Is it hard to be an archeologist?

Question

When I was younger I always wanted to become an archeologist and dig out artifacts of vases and other neat stuff. Is it a very hard job for anyone like me?

Answer 1

Career: Archaeologist

A Day in the Life

Archaeologists study artifacts of the near and distant past to develop a picture of how people lived in earlier cultures and societies. Many in the profession are also involved in the preservation of archaeological sites. Though a popular conception of the archeologist involves a khaki-clad individual in an exotic locale, who cleans sand off ancient crockery with a toothbrush, real-life archaeologists spend as little time as possible in the field. Because fieldwork is both expensive and destructive to the site, the majority of archaeological study takes place in the lab. In the lab, archeologists analyze data, write reports, and interpret findings for the public. An archaeologist’s natural curiosity about the past and the secrets it holds make the profession a fascinating one. However, the work can be slow and exacting. It may take months to examine thousands of tiny, nearly identical chipped stone axes. Some archaeologists work under the aegis of a major research institution, such as a university or a museum. Many more people in the field, however, are employed by private-sector companies that assist the government and private developers in complying with federal laws aimed at protecting archaeological sites.

Paying Your Dues

A master’s degree in anthropology and several years of fieldwork—experience as a site or project supervisor doesn’t hurt—will qualify you for most jobs in the field. Coursework valuable to a career as an archaeologist includes ancient history, geology, geography, English composition, and human physiology. Sign up to work on your professors’ archaeological digs during your vacations. Only the most distinguished (or fortunate) archaeologists become prominent in the field, and there are fewer positions available than there are qualified archaeologists to fill them. One way to draw attention to your work is by publishing articles in academic journals.

Associated Careers

Archaeology is often paired with anthropology. While archaeology is the study of cultures and societies through their material remains, anthropology focuses more on the activities of people within societies and is often applied to current cultures. The two fields share much of the same background, however, and the boundary between allows for mutual exchange. Corporate archaeologists may find work writing environmental impact statements.
http://www.princetonreview.com/cte/profiles/dayInLife.asp?careerID=10

Also, check out this site:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT A CAREER IN ARCHAEOLOGY IN THE U.S.
http://www.museum.state.il.us/ismdepts/anthro/dlcfaq.html

Answer 2

It is extremely hard, but if it is what you want to do, go for it. But it will take a lot of years of study and then an internship. It is also very difficult to make a living unless you get famous somehow.

Answer 3

Yes, it's hard - just as hard as it is to be a physicist or a molecular biologist or a professor of English literature. What you need is, just get out of the mind-set of "hardness" and follow your inner and true propensities.

Answer 4

no, You Just Scratch Around In The dirt And Live Of Your Grant Mostly

HOPE THIS HELPS

Answer 5

if you can deal with the politics!

still then it's a rough job with way too much b.s. and less actual doing the job of an archeologist.

it's a shame.

Answer 6

Naw! Just 'dig' deep in dem thar books and you'll do find (fine)! he he he!

Impossible is a state of mind!

Answer 7

it's hard being a GOOD anything

Answer 8

yes it is hard but if you hardworking not so hard for you

Answer 9

no i got my degree online.

Answer 10

if you can't even spell it then probably for you