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What if there aren't enough jobs?

How do I find alternatives that work for me if archaeology isn't an available job when I leave college?

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Larissa’s Answer

It's completely normal to worry about job availability in a specialized field like archaeology, but the good news is that your degree equips you with far more transferable skills than you might realize! Start by broadening how you think about your degree, skills like research, data analysis, fieldwork, critical thinking, and historical documentation are highly valued across many industries beyond traditional excavation roles. Consider adjacent career paths that still keep you connected to your passion, such as cultural resource management (CRM), museum curation, historic preservation, government agencies like the National Park Service or Army Corps of Engineers, environmental consulting firms, or even education and academia. During college, be intentional about building a diverse skill set, take GIS mapping courses, grant writing workshops, or digital humanities classes, as these make you competitive in overlapping fields. Network aggressively through your department by attending conferences like the Society for American Archaeology's annual meeting, connecting with professors who have industry ties, and pursuing internships or field schools every summer to build real-world experience before graduation. Platforms like LinkedIn, USAJobs (for federal roles), and your college's career center are great places to explore what employers are actually hiring for, which can help you tailor your electives and experiences accordingly. Most importantly, remember that many archaeology graduates go on to thriving careers in law, environmental policy, tech, and non-profits, your degree is a foundation, not a limitation, so stay curious and keep building connections throughout your college journey!
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Justin’s Answer

I understand how you feel; I was in the same boat when I graduated! Even though I didn't study something as exciting as archaeology, I found a career that didn't match my major. Many people I know also work in fields different from what they studied. The key is to look for jobs that align with your skills. Archaeologists are great at paying attention to detail, which is also important for Quality Analysts. Your history knowledge is valuable, too, and historian roles might be a good fit. Try thinking outside the box and explore opportunities you might not have considered, as your skills can be useful in many areas.
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