Jobs for the Major
How this major affects a job search
An archaeology major is about as specific as you can get. Still, you learn a lot of valuable and transferable skills, like budgeting, inputting and collecting, compiling data, in-depth research methods, leadership, and teamwork.
Unfortunately, not a lot of employers see it that way. To make matters even worse, since archaeology is such a small field, jobs are incredibly limited and the top ones are intensely competitive and require a whole lot of experience and high-level qualifications. It's not like every city is brimming with big-time archaeological projects that are in dire need of pick-wielding college grads. Such is life, eh?
But we assume that you didn't choose archaeology as a major just because you're an Indiana Jones super-fan. Nope, you chose it because you wanted a career that involves researching the past and unraveling the mysteries hidden by time, right?
Chances are if you want a job in the world of archaeology, then you're going to have to get a graduate degree. The job outlook is not even that great for those with graduate degrees, but it's a lot better than for those who only have a Bachelor's. If you're truly determined to crawl through pits of snakes and be chased by a giant boulder, then you better make some plans for extended schooling.
Common Career Fields
Project Archaeologist. The main duties of a project archaeologist are leading and supervising groups on excavations, collecting data, and writing reports about all the old, dusty things you and your crew find. Other responsibilities may include budgeting expenses, dodging Nazis, and keeping track of all the team members, so hold on tight to those math and people skills. Remember, the buddy system is not fool-proof.
Field Technician. Travel the world as a freelancer and go wherever there's an available job. This career is ideal for free spirits, but bad for financial stability. Archaeology, if you haven't yet realized, isn't a booming industry. So unless you have some sort of superhuman relic-detecting gift, then picking up freelance gigs in exotic locales around the world will prove difficult. But if you can tolerate long travel times, dirty hands, and have a thirst for adventure, then this might be for you.
Curator. Much like an educator, becoming a curator is a great way to bestow your knowledge to the rest of the world. This job will likely take place in a museum setting, where you will organize, create, and talk about exhibits. Being a curator is good for people who want to apply their archaeology skills in an air-conditioned room and, you know, not dig under the blazing desert sun or jostle along on camel-back. Having people skills and strong public speaking abilities are also a plus.
Writer. Who knows, maybe all that archaeological knowledge will work as the foundation for the next great American novel. Or if that's too lofty a goal, you can always work in other archaeologically related writing fields, like magazines, science journals, or even blogs. A lot of the writing in archaeology classes is data-based and highly analytical, so taking some extra writing classes could very well work to your advantage.
Archivist. Broken old vase or priceless treasure? As an archivist, your job will be to assess this age-old question, along with protecting, organizing, and maintaining objects with long-term value. In addition, archivists acquire and appraise items and work with government agencies, museums, historical sites, and businesses. Basically, you'll be known among your friends as a master thrift shopper, poppin' tags. Auction Kings, anyone?
Tourism Officer. Allow your inner history buff to shine. As a tourism officer, your main duties include overseeing a specific region, producing information about the artwork or historical items you're showing off, and developing an intriguing way of educating the public about your archaeological expertise. Basically, the job of a tourism officer is to make an area come alive for the kiddos dragged on family trips whose smartphones have been taken away by evil parents.
Cultural Heritage Manager. Nobody understands the importance of old, beaten-down historical sites like an archaeology major. As a cultural heritage manager, your job will be to raise awareness on why a certain site or area is so important, and why the city should not be allowed to build a strip mall over it. Unlike an archivist, a cultural heritage manager is more suited for people who want to help preserve culturally relevant areas and work a more politically driven angle. Basically, your job is to say "no touchy."
Current unemployment of the major
6.9%Percentage of majors who get a higher degree after college
43%Stats obtained from this source.