19th February 2012, 09:58 PM
I feel that I should make a comment here... to show the other side as it were
I went to the IFA conference last year in a similar circumstance. I work as a digger and have now just finished my MA. I was researching community archaeology, which gave me a focus to told to people about, but everybody was very friendly.
I spoke to all levels of archaeologists, managment, those who were successful in getting IFA bursaries, consultants etc. I was told on more that one occasion not to introduce myself as 'just a digger'. I felt that people respected me and noticed me for making the effort to come and talk to them. It also turns out that talking to management types was much better for making contacts than those in the same situatuion as myself- after all, who is the one going to offer me the job or has the experience to pass on?
On the issue of cash it does seem expensive, however I managed to convince my company to pay me for the days as normal and the IFA waived my fees when I explained the situation (they have a limited budget for such things but there is never any harm in asking). I gained by going, I learnt, I made contacts, but i did have to take a deep breath and put myself out there. I have used those contacts and the experience and am contemplating going again this year!
I went to the IFA conference last year in a similar circumstance. I work as a digger and have now just finished my MA. I was researching community archaeology, which gave me a focus to told to people about, but everybody was very friendly.
I spoke to all levels of archaeologists, managment, those who were successful in getting IFA bursaries, consultants etc. I was told on more that one occasion not to introduce myself as 'just a digger'. I felt that people respected me and noticed me for making the effort to come and talk to them. It also turns out that talking to management types was much better for making contacts than those in the same situatuion as myself- after all, who is the one going to offer me the job or has the experience to pass on?
On the issue of cash it does seem expensive, however I managed to convince my company to pay me for the days as normal and the IFA waived my fees when I explained the situation (they have a limited budget for such things but there is never any harm in asking). I gained by going, I learnt, I made contacts, but i did have to take a deep breath and put myself out there. I have used those contacts and the experience and am contemplating going again this year!