Archaeologist/Historian

Job Profile

At some point or the other, everyone strives to know where they come from, to learn more about the past and how our society has evolved over the years. An Archaeologist can help answer these questions, which is why their work is so important.

As an archaeologist, you may be required to work in teams or alone. You may be expected to work in the field under rigorous conditions. Hence, you must keep your physical health in mind. You must be adept at identifying key features in a site as well as identifying and analyzing relics and artefacts. Interpreting data and keeping detailed records of your findings is also a necessity. Hence, you need to be meticulous and not miss out on any details.

While outdoor work prevails, indoor work such as analyzing data is also crucial to gain useful insights.

Salary/Package

As a fresher Archaeologist you can expect a salary between Rs. 2.5-3.5 lakhs p.a. Experienced and well-qualified professionals can expect salary packages between Rs. 5-8 lakhs p.a. The salaries may vary based on experience, skills, roles, location, etc.

Skills required

• A genuine interest and zeal for this field
• Strong communication skills
• Excellent analytical skills
• Research, planning and management skills
• Ability to work in teams
• Knowledge about different equipment, methods, and technology
• A keen eye for detail

Pros and Cons of being a Archaeologist

Pros

• Significant discoveries of the past have helped people make a name for themselves and be recognized internationally
• If you are interested in learning about the past, this is the career for you

Cons

• You may need to travel a lot for your work
• You may need to work under harsh weather conditions which can take a toll on your health

How do I be one

To pursue a career in Archaeology, it is generally advisable that a student takes up Humanities during their +2 years. Knowledge of History, Geography, and Sociology serves as a foundation for Archaeology. However, if you come from a non-Humanities background, in some cases, you may still be eligible to apply for a UG program in Archaeology.

During the UG level, you can opt for a bachelor’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Geology, or History. Once you have completed your Bachelor’s, you can opt for a Master’s Degree in Archaeology or Historical Studies to work as an Archaeologist. To qualify for a Master’s degree, you will need to secure at least 55% at the UG level. Pursuing a PhD will help open up more avenues for you in the future, and can even help you become an International adviser as well as boost your pay.