3 answers
Lydia
Student
Arab, Alabama
1
Question
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How hard is it to get a job in Archeology?
From the research I have done it seems like a competitive and hard job to get and I love history and finding artifacts in fascinating to me
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3 answers
Nathaniel Wander
anthropology/psychotherapy/writing
35
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Nathaniel’s Answer
Aviso: I am a bio-cultural anthropologist, for whom archaeology is an important source of theory and data, but not an archaeologist; it has been a very long time since I have had hands in the dirt, lab bench or museum archaeological experience.
My understanding is that to secure a high quality, long-term position in archaeology, you will need an advanced degree. I believe there are still non-academic positions--like rescue or documentation archaeology ahead of a road-building project, say--where it remains possible to work at a high level with a master's degree, but even those were fading last I looked. In general, a doctoral degree is needed, especially to work in in academic areas. Traditionally there were two doctoral PhD routes: via anthropology, and via art history. I believe there are now a few stand-alone archaeology programs in the U.S. and Britain.
There are, however, many unpaid, or lower level and/or impermanent positions in archeology, paleontology and history where a person could work with a bachelor's degree or even while still attending college. You could use such a position to explore your interests and the routes for gaining a permanent position with real career prospects, possibly even begin to accumulate a grub-stake towards further education. Perhaps a school guidance counselor can help you do online research in this direction. You might also identify and contact archaeologists/historians at universities in your area. Some might be too arrogant to help guide you, but I would hope that most will be more thoughtful and helpful to a young person. If you encounter one of the first kind, write it off as their problem, not yours, and keep searching.
My understanding is that to secure a high quality, long-term position in archaeology, you will need an advanced degree. I believe there are still non-academic positions--like rescue or documentation archaeology ahead of a road-building project, say--where it remains possible to work at a high level with a master's degree, but even those were fading last I looked. In general, a doctoral degree is needed, especially to work in in academic areas. Traditionally there were two doctoral PhD routes: via anthropology, and via art history. I believe there are now a few stand-alone archaeology programs in the U.S. and Britain.
There are, however, many unpaid, or lower level and/or impermanent positions in archeology, paleontology and history where a person could work with a bachelor's degree or even while still attending college. You could use such a position to explore your interests and the routes for gaining a permanent position with real career prospects, possibly even begin to accumulate a grub-stake towards further education. Perhaps a school guidance counselor can help you do online research in this direction. You might also identify and contact archaeologists/historians at universities in your area. Some might be too arrogant to help guide you, but I would hope that most will be more thoughtful and helpful to a young person. If you encounter one of the first kind, write it off as their problem, not yours, and keep searching.
Craig Usswald
Supply Chain Specialist
12
Answers
Pinehurst, North Carolina
Updated
Craig’s Answer
Hello Lydia,
Archeology is indeed captivating, and channels like Discovery and National Geographic offer intriguing insights.
While conducting your research, try to identify archeology societies or articles featuring renowned archeologists. Don't hesitate to contact them and ask a few questions, such as:
1. What abilities are essential for aspiring archeologists?
2. What do they consider important when hiring or recruiting individuals?
3. For those recently employed in the field, what was their path to securing the job?
After speaking with an expert, you'll likely gain a clearer understanding of what the future holds.
Best wishes,
Craig
Archeology is indeed captivating, and channels like Discovery and National Geographic offer intriguing insights.
While conducting your research, try to identify archeology societies or articles featuring renowned archeologists. Don't hesitate to contact them and ask a few questions, such as:
1. What abilities are essential for aspiring archeologists?
2. What do they consider important when hiring or recruiting individuals?
3. For those recently employed in the field, what was their path to securing the job?
After speaking with an expert, you'll likely gain a clearer understanding of what the future holds.
Best wishes,
Craig
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
657
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
When you look at archeology, most of the activity and jobs tend to revolve around large research universities and national museums. So, it can be competitive for the positions that are open within the industry. You might try and focus on the career combining education and archeology. There seems to be more openings at the junior and community college level for instructors.