15th May 2009, 09:07 AM
Quote:quote:Originally posted by diggingthedirt
Many choose to specialise from the off, and this is compounded by a lack of suitable career out-points allowing archaeologists to move between roles. I'm thinking particularly about development control/consultant/contractor pathways. Recruiters will inevitably plumb for the safe option, selecting people with direct experience rather than import talent from the other side of the coin.
This is problematic in British Archaeology, where the process is specification led. There are obviously exceptions, but I have worked with some consultants and development control archaeologists who are less than comfortable interpreting a trench. Formalising this division with separate qualifications will surely only add to this problem, and make it increasingly difficult for fully rounded archaeologists - expert generalists - to move into decision making roles.
Some interesting points here. My own move towards the dark side was prompted by site meetings with consultants who had no clue what they were doing or asking us to do. Likewise some curators and DC archaeologists; the lower ranks of whom often seem to be filled with inexperienced graduates who are the only people who can afford to take the level of salary on offer.
D. Vader
Senior Consultant
Vader Maull & Palpatine
Archaeological Consultants
Your lack of archaeological imagination disappoints me Curator