What do you have to do to gain a MIfA? It's easier to get an OBE

[Heilan Coo]

After working in archaeology for over 13 years I felt ready to apply for MIfa status, so after spending many an hour filling out the forms, getting references and printing out reports I sent off the application only to be refused due to a lack of sufficent evidence in my reports. I then sent them a small library of reports only to be refused yet again. Recently one of my friends who has been working in archaeology longer than me and has been running their own business for the past several years applied and was also refused. As many jobs would prefer MIfA status they applied again as a means of improving their chance to win work and once again was refused for the most stupid reasons. So I, and I would think many others would like to know what the secret is to gaining MIfA status?

[P Prentice]

why dont you post your application and we will give our informed opinion?

[BAJR]

:face-huh:

Hmmmm

I was able to become a MIfA the first time, after presenting reported evidence of all that I had done. and provide a couple of referees that I made sure presented me in the best light.

I was helped through what I needed. and perhaps this is where the nub is... if we don't know why you were turned down, then we can't help. now... the first time... it should have been clear that reports were needed.

just sending in money won't do it.

These docs are available:

Applicants’ Handbook
Template for describing competence (Word doc file)

The question is... did you follow the requirements. ( I know I was less than er.. careful... the first time! and the second )

[P Prentice]

mind you - i can think of some recent cases where i have been amazed that mifa status has been confered - talent isnt a requisite, nor indeed knowledge

[CARTOON REALITY]

talent isnt a requisite, nor indeed knowledge

Where do I sign up?

[kevin wooldridge]

Just one suggestion. IfA has a number of entry grades covering the whole gamut of archaeological competence and experience. Maybe the problem is that you are aiming too high, too quickly. Have you considered applying for the Affiliate or Practitioner grade?

[Heilan Coo]

lol....I am very much aware of the grading system that the IfA have as I have been an AIfA for a number of years now and both my friend and I have been recommended to apply for MIfA by respected people in the world of archaeology. We both have fairly long and varied careers in archaeology, working the length of Birtain and covering many aspects of field archaeology, yet still the IfA decide we are not worthy of MIfA.

Over the past couple of years I hear time and time again the random nature of who gets AIfA and who gets MIfA. there are archaeologist with over 10 years experience in the field being knocked back for AIfA and only getting PIfA, people with PhD's even being refused AIfA, people who mainly do databases getting MIfA, people with 15 years experience and running their own company being knocked back, consultant archaeologists being refused MIfA.....no consistancy its all very random and I know several people who have given up the prospect of upgrading as its a pointless time wasting process.

As I said I think its easier to get an OBE from Queenie than it is getting Membership status from the IfA.

[kevin wooldridge]

As David suggests the criteria for MIfA is set out in the application handbook Unfortunately none of the attributes you list would on their own, gain you MIfA status. The handbook is quite explicit in stating that the application committee take a holistic view of the experience and competence detailed in your application. I guess it must be frustrating to be knocked back, but maybe if you are still determined to pursue MIfA status you could use the experience in a positive way.

Ask the IfA appeals committee what areas of your application they feel are lacking and attempt to provide the necessary detail they are looking for. It may just be a presentation problem, rather than an area where you are lacking experience. In your friends case I think being over-explicit in suggesting MIfA status would get them more work, might not be as tactically astute as suggesting MIfA status would show a committment first and foremost to the aims of the Institute. Hope you have more luck next time round.....

By the way I have been an AIfA for 26 years....never felt any great pull to upgrade to MIfA, but think maybe after all that time IfA should perhaps suggest an amnesty for past indifference!!

[Dinosaur]

I can bear witness to the fact that 30 years of just ignoring IFA is no career handicap whatsoever... } .

[Gilraen]

You say that they got refused for 'the most stupid reasons' - the IfA obviously didn't think they were stupid - what were they? Then we may be able to help.