They take great care in excavating, mapping, drawing, photographing, and documenting in writing all aspects of their excavations. Archaeological interpretation requires the archaeologist to have an understanding of past climatic and environmental factors that will have influenced the lives and activities of the people they are studying.
To do this, samples of soils and sediments, animal and plant remains, charcoal and other organic materials are recovered during the course of excavations for analysis later. Materials recovered during legitimate archaeological research are catalogued and maintained in a repository like in a museum or research facility accessions lab or storage facility.
The field of archaeology in general is extremely broad. At some schools on the east and west coasts, where the costs of living are higher, starting salaries may be a little higher. In addition, some schools offer faculty reduced or free tuition for their children if they attend that same or an affiliated school.
It takes a long time to learn all the things necessary to become an archaeologist. There are two kinds of learning: from books, and from experience on an excavation. The book learning comes from college, followed by graduate school, which is necessary: in order to teach in a university you must have the degree of Doctor of Philosophy PhD.
Earning a PhD takes from seven to nine years after college. Graduate school has three main parts: three to four years of courses, a year of studying for and then taking exams, and finally, writing a dissertation, which is really a kind of book; this usually take another three to four years. The summers are for getting excavation experience. Lots of digs are happy to have student volunteers though some charge money for room and board, and sometimes tuition.
If you end up going on to graduate school, you will already have experience, which will help you advance faster. There are also all sorts of extra skills that are useful on a dig and for archaeological research. These include technical drawing of objects, photography, mapping and surveying, and various computer applications. If you learn how to do one or more of these, you can make yourself even more useful on an excavation — and increase your chances of getting a job when you graduate.
I love all aspects of what I do, including the parts that I have no choice about like getting up very early, and long airplane rides. Excavations are great, because I am outside, working with other people, and we are discovering new things together, which is very exciting and interesting.
Research is great, because I am curious and like to learn all sorts of stuff, so I enjoy being in the library, trying to figure out things and write it down in a way that makes sense to others.
I suppose there is some stress involved in my job, in that I always have more things to do than time to do them in, so I am usually behind in something.
But I am philosophical about this: most people in my position have the same problem, and we are all only human. Some people get upset by these things.
Probably the biggest drawback to this kind of job is that it can take over your life. But I have known archaeologists who never married or had children, and who truly gave themselves over to their career — and they were very happy. Archaeology, for most of us, is a passion, maybe even a kind of obsession, one we are happy to give most of our time to. It makes the past feel real and alive — and it reminds me that it was filled with regular people going about their daily lives, just like today.
I think so, for two reasons. First, we humans are a curious species, and we are especially curious about ourselves. We are kind of self-centered that way: we are interested in our own past, how we came to be who we are, and how things were for those who lived before us. The second reason is that people are generally fascinated by objects and places from the past.
So I think there will always be people who want to be archaeologists or learn from them. I began going on excavations the year that I graduated from high school , and I have spent almost every summer since then doing just that. Many careers in archaeology lead to academia, for which outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications are usually necessary due to the fierce level of competition. It is also worth noting than earning a good salary in archaeology without a degree may be difficult.
Graduates from degree disciplines other than archaeology will need to obtain a relevant postgraduate qualification, although qualifications in scientific and engineering subjects may be useful in laboratory analysis or reconstruction and restoration projects. Previous study in historical subjects will be helpful, while knowledge of modern or historical languages, such as Latin or ancient Greek, may be useful when interpreting finds or collaborating with foreign colleagues.
Whatever the role, archaeological experience is essential. Organised training excavations and field schools can offer excellent structured training programmes and practical experience. Details of these can be obtained from the Council for British Archaeology, but bear in mind that a fee may be charged for accommodation, food and tuition.
You will also find a wealth of alternative opportunities available on a local, national and international scale. Details can be found in specialist publications and on relevant websites.
It is also advisable to become a member of a professional archaeological body, such as the British Archaeological Association. Student memberships allow access to research centres, journals and prize funds for research.
School leavers considering a career in archaeology should gain as much experience as possible by joining the Young Archaeologists Club or a local archaeology society. Although a degree is not always essential, an undergraduate degree will likely speed up progression in your career and is very often a requirement for employers.
If you choose to study a subject other than archaeology, you will probably be expected to obtain a relevant postgraduate qualification. Previous study in historical subjects will also be helpful. If you're attracted to a career in science but want to consider alternatives to university, see the science section of TARGETcareers , our website aimed at school leavers.
Work on excavations can be physically demanding; it will help you to have a good level of fitness, as well as patience and enthusiasm. You will also need to make sure that your tetanus vaccinations are up to date.
In addition, the following attributes are valued by archaeologists and their employers:. Careers advice. Job descriptions. Archaeologist: job description Archaeologists study human history by examining artefacts, which range from prehistoric tools and buildings to animal bones and tiny organisms.
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