14th May 2009, 12:32 PM
Quote:quote:Originally posted by bob
You don't need a degree to be an archaeologist. Especially to dig sites and to write them up. You need attitude and aptitude, and you need the correct training, and to read a bit and be prepared to learn, research and ask questions. A degree might be used by employers as a shorthand for a certain level of 'intelligence' (but not common sense) and awareness, but most will recognise that practical experience counts loads more.
Why do units ALWAYS ask for '6 months/12 months etc fieldwork experience etc' but NEVER ask for a first class degree? You don't need a degree.
Indeed, and I never suggested that you do, but in my experience most people coming into archaeology do so having first done one. Maybe it has become more common in the last 10 years or so.
Would a system where managers and supervisors had academic qualifications and 'diggers' had experience and more specific skills-based training be a better one? How on earth would that even work? What would graduates do? How would non-graduates find there way into archaeology without things like Manpower services to give the opportunity in the first place? It's well beyond my tiny brain!