Career as an Archaeologist
An Archaeologist is someone who studies the origin, development, and behavior of human beings, past and present. They examine the cultures, languages, archaeological remains, and physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. Drawing and building on knowledge from the humanities and social, physical, and biological sciences, archaeologists examine the ways of prehistoric societies in various parts of the world. They also examine the customs, values, and social patterns of different cultures. Many Archaeologists use sophisticated tools and technologies in their work. Although tasks vary by specialty, materials often include excavating tools, laboratory equipment, statistical and database software, and geographic information systems (GIS).
The task of Archaeologists is to study architectural relics or monuments or whatever it may be, to identify the period to which they belong which may later become historical evidence. They examine the relevance of any evidence, which may range from ruins of large cities to stone flakes and thus trace the stages of development of civilizations. They analyze the data and write reports on their findings.
In order to become an Archaeologist, the aspirant need to spend several years training, taking tests and examinations, writing term papers and thesis and doing continuous research. Apart from these, there will be field work where one should observe the excavation of sites, analyzing the relics and monuments, intern with a senior Archaeologist, learn new techniques of excavation and practice using GPS tools and digging and also drawing and photography.
The duties of Archeologist includes to plan research projects to answer questions and test hypotheses about human activity through environmental data left behind and to develop data collection methods tailored to a particular specialty, project, or culture. They also collect information from observations, interviews, and documents, record and manage records of observations taken in the field. They also analyze data, laboratory samples, and other sources to uncover patterns about human life, culture, and origins and write reports and give presentations on research findings They also advise organizations on the cultural impact of proposed plans, policies, and programs.