Experience Archaeology Firsthand in a Field School

Experience Archaeology Firsthand in a Field School Would you like to go on an archaeological dig? Do Indiana Jones movies give you wanderlust? Does the thought of conducting scientific research in exotic locations sound like the perfect way to spend your hard-earned vacation? Are you tired of reading about ancient cultures from the pages of books and websites and do you long to learn about those dead societies first hand? An archaeological field school might be just what youre looking for.   An archaeological field school means that even if youre not a professional archaeologist, you, too, can spend part of your summer digging in the dirt. After all, it doesnt seem terribly fair that we should have all the fun, does it? Well, fortunately, there are lots of university-based excavations going on all year long, called field schools, and some of them take unaffiliated volunteers. Whats a Field School? An archaeology field school is an archaeological dig that is organized partly to train the next generation of archaeologists. Of course, field schools are always arranged to conduct real, scientifically-based archaeological research for the professors and their graduate student assistants. The only reason to go into the field and excavate sites must always be to gather new information about ancient behaviors and culturesarchaeology is a destructive process and if youre not gathering data, you shouldnt be digging. But field schools are specifically tailored to teach new students the methods and philosophy of archaeology. And the good news? Even if youre not planning on becoming an archaeologist, you can still attend a field school. In fact, I always recommend that anybody even considering a career in archaeology should go to one early in their education, if possible even before they start taking university classes, to find out if they like hanging around other sunburned and filthy people pursuing scientific research enough to warrant the cost of a college education. Attending a Field School A field school works this way: a small band of studentsgenerally ten to fifteen, although the size varies considerably from school to schoolis collected by a university anthropology department. The students go to an archaeological site where they get instructions on how to survey and dig, and then they dig. Many field schools feature lectures and tours to nearby archaeological sites; sometimes students are assigned a special project of their own. The students get college credit and training that way,   starting them off in a career in archaeology. Most field schools last between two and eight weeks in the warm or dry season, depending on what part of the world the excavations are located. Many field schools also welcome members of the local historical society or archaeology club, or provide opportunities for the public to experience archaeology for themselves. Almost every archaeology department or anthropology department with a concentration in archaeology in the world conducts archaeological field research in schools every summer or every other summer. What Youll Need To attend such a field school, youll need physical stamina, clothes you dont mind destroying, a hat with a brim, and SPF 30 or better sunblock. You may get college credit. You may have to provide your own travel and housing expenses, or they may be provided as part of the experience. Youll need a strong sense of adventure; a stronger sense of humor; and the ability to work hard without complaining (too much!). But you might have the time of your life. So, if you have a few days or weeks off next summer, and you want to experience a little real-live archaeology, this is the time to start looking! Finding a Field School There are several ways to find a field school. There are several dozens being held all over the world every year. Here are a few sites that can be trusted to contain up-to-date listings from around the globe.   Archaeology Anthropology Field Schools ShovelBums site, R. Joe Brandon Archaeological Fieldwork.com, Jennifer Palmer Field School Opportunities from the American Anthropological Society Archaeological Fieldwork Opportunities Bulletin from the Archaeological Institute of America You could also contact the archaeologists associated with the anthropology, archaeology, or ancient history department at your local university. You might consider joining your local archaeology society or club. Good luck and good digging!

10 Biggest Job Search Mistakes of New College Grads

10 Biggest Job Search Mistakes of New College Grads Even though it can seem daunting to enter the job force immediately after college, and though the market is tougher than it ever has been for entry-level hires, recent grads are actually among those most likely to land a job this year. Here are 10 common mistakes that can get in your way during your first real job search, and beyond.1. Being too passiveThe trick is to be proactive. The days of being recruited without having to look are long gone. Those who utilize their network to every possible extent and really do everything in their power to get hired, are the ones who will be rewarded first and best.2. Being too internet-centricThousands upon thousands of candidates just like you are posting on job search boards and sending in their resumes to online applications. The only way to distinguish yourself and actually be considered for these jobs is to get out and get networking. Human connections are key.3. Being too insularThink outside the box when building your network. Consider a sking generations above you for help. You never know who will be the key to get you through the door.4. Being too generalIf you’re not customizing your resume to each position, you’re crazy. Yes, it will take a bit of extra time, but the preparation will be worth it should you make it to the interview phase. And without showing each hiring manager or HR rep that you are precisely suitable for this particular position, you hardly stand a chance at getting your resume through the first skim.5. Using the wrong sitesSocial networking is one thing. Professional networking is another. If you’re relying on Facebook and Twitter only for your connection-building purposes, you’re missing a huge part of the picture. Make a platform for yourself on professional networking sites as well. It may not be as fun, but it will likely prove so much more useful.6. Not following upIf you don’t follow up, you’ll miss a good chunk of opportunities. Don’t jus t send your resume and forget about it. If you want that job, make sure you get an interview for it. Hustle!7. Setting the bar too highYou’re just out of college, all jazzed up, and out to find your dream job. But dream jobs can take decades to attain. You might not even really know what that would look like now. Focus on getting a good job now, and let perfection work itself out later. A little humility will get you a long way in the beginning of your career.8. Being unprofessionalThis includes your image: what you wear, how you conduct yourself, how you speak, and how you present yourself online. Give yourself an image makeover. Make sure your online presence is 100% respectable. And start acting like a grown-up†¦ everywhere you go.9. Not taking the interview seriouslyDo your research. Don’t just swan in and expect them to hand you the job or internship without making you work for it. Learn about the company before hand and prepare for the interview. If you donà ¢â‚¬â„¢t, you’ll look like an amateur. And you certainly won’t get the job.10. Not using the tools available to youYou have a career office for a reason. Use it. They won’t hand you a job on a silver platter, but they can set you up to be in a better position to land one yourself with a little hard work and preparation.