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What do you do in archaeology and paleontology ?
I know the studys of archaeology and paleontology but im curious to hear from a person who actually has this as their career and has fun with it, a question i have is what do you do really?
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Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
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Karin’s Answer
Hi J,
That's an interesting question. Both, archeologists and paleontologists, "dig up stuff". Another one that might be interesting to you in this context are anthropologists.
Archeologists look for artefacts of human history like buildings, pottery, food remains, clothing etc to learn about and understand human history. You'll need at least a bachelors degree for entry-level positions, but for most research-focused roles, you'll need a PhD.
Paleontologists look for fossilized remains of plants and animals that tell the story of how the Earth and life on it developed. Paleontologists are usually geologists who specialize in paleontology, but they could also come from a biology background. So, you'll get a bachelors in geology (or maybe biology) and specialize in paleontology during a graduate program. You might get an entry-level position at the bachelor level, but for research-oriented positions you'll need a PhD.
Anthropology is the comprehensive and interdisciplinary study of humanity and history of humans including origins, evolution, diversity, culture, language etc. Anthropology can be divided into several specialties: cultural anthropology, archeology, biological and physical anthropology and linguistic anthropology.
These fields have in common that they are heavily research-focused. Most jobs would be in research and teaching as well as in museums. There is field work as well as a lot of work in the lab. As in all research, the fascination and "fun" comes from finding new things and seeing things that nobody has ever looked at before. People typically underestimate though how long it takes and how much work is required before you have results and can make a contribution to the scientific literature in the form of a publication. Most paleontologists also don't spend their days finding dinosaurs just like most archeologists don't spend their days finding huge pyramids. For most of these scientists, the scope of their work will be much smaller.
You'll find some more information on college websites and through the pages of professional societies:
https://www.archaeological.org/
https://www.paleosoc.org/
https://americananthro.org/
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/archeology-major-4503
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/anthropology-major-4502
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/geology-major-4006
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-science-schools/paleontology-rankings
That's an interesting question. Both, archeologists and paleontologists, "dig up stuff". Another one that might be interesting to you in this context are anthropologists.
Archeologists look for artefacts of human history like buildings, pottery, food remains, clothing etc to learn about and understand human history. You'll need at least a bachelors degree for entry-level positions, but for most research-focused roles, you'll need a PhD.
Paleontologists look for fossilized remains of plants and animals that tell the story of how the Earth and life on it developed. Paleontologists are usually geologists who specialize in paleontology, but they could also come from a biology background. So, you'll get a bachelors in geology (or maybe biology) and specialize in paleontology during a graduate program. You might get an entry-level position at the bachelor level, but for research-oriented positions you'll need a PhD.
Anthropology is the comprehensive and interdisciplinary study of humanity and history of humans including origins, evolution, diversity, culture, language etc. Anthropology can be divided into several specialties: cultural anthropology, archeology, biological and physical anthropology and linguistic anthropology.
These fields have in common that they are heavily research-focused. Most jobs would be in research and teaching as well as in museums. There is field work as well as a lot of work in the lab. As in all research, the fascination and "fun" comes from finding new things and seeing things that nobody has ever looked at before. People typically underestimate though how long it takes and how much work is required before you have results and can make a contribution to the scientific literature in the form of a publication. Most paleontologists also don't spend their days finding dinosaurs just like most archeologists don't spend their days finding huge pyramids. For most of these scientists, the scope of their work will be much smaller.
You'll find some more information on college websites and through the pages of professional societies:
https://www.archaeological.org/
https://www.paleosoc.org/
https://americananthro.org/
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1376
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Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi J,
That’s a great question because archaeology and paleontology often look very exciting in movies, but the real work is a mix of adventure, science, and careful research.
Artifacts, such as tools, ceramics, buildings, and artwork, are used by archaeologists to study human history. Fieldwork at excavation sites, where you carefully dig and document artifacts, may require some of your time if you work in this field. However, a significant portion of the labor is actually done outside of the field, including research, analysis, report writing, and working in labs or museums to learn about ancient cultures.
On the other hand, paleontologists analyse plant, animal, and dinosaur remains to provide an understanding of life on Earth millions of years ago. They may have to travel to excavation sites, carefully remove fossils, preserve them, and then analyse them in labs. In addition, they use technology to study fossils, examine rock layers, and disseminate research findings regarding prehistoric ecosystems.
Both professions require a great deal of science, dedication, and teamwork. You can work together with biologists, geologists, historians, or museum specialists. In order to educate the public about history and prehistoric life, some professionals also teach at colleges or assist in creating museum exhibitions.
The “fun” part often comes from the moments of discovery, finding a fossil that hasn’t been seen for millions of years, uncovering an artifact that tells a story about ancient people, or helping piece together clues about the past.
If you're interested in these areas, concentrating on science, biology, geology, and history in school can be an ideal spot to start. In both professions, curiosity and a passion for learning about the past are among the most essential qualities.
Best wishes!
That’s a great question because archaeology and paleontology often look very exciting in movies, but the real work is a mix of adventure, science, and careful research.
Artifacts, such as tools, ceramics, buildings, and artwork, are used by archaeologists to study human history. Fieldwork at excavation sites, where you carefully dig and document artifacts, may require some of your time if you work in this field. However, a significant portion of the labor is actually done outside of the field, including research, analysis, report writing, and working in labs or museums to learn about ancient cultures.
On the other hand, paleontologists analyse plant, animal, and dinosaur remains to provide an understanding of life on Earth millions of years ago. They may have to travel to excavation sites, carefully remove fossils, preserve them, and then analyse them in labs. In addition, they use technology to study fossils, examine rock layers, and disseminate research findings regarding prehistoric ecosystems.
Both professions require a great deal of science, dedication, and teamwork. You can work together with biologists, geologists, historians, or museum specialists. In order to educate the public about history and prehistoric life, some professionals also teach at colleges or assist in creating museum exhibitions.
The “fun” part often comes from the moments of discovery, finding a fossil that hasn’t been seen for millions of years, uncovering an artifact that tells a story about ancient people, or helping piece together clues about the past.
If you're interested in these areas, concentrating on science, biology, geology, and history in school can be an ideal spot to start. In both professions, curiosity and a passion for learning about the past are among the most essential qualities.
Best wishes!