How to become an archaeologist

Current Archaeology's advice to those about to seek a paid career in archaeology is identical to Mr Punch's advice to those about to get married: Don't.

Jobs in archaeology are few and far between. However, do not despair: there are other ways of becoming an archaeologist than becoming a professional archaeologist, so let's look at some of the alternatives. Click here if you want to jump immediately to follow this path.

First of all, let's look at professional archaeology .

Historical background

There was a short time between 1973 and 1975 when jobs in archaeology were abundant. These were the years when the Government suddenly woke up to the importance of rescue archaeology and for two years in succession, Government spending on archaeology doubled and as a result virtually every graduate in archaeology in those years got a job. Since then Government spending has been virtually static, and there have been no new jobs in archaeology. Indeed there will not be any 'new' jobs in archaeology until the year 2015 when those who graduated in 1975 finally retire. However the myth grew up at this time that jobs were available in archaeology: but I think it must be pointed out that it is now a myth.

Earnings

A recent survey of earnings in archaeology revealed that the average income for a professional field archaeologist was £11,800 a year - less than the earnings of an unskilled manual worker. Even the highest salaries in field archaeology rarely exceed £15,000 a year.

Many universities like to boast that all their students who desire a job in archaeology, find a job. However this brings us on to the problem of the circuit digger. Many archaeological excavations are comparatively short term, ranging from a couple of months to occasionally a couple of years. There is therefore a 'lump' of circuit diggers who go from dig to dig.

The circuit is fine for a year or so after graduation, and occasionally it is possible for those with ability and luck (more luck than ability) to transfer to more permanent jobs. However all too many archaeologists reach the age of 28 and suddenly find that they want to marry, settle down and buy a house and find that they cannot do this on the casual earnings of a circuit digger.

They leave archaeology when it is already rather late to find an alternative job. And if you do find a permanent job in archaeology, it will be as a manager, working for a developer in an office, getting him planning permission for his new projects. Do you really want to end up working for a developer?

The exceptions

There are of course exceptions. There are well paid jobs as lecturers in universities, or as civil servants with English Heritage or the Royal Commissions on Ancient Monuments or with the British Museum. However for these jobs, a degree with first class honours from a good university is normally required. There are also jobs with local authorities, either in museums or in planning departments, but these are less well paid, and less secure.

Apart from this, a career in archaeology should be considered like a career on the stage something where one requires both talent and luck (and more luck than talent). And like an actor, it is always worth while having something outside archaeology (e.g. accountancy) to fall back on.

How to become a successful archaeologist

The successful archaeologists of the 21st century are NOT going to be the career archaeologists: they will be those who earn their living from some pedestrian but well paid job, and enjoy their archaeology. Call them amateurs if you like: amateurs are often maligned, but they are the ones who do archaeology for archaeology's sake. But do it properly.

First of all, get a degree in archaeology. Archaeology is expanding fast at universities, because it combines both arts and sciences, it gets you out of the library into the field, and encourages you to do useful things like compile databases - unlike the normal arts course in English/History. Indeed it is in many ways one of the best trainings for business, because running an archaeological expedition is very like running a business. Having got your degree, you could perhaps even consider becoming a 'circuit digger' for a year and learn how to excavate properly. But treat this is a 'gap year', before getting down to a proper job.

However when you get your first job, you must then concentrate on making archaeology into your lifetime's enthusiasm. You must join your local society, join some of the national societies, join the Council for Independent Archaeology, and subscribe (of course) to Current Archaeology. But above all, you must find some speciality that will always make you useful: the study of Samian ware pottery is a good example, or follow up the subject you studied for your dissertation at university. And above all, enjoy your archaeology. Good luck!

Useful addresses

For a more conventional view contact:

The Council for British Archaeology , 111 Walmgate, York, YO1 2UA

For professional archaeology contact: The Institute of Field Archaeologists, Mineral Engineering Building, The University, Birmingham B15 2TT

For information about amateur archaeology: The Council for Independent Archaeology, 3 West Street, Weedon Bec, Northampton, NN7 4QU

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