully. Show that you have the following -
• are able to achieve tasks using their own judgment, whilst working under general supervision
(so have you worked in situations where you have been semi-autonomous>)
• appreciate complex situations and are able to achieve a partial resolution alone
(have you come up with solutions to - for example how to dig a feature? what to do in a particular situation
• see actions as a series of steps and recognise the importance of each role in the
team
(prove that you see archaeology as a process.. one that you are part of, and each part has its own part to play within the process... so your excavation records (for example) will have to have been well filled out, or post ex is difficult.. and any previous instruction was important, to aid you in your part of the process)
Referees: Talk to them first.. and be sure they want to be a referee... that they like you!! that they will give a good reference.. be of sufficient standing as to merit being your ref!
PIFA Application - Kathryn Whittington - 15th June 2010
Hi All,
Yes Kevin is correct the statement of competence is the most important part of a corporate grade (PIfA, AIfA or MIfA) application. We don't use time served as a proxy indicator of competence any more, instead we ask people to explain how their experience demonstrates that they have achieved the level of competence required. These are broken down into explanatory statements in the matrix on page 8 of the handbook. We don't expect a portfolio of work from PIfA applicants but if you have something you can send with an application that's always welcomed. The work you use to demonstrate your competence can be from paid employment or voluntary work.
Referees are really important too. They have to know your work, be willing to act as a referee, and be in a position to comment on your competence, so somebody who supervised your work would be a good choice. We need two for corporate applications.
With the introduction of compulsory CPD the committee will also want to see a PDP and CPD log. There's lots of information on CPD and how to put together a PDP and CPD log if you don't already have on on our website
http://www.archaeologists.net/modules/icontent/index.php?page=20
PIFA Application - BAJR - 15th June 2010
So there you go... and you can't get any more personal than Kathryn giving you some good sound advice.
Good luck and you'll be a MIFA before you know it.. give it another few years.
PIFA Application - Dinosaur - 15th June 2010
For full balance shouldn't someone also be trying to discourage tha guy/gal? All this advice seems a little one-sided......
PIFA Application - BAJR - 15th June 2010
I know... its terrible...
SHE could also join a Union too :face-huh:
PIFA Application - ginger - 15th June 2010
Thank you so much for your feedback! Im already a member of 2 local archaeological community groups, and im joining a third soon, i also help out with the local YAC group, and when i can i have given talks on the local archaeology including a few tours of sites (all free of charge!), The PIFA stuff is for when i have graduated, so its easier for me to find work, im also doing my CSCS health and saftey card, learning to drive, helping to run 2 sites this summer, and i have a geophysical survey with section 42 ready for my dissertation! lol !!!
But thank you for all your advice! im always a little nervous with things like this incase i mess it up! hopefully i will be PIFA before i go back to uni in september! Wish me luck!!
Ginger x
and by the way...im a girl! lol
PIFA Application - kevin wooldridge - 15th June 2010
Dinosaur Wrote:For full balance shouldn't someone also be trying to discourage tha guy/gal? All this advice seems a little one-sided......
Well go on then - here's your opportunity. Redress the inbalance....
PIFA Application - BAJR - 15th June 2010
ahem.. er... SHE... sounds like there will be no trouble...
list teh things you have done, the things you have learned... the skills..etc... and you will cruise in.. if you have any more doubts, I am sure the IfA will be pleased to answer directly.. it was very kind of Kathryn to come on here and help... so you see... nothing to worry about.
seriously consider a union too.. see other discussions... this will help you in other ways.