12th September 2012, 01:17 PM
Yeah, in my years in archaeology its never been (and still isn't) easy to secure a career. But I liked that. Meant I could (and still can) forge my own path. I sometimes wonder what would of happened if I had followed different paths and opportunities.
I was lucky, was in the right place at the right time (washing finds for a unit) when a sudden rush on sites meant they were short of diggers. I was there, was pestering them so they gave me a chance. Even though I had six weeks digging training and a degree I wasn't seen as a good candidate. I got the first job because I was there.
Worked my arse off on site, was eager to learn, eager to ask questions, eager to admit that I didn't know stuff.......
Not much help to anyone looking for work I know, but I know of other folk who got jobs in TV from chatting to the right person. Others became finds specialists through getting on with lecturers and volunteering to help with their research. Others have been taken on from a chance meeting, on site, in a pub, or at a party. Were then taken on for a single job, did well then negotiated a deal with an employer for a position.
It's also been pointed out to me by Seedy Girl that one of the most important qualities is the drive to learn and for self improvement. There is no point at which an archaeologist can sit back and think, 'yeah, thats it I know enough now.'
I was lucky, was in the right place at the right time (washing finds for a unit) when a sudden rush on sites meant they were short of diggers. I was there, was pestering them so they gave me a chance. Even though I had six weeks digging training and a degree I wasn't seen as a good candidate. I got the first job because I was there.
Worked my arse off on site, was eager to learn, eager to ask questions, eager to admit that I didn't know stuff.......
Not much help to anyone looking for work I know, but I know of other folk who got jobs in TV from chatting to the right person. Others became finds specialists through getting on with lecturers and volunteering to help with their research. Others have been taken on from a chance meeting, on site, in a pub, or at a party. Were then taken on for a single job, did well then negotiated a deal with an employer for a position.
It's also been pointed out to me by Seedy Girl that one of the most important qualities is the drive to learn and for self improvement. There is no point at which an archaeologist can sit back and think, 'yeah, thats it I know enough now.'