Heather Stewart
ACUA Graduate Student Associate Member
Whether you’re just starting as an undergraduate or in your last year of grad school, getting involved in underwater archaeology can feel intimidating and a bit overwhelming. It seems like everyone around you has so much more experience and tells you that “connections are everything”. But how do you make those connections and get that experience yourself?
I found myself in this situation when I first started at the University of West Florida’s Anthropology Program. I knew I was on the right path but needed a bit of guidance on how to maximize my time as a student. So here are my tips and tricks for networking, getting involved, and making the most of your time in school!
- Connect with your faculty and staff!
While it may seem daunting to approach your professors, especially when you’re new, remember that they are there for YOU! The faculty and staff at your institution have been where you are and can give you personalized advice. They may also have a research project they need help with, which can be the perfect opportunity for you to get more experience and another line on your resume!
- Don’t be afraid to get involved!
While you’re talking to your faculty and staff, don’t forget to inquire about opportunities you can participate in within and outside of your university. Maritime Archaeology Field schools are a great place to gain experience and start making connections with the people who you will interact with for the duration of your professional career. Want to participate in a field school but not sure where to look? Check out the Register of Professional Archaeologists’ (RPA) list of accredited field schools on their website.
There are ways to engage in various types of research all around your school. Talk to your fellow grad students to see if they need any assistance with projects they’re working on. Working with them can expose you to research you may have never been interested in before!
Another great way to begin building your skillset is to look for an internship in the field you’re interested in. Or maybe you want to broaden your horizons with a study abroad program. Talk to your faculty and peers to see if they have any insight on opportunities available to you! Often, these will bring you into contact with people you would never have met.
Organizations are often looking for student volunteers to help out. Your school’s anthropology or archaeology club? Join it! The Advisory Council of Underwater Archaeology (ACUA) also issues applications for their Graduate Student Associate (GSA) position yearly (check out two former GSA blogs: Lindsay Wentzel and Allyson Ropp). Keep an eye out for applications for such positions.
- Connections, Connections, Connections!
As you’re probably gathering from the previous two tips, connections are just as important (if not more important) than your resume or CV. Form good, professional relationships with your faculty and staff. Love reading someone’s work and wish you could ask them a question or two? Reach out! They’re passionate about their field and would love to talk to you about it.
One great way to make connections is to attend conferences. Whether it be a small regional conference or a large international one, you will meet people with invaluable knowledge and advice. The ACUA hosts a mentorship program at the Society for Historical Archaeology (SHA) conference. This program is a low-stress way to connect with professionals and start creating those important connections. You can read more about the mentoring program in Bert Ho’s blog here! Presenting at these conferences is encouraged, but if you’re not up for it yet, just attending is better than not going at all! If you’re looking for a low-stakes presentation, see if the conference has a student symposium! These are often led by and only have students at either the graduate or undergraduate level presenting, making it feel much less intimidating.
Work on building your professional reputation into one that when people hear your name they’re excited for the future of maritime archaeology – Cause YOU are the future!
- Stay Up-to-date
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re already doing this one! News within the field of underwater archaeology is ever-changing, stay up-to-date so you’re not left out of the conversation. One of the easiest ways to do this is to follow archaeology organizations such as the ACUA and the SHA online and on social media to stay up-to-date on archaeology news and opportunities.
As a student, your opportunities are endless! Make the most of your time in school by truly engaging with the people around you and in the underwater archaeology field as a whole. While your first priority should be your classes, your second should be to become a well-rounded archaeologist and start building a positive reputation for yourself within the field. Although it can be stressful, remember to enjoy your time as a student and don’t be afraid to make waves!
Categorised in: Deep Thoughts