Who's an Archaeologist?
Everyone who has seen Indiana Jones envisioned themselves going on an expedition to find some long lost ruin. But, if you’re one of those people who held onto this desire and passion, you should consider a career in archaeology! While it may not be as exciting and adventurous as the movies, you will have your moments of excitement when you dig up some long lost artefact or discover another section of the Harappa civilisation! This may not be an everyday occurrence, but you can be assured that you will be immersed in history almost all the time – and that alone is exciting enough for a history-head such as yourself!
As an archeologist, you will study human history, civilisation and artifacts. This will include studying the culture, languages, and tools used by people of the past from various parts of the world. Want to know more about this career? Click here to find out.
What will you do?
Where will you work?
How do you get there?
What skills would you need?
Research
You need to perform research on the eggs, sperms and embryos you obtain from the patient. This will involve some long hours of research.
build this skill
Technical Skills
You will be frequently using accounting software and other financial tools as many CAs need to work with technology to analyse data and prepare financial reports. build this skill
Analytical and Data Skills
You will receive huge amounts of data from your client. This data will have to be analysed effectively so you can find ways that will help your client reach their customers is the best way possible. While it is true that the more data you analyse, the more insights you generate; analytical thinking will help you narrow down your search and find your key actionable items, thus saving you a lot of time and resources.
build this skill
Communication Skills
It’s harder than ever to get people’s attention, what with so much information being thrown at them. But, people cannot resist a good story. Every good marketing campaign has a story to tell their customers and relate to them on an emotional level. Marketers who tell great stories through their marketing campaigns are always in great demand.
build this skill
Attention to Detail
Working with eggs and embryos is a very tedious task. Every little detail matters when you are observing them. If you are good at giving attention to detail, then your job at the laboratory will be made much easier.
build this skillHow do you make it to the top ranks?
Intern
As an intern, you would be working in different departments and handle small tasks such as studying excavation techniques and archaeological concepts, writing narratives and also answering questions posed by site visitors.
Junior Archaeologist
At this stage, you would examine ancient sites and structures. Based on your interests, you would either be in the field or the laboratory conducting researching. You will have to learn the use of various digging equipment. Grouping, identifying and classifying archaeological remains would be your responsibility.
Senior Archaeologist
As a senior archaeologist, you would handle more than one archaeological project at a time. You would guide a team of junior archaeologists. You will need extensive knowledge of field assessment techniques so you can take inventory of artefacts recovered, evaluate them and record their data.
Principal Archaeologist
You would be heading an archaeological firm and zeroing in on new survey sites. You will research on the project using documents, maps and aerial photos. You will also work on developing new research designs and coordinate with the fieldwork team and other principal investigators.
Pursuing your career locally VS abroad
If you study archaeology in India, you will learn of the heritage sites and structures here and build a connection with the experts in the field. In India, there is a high demand for archaeologists owing to the country’s ancient civilisation that still needs to be unearthed. Opt for a BA in archaeology, and a postgraduation in subjects such as culture and archaeology, anthropology, fine arts, etc.
Top institutes to study archaeology in India are Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, Delhi Institute of Heritage Research and Management, Institute of Archaeology, Archaeological Survey of India, etc. The duration of the study depends on the course you have opted for. The average cost for pursuing archaeology in India is INR 5,000 – INR 50,000, depending on the university and duration of the course you opt for.
Studying archaeology abroad would give you the hands-on experience you need to deepen your understanding of the field. They organise visits to active dig sites around the globe, visit renowned archaeological and anthropology museums and have an overall practical approach to teaching.
Also, studying archaeology abroad will help you build a good network there, which would further make it easy for you to secure a job abroad. Top archaeology schools abroad are the University of Cambridge, Harvard University, University of Oxford, etc. The average fee for studying archaeology abroad ranges between INR 90,000 – INR 2,00,000 depending on the university you opt for.
How much would you get paid?
Your salary would largely depend on your skill-set, qualifications, the organisation you’re working with, etc. However, we can give you a fair idea of how much you could make at each stage.
What are your career options?
Field Research
A field technician gets an opportunity to travel all over the world, excavating and conducting surveys at different sites. As a field technician, you would be responsible for conducting surveys and preparing detailed field notes, maps, documentation of finds, etc. You would use different kinds of equipment for surveys, detection, identification, etc.
Geoarchaeology
To put it simply, geo archaeologists study the soils and landscapes of the archaeological sites. A geoarchaeologist uses geography, geology and earth science techniques to determine how a landscape has undergone a change throughout the years. Here, you would work with archaeologists to help survey a site better by informing them about the geomorphology of the soil, sediments, rocks of the buried sites and artefacts. You would help archaeologists determine how ‘prehistoric’ the site is.
Maritime Archaeology
A maritime archaeologist studies material related to human interaction with the sea, lakes and rivers. You would study shipwrecks, ship burials, jetties, harbours, lighthouses, fish traps, etc. Another specialisation within maritime archaeology is nautical archaeology that studies ship construction and use.
Geographic Information Systems
A GIS technician typically assists scientists and technicians in maintaining, modifying and using GIS databases. You would work on creating maps and custom GIS software or applications for a variety of purposes. Your job would mainly involve data modeling, and analysing spatial or topographical data.
Archaeozoology
An Archaeozoologist studies the remains of an animal i.e. bones, shells, hair, hides and DNA. The remains can be found at archaeological sites. You will use taphonomy, the study of fossilisation, to determine how the items are buried and deposited in the site in question. You would also take these remains to a lab to determine what animal it is.
Academics
An academic archaeologist conducts classes on archaeology, anthropology or ancient history at universities or colleges. You would conduct site visits, teach students how to research and analyse remains, and impart knowledge on the various techniques of excavation. You would also conduct research from time to time and publish your findings in journals and books.
Sign Up for Mentoria - India’s Most Reliable Career Discovery Platform
Mentoria promises to handhold you during your career discovery journey - from the time you sign up until you get into a career you love.
You’ve only scratched the surface.
Unlock the full Mentoria Solution to get helpful updates on your chosen industry!