Archaeology is fascinating because it gives an individual a look into the past. As a matter of fact, archaeology is responsible for some of the most amazing discoveries and has changed the way we view the past before us. There are archaeologists that work out in the field, digging in the dirt to discover some remnant of the past. There are also those that work as museum directors or university professors. Some even work in cultural resource management or are summoned by contractors to evaluate construction sites while digging. There are different professions to enter into with an archaeology degree with some being more exciting than others. It would just depend upon what level of excitement you require in your profession.
Education
Of course, there is a college degree involved in becoming an archaeologist and a number of courses that must be taken toward the degree. The most common courses include history, geology, anthropology, geography, and human physiology. Multiple courses in these areas will have to be taken and it is important that grades are excellent because archaeology is a competitive field.
You may decide that a field school is appropriate for you. Field school can be very exciting because it involves six to eight week dig expeditions. At the same time, lectures are given and exams are taken with the students getting credit toward their degree. If you are not sure you want to be an archaeologist, field schools tend to allow members of the community to participate in order to experience the core of archaeology.
Once you obtain your bachelor’s degree, you may wish to apply to graduates schools that partake in major archaeological digs. The schools applied to must be those with excellent reputations because dig grants are only granted to those schools with great reputations. It is ideal to obtain your Ph.D. as soon as possible. The reason is because those with Ph.D.s are those that will be able to secure university teaching jobs when not on a dig. This keeps an income flowing at all times rather than only when there is a job to do.
Experience
You can ask professors to assist on their digs. You can expect to not get much work, but you can observe. You can also choose to work within museums as a volunteer or some kind of assistant. Take every possible opportunity to take a small paying position or a volunteer position that will enable you to work side-by-side with archaeologists in different fields. Not only will this help you gain experience, but you can also gain a better idea of what you wish to do with your degree.
Write
The ideal scenario is for you to receive your Ph.D. and get a job as soon as you can. However, the competitiveness of this field means those with the most experience and best reputations will acquire the jobs. One way you can get your name out there is to write articles to be published in journals. Any time you have an article published, you have one more items you can place on your resume’ when applying for that university teaching job or that job within a museum. Even when your articles are rejected, you can simply try and try again.
You should also know that articles published in journals are required when you wish to become a full professor. Furthermore, published articles are important when applying for grants. It is these very journals that will keep you up-to-date on the field. You never know when a professor will ask a question about something recent to see if the students have been paying attention. If you are one that has been paying attention by regularly reading journals, you increase your chances of going where you want to go with your degree.
Becoming an archaeologist is a fulfilling career with a number of career choices available. It is also an opportunity to do some good for the world, as well as satisfy your fascination for its mysteries. Most of all, it is a respectable profession.
