Our second Practising Archaeology webinar will explore three different pathways for archaeologists beyond academia. The event will consist of the presentations of three early career professionals, currently working in commercial archaeology, a multilateral organisation, and archaeological publishing. The aim is to inspire participants to think creatively about their future careers, to help them develop the necessary skillset and provide guidance for the next steps, while signposting various resources available within and beyond the University of Oxford. The presentations will be followed by Q&As and participants are warmly invited to participate in the discussion. Even though the event has been designed with the archaeologists and archaeological scientists in mind, any student of the university with an interest in this discussion is welcome to attend.
This webinar is organised by the School of Archaeology in partnership with the Heritage Partnerships Team and the Oxford University Heritage Network (OUHN).
Advanced registration is required!
Presentations:
A Career in Commercial: Moving from Academia to an Archaeological Career
By Elodie Powell PCIfA (Assistant Supervisor, Oxford Archaeology)
I began my career in archaeology after completing my MPhil in Classical Archaeology in 2019, and quickly discovered that the world of commercial archaeology was a big jump from the past six years of libraries and research digs. Since then, I have worked on Roman roads and villa estates, Bronze Age agricultural landscapes, Iron Age villages, and Late Medieval manor houses. In this talk I will discuss what it is really like to pursue a career in commercial archaeology, and how to transfer skills from undergraduate or postgraduate research into the field.
Working in a multilateral (and what it took to get there)
Charlie Kennedy (Communications and Information Management Officer, UK National Commission for UNESCO)
My presentation will offer an overview of UNESCO’s Culture Sector and the UK National Commission, focusing in particular on the roles and opportunities for career development that these organizations present. I will share my experience of the job market and my current role in a multilateral organisation. I will draw attention to the value of transferable skills, which in my case were developed working outside the heritage sector, and reflect on the obstacles that I faced on the way to getting a job in the field I wanted to work in.
Is the writing on the wall?
Dr Kathryn Krakowka (Deputy Editor, Current Archaeology)
As the Deputy Editor for Current Archaeology magazine, I get to dip my toes into the many different spheres that make up archaeology and heritage in the UK – but it is not the career I envisioned for myself when I first started my DPhil. As a former graduate of the Institute of Archaeology, I will discuss why I chose a path outside of academia, as well as what opportunities I pursued at Oxford that led me to my current career. Secondly, based on my unique position of working with people across the sector – one of the unexpected highlights of my job, which has allowed me to create a diverse professional network – I will outline the vibrant world of archaeology that exists outside of the university system.
