How to become An Archaeologist

• Curator
• Director of Research Center
• Egyptologist
• Principal Archaeologist
• Research Archaeologist

What do Archaeologists do?

An Archaeologist would typically need to:

• Record, interpret, and preserve archaeological remains for future generations, including tools, cave paintings, building ruins, and pottery
• Research, survey, or assess sites of past societies and cultures in search of answers to specific research questions
• Survey sites using a variety of methods, including field-walking, geophysical surveys, aerial photography, and underwater recovery
• Work on field excavations or digs, usually as part of a team, using a range of digging equipment
• Analyze findings by grouping, identifying, dating, and classifying them
• Use computer applications, such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS), to record and interpret finds, sites, and landscapes
• Use computers to produce simulations of how a building, site or artifact would have looked
• Assist in curating and displaying artifacts while describing their physical properties or attributes
• Project manage an excavation while consulting site reports on existing artifacts and topographic maps to identify potential archeological sites
• Conduct laboratory tests such as radiocarbon dating and research desk-based assessments of sites
• Check planning applications and identify any possibilities of archaeological impact
• Record sites using drawings, detailed notes or photography, and provide advice on the conservation or recording of archaeological remains
• Ensure essential buildings, monuments and sites are cleaned, protected, and preserved
• Generate publicity materials, publish articles about research over site interpretations or excavations to create awareness through educational talks and presentations

The work of an Archaeologist has a mix of both outdoor activities and an indoor desk job. Jobs exist in various locations, including indoors in laboratories, museums, offices, and outdoors at excavations or site inspections, which can be conducted in all weathers.

Travel is an important part of this occupation, and Archaeologists are often required to work in different climates and socio-cultural atmospheres. Experienced or senior professionals involved in special projects may find opportunities for work or travel overseas.

Fieldwork needs gear that can handle the rigors while remaining lightweight and affordable. Indoor jobs would entail a different dress code depending on the location and nature of work activity.

There are no fixed schedules during site explorations, and Archaeologists may have to work through a major part of the day. You may need to work weekends and evenings if the time frame of a dig is tight.

Post-excavation work mainly pertains to research and preparation of articles and reports, and Archaeologists can enjoy regular 40-hour weeks during this period. Those employed as teachers and researchers enjoy flexible working hours. Part-time work may be possible in some organizations.

Generally, Archaeologists start their careers by assisting senior researchers in museums and archives. Information regarding such job openings is often advertised on websites on the Internet, and in newspapers. It might also be a good idea to become a member of an archaeological society as these associations offer the scope of interacting with others in the profession. Temporary contracts are standard, so self-employment or freelance work is possible. Experienced professionals find increasing opportunities in specialist consultancy work.

Archaeologists are generally employed by:

• Commercial Planning & Development Consultancies
• Archaeological Field Units
• Archaeological Trusts
• National Archaeological Organizations
• Teaching & Research Institutions
• Amenity Societies
• Specialist Historic Building Contractors
• Private Developers Carrying out Rescue Archaeology

Professional associations and organizations are a crucial resource for archaeologists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more looks excellent on your resume to bolster your credentials and qualifications as an Archeologist.

• Fieldwork may be stressful with travel to remote areas or international locations, lasting 48 weeks or longer
• Work that may extend over long hours to meet research deadlines and may involve rugged living conditions and strenuous physical exertion
• Adaptation to changing environments and integration into new social circles
• Research conducted in a foreign language
• Limited funding for projects

Competition for jobs is strong. Above and beyond the compulsory fieldwork in an Archaeology degree, practical experience will show your commitment and interest.

Volunteering is a good way to gain practical experience, and the majority of volunteers start as diggers, which must be enthusiastic and flexible. Contact the local entity of authorized Archaeological organizations for volunteering opportunities.

You will usually need a master’s degree in Archaeology, ancient history, anthropology, conservation, or heritage management to work as an Archaeologist. A PhD degree may be preferred for higher-level positions. Doctorate degrees may also be necessary if one wants to apply for grants to pursue research programs. Budding Archaeologists with a bachelor’s degree are generally recruited for entry-level jobs such as trainee Archaeologists, research assistants, and writers.

Archaeology is a broad subject linked with many others, such as geography, history, and social sciences. A science degree such as biology, botany, medicine, geology, or environmental science may be more appropriate than a purely archaeological qualification in some areas.

Qualifications in computing, CAD or Computer-Aided Design, and Geographic Information System or GIS may also be useful.

Some locations may require Archaeologists to obtain a license before conducting archaeological excavations. Individual government entities do licensing, and typically requires the passage of an examination and interview in addition to fulfillment of eligibility requirements, such as a minimum level of education, work experience, training, the completion of an internship, residency, or apprenticeship. In addition to ensuring appropriate skills and public welfare, licensing serves to protect a nation’s built heritage. You may also need a driving license to travel to and from sites and offices.

Successful certification programs serve and protect the public welfare by investigating individuals that practice outside of the program’s Code of Ethics. They help a profession secure its future by earning trust and respect.

Archaeology is a diverse profession, and your career path will vary according to the type of sector you work in and your specialist area. Advancement in this profession primarily depends on the journals an Archaeologist publishes. Those with substantial research works can move up to higher levels of administrative and research positions.

However, a typical career path in fieldwork may involve several years as a digger, followed by several years as a Site Supervisor and then progression to project management or a managerial role. As a relatively small but popular profession, competition for posts can be fierce. Getting accreditation demonstrates your commitment to your learning, development, standards, and professional ethics. There are various levels, depending on your levels of competence and responsibility. Many employers expect their staff to be professionally accredited and support them to achieve membership.

Although there has been a recent reduction in the number of posts available with local authorities, opportunities in the private sector are set to increase with, for example, the demand for archaeological services. This is likely to provide increased opportunities for career progression. If you have specialist skills, there may be opportunities to develop your career in related areas such as conservation, heritage management, curating, and archaeological sciences. Some Archaeologists choose to undertake further study and move into a lecturing role or academic research post.

Knowledge, skills, and flexibility are vital to excel in this field. These allow Archaeologists to shift into parallel careers as market and survey researchers, engineers, urban and regional planners, and statisticians.

Candidates with knowledge, skills, and flexibility will have the best job prospects.

Training usually takes place on the job. As an Archaeologist, you will need to take responsibility for your training and continuing professional development (CPD) to keep abreast of research and scientific breakthroughs.

A limited number of work-based placements are available through some professional organizations for new Archaeologists with around six to eighteen months' postgraduate experience. You may wish to apply for one of these if you want to diversify into a new Archaeology branch or enhance your skills.

Postgraduate courses are available at some universities in areas such as Archaeology, bioarchaeology, landscape Archaeology, and heritage management. It is becoming increasingly common for Archaeologists to have a postgraduate qualification This may be particularly useful in areas such as human or animal bone analysis, or if you would like to pursue an academic career.

With Whom Could You Work?

You may work with local authorities offering advice on the archaeological implications of planning applications. Or you could work with museums and heritage centers, assisting with the preservation, conservation, display, and interpretation of artifacts. You may be involved directly in carrying out excavations, commonly called digs. You could also cooperate with universities and research organizations, carrying out research and educational work.

Which Area of Archaeology do You Want to Dig Deeper In?

You can work in one of these four categories:

Contract or Commercial Archaeology - working for a developer responsible for the cost and time involved in a project

Research or Academic Archaeology - working on sites or survey projects over several months or years, subject to funding

Public or Community Archaeology - work carried out by professional organizations but with public involvement

Specialist Archaeology - specializing in particular geographical areas, historical periods, or types of objects such as pottery, coins, or bones.

Archaeologists who work in cultural resource management ensure that construction work done on or near archaeological sites complies with historic preservation laws. As you progress in your career, you are more likely to work indoors than on-site. If working on digs, you will need a reasonable level of fitness as excavation work can be physically demanding.

Nazca Lines, located in South America, are enormous, mysterious geometric shapes depicting various life forms, covering over 450 sq km. They were created more than 2,000 years ago by the Pre-Inca Nazcas.

Archaeology is like a jigsaw puzzle, except that you can't cheat or look at the box, and not all the pieces are there.

Discover how to visit the past and bring yesterday’s stories into our lives today. Much is lost, but much lasts…The process of recreating ancient artifacts step by step can shed light on the lives and habits of the original craft workers that no amount of armchair theorizing can give.