Do I have a prayer in working on an excavation even though I haven't gone to field school?

Question

Hi,

I have a BA in History and am not ready to get my MA. I do have exstensive xp in Museum work and working in archives. The problem is that I have noticed a number of jobs, specifically those listed on the Shovelbum site, ask for archeology xp and/or field school. Do I even have a prayer of getting a part time job this summer?

Answer 1

yes, absolutely, i think if you explain how your background is relevant, demonstrate passion for why you want to do field work, are knowledgeable about excavation techniques/issues (be sure to clearly communicate this in a cover letter or somewhere), and are persistent, there's a great chance to line something up. best of luck!

Answer 2

Experience would help. Visit the passport In Time site

passportintime.com

It's a volunteer organization for anyone

Answer 3

Yes.

Take Jiff178's advice - it's good.  And give him the ten points.  I don't need it.

Answer 4

You can get field experience by volunteering to help work on an excavation. Not only will you learn techniques, but you can make a lot of good contacts.

Most states have a state-run historical division as part of its Capitol that keeps active lists of where digs are going on or are scheduled to occur and where.

Most of the people working at an excavation I participated in recently were volunteers. You receive no pay, but the field experience you gain is worth your time and energy.