archresearcher Wrote:I've only just come across this thread and think it's about time that these issues are being raised. I graduated in 2008 and then undertook a year long PG degree to make myself 'more appealing' to employers. I have since undertaken numerous volunteer roles/ 'voluntary work placements' to gain more skills and knowledge of various archaeological employment routes (not only commercial archaeology). During this time I have worked outside of the archaeology field because I have no other option, bills need paying and bank of mum and dad only goes so far (I should state that 3/4 years after gratuation I am still living with parents because I can't afford not to).
Last summer I accepted a Grampus Heritage placement to spend 2 months on excavation abroad to increase my digging skills and build towards that '6 months experience' threshold. To do this I had to give up my non-archaeological day job but since returning I have not been able to find work. So I gave up my source of income to improve my archaeology experience to land in a position worse than what I started with. I now have a CV that is considered 'very attractive' with a wealth of various voluntary positions making me a 'catch' to anyone wanting to take on volunteers but not to employ?
To me there should be paid intern positions offered not only by commerical units but also in other areas of archaeology so that graduates can have a chance to get a foot in the door because eventually people will move out of archaeology for better paid jobs or move into retirement but without training fresh graduates at the bottom end of the spectrum who will replace the specialists once they move on?
Yes, this is the unfortunate situation many archaeologists find themselves in. Too many candidates chasing too few jobs. It is especially common in times of limited archaeological work be it a recession, foot and mouth crisis or change in planning guidelines.
At the risk of sounding like one of those old timers harking on about the good old days.....(they weren't that good!) After my degree I was completely under-prepared for working in the commercial archaeological world. I ended up volunteering at a museum and then working as a pot-washer for a unit down south for 6 months before finally pestering the employer enough to be let out on site.....and only on a trainee rate at that.
It was only after working on a very large project for a year that I could get work elsewhere (I moved back up north). It took several months to get enough time logged with the local units to become a 'regular' then after some five years won a permanent contract.
Its only at times when there is a glut of work (road schemes, airport terminals, pipelines etc) and a lack of diggers (for instance after a recession period) that its easier to get work.
My career path has so far been very much a case of being in the right place at the right time, being mobile and flexible, luck and taking opportunities when they are presented (I missed plenty too though!).
Its no consolation, I know, but an archaeological career is tough and hard-won. Sacrifices have to be made.....its only now (after 15 years) that I am in a position to settle down more and put my needs before that of getting a job.
But then, nothing worthwhile is easy.
!
