12th December 2005, 08:55 AM
It is important for students to research their chosen career and i think most peple do at least some lookin around at the state of the profession before they sign up. Universities should also pull no punches when teaching new students about life in comercial archaeology.
They should also give digging experience to students as soon as possible within the degree structure. Many people find that they either have no desire to do the dirty work or just cant get their head round the processes that happen on site, and this can have major effects on their career path.
Not sure where units sit with this issue. It becomes perfectly clear what life is going to be like within a unit after a few weeks of work and I dont think they treat new grads that different from slightly older site staff.
Units do seem to use the stream of new grad to control the workforce. Ie there is a definate feeling (rightly or wrongly) that if you complain too much then you are easily replaced, which is compunded by the short contract lengths so units can get rid of staff with out too much consequence.
They should also give digging experience to students as soon as possible within the degree structure. Many people find that they either have no desire to do the dirty work or just cant get their head round the processes that happen on site, and this can have major effects on their career path.
Not sure where units sit with this issue. It becomes perfectly clear what life is going to be like within a unit after a few weeks of work and I dont think they treat new grads that different from slightly older site staff.
Units do seem to use the stream of new grad to control the workforce. Ie there is a definate feeling (rightly or wrongly) that if you complain too much then you are easily replaced, which is compunded by the short contract lengths so units can get rid of staff with out too much consequence.