How to Get a Job in Archaeology

Archaeologists often work in the field, excavating potential artifacts.

Archaeology is a branch of anthropology. Archaeologists spend most of their time studying people and cultures from prehistoric times. They try to make sense of the artifacts and methods of communication that were left behind by ancient people. Becoming an archaeologist requires years of education and training. Archaeologists can choose between working for private firms, working at museums or historical sites, working for the government or even teaching at a university.

Instructions

1. Attain either a master's degree or a Ph.D. in the field of archaeology. A doctorate becomes especially important if you would like to work at a university. Your education will include a great deal of classes in the social sciences, with an increasing emphasis on the changing technology that is reshaping the field. It is also important to keep up on new advances that are currently taking place by reading archaeological journals.

2. Complete fieldwork. This will mostly likely be set up through your university in the form of an internship or volunteer research opportunity. By this point, you should be leaning toward a specific branch of archaeology, such as prehistoric archaeology, maritime archaeology, or a focus on a specific region. If your university doesn’t provide you will the opportunity to complete fieldwork in the specialty you desire, you may have to find it on your own, through government agencies, museums, historic societies and nonprofit organizations. Research possible opportunities before you apply for them, and always contact the archaeologist who is in charge directly.

3. Consider continuing your work with the organization and institution where you completed your fieldwork. You may be able to continue your work full-time in a paid position. It often takes many years to properly analyze and interpret artifacts and other information, and if the work is not complete, the place where you completed fieldwork may want to keep you on until the work is complete.

4. Consider other opportunities that are available in the field of archaeology. While there are many options, the majority of archaeologists are now finding work at private consulting and research firms. While this may be more specific work than you would find at a museum, there is also a good chance that a private company will be able to pay you more.

5. Keep in touch with the people you worked with while completing your fieldwork. You may need recommendations from them down the road, and they will be easier to ask for if you are still communicating through phone calls or social networking websites.

6. Use resources, such as the Archaeology Institute of America, Archaeology Magazine, and any local museums to stay up-to-date with the changing world of archaeology. Even if you have a steady job in the field, it can't hurt to keep up with new fieldwork that is going on and the new discoveries that are being made.

References

• Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition: Social Scientists, Other

Resources

• Archaeology Institute of America: Fieldwork
• Archaeology Magazine