22 year old male Archaeology student from Bristol

Question 1. In the current economic climate, what made you decide to undertake an archaeology degree?

I choose to do an archaeology degree as I wanted to do something historical, but intended it to be practical. I know the job prospects were terrible but I still want to be an archaeologist.

Question 2. Currently, what do you perceive to be the most significant archaeological find that you have made and why is this?

The most significant find Ive found was two nails held together by a piece of lead. Not really diagnostic of anything but very interesting.

Question 3. What/ where do you see yourself to be in ten years time?

I would like to think that I would be in Archaeology, possibly fieldwork, but I'm really not sure.

Question 4. An archaeology student’s degree is multi-disciplinary, sociable and academically challenging. During your time as an archaeology student what has been the most memorable moment within or out of the lecture theatre?

One of the most memorable moments Ive had was in a lecture in my first term in my third year. It was on the Vikings in the West, and we had a coin specialist from the British museum. I was able to answer my own curiosity about the silver supply in the Viking period.

Question 5. What are you currently doing? (Excavating, working, holidaying etc.)

Site trainee at Silchester.

Question 6. What are your thoughts and feelings about commercial archaeology?

I'm interested in commercial archaeology and wish to be employed in it.

Question 7. Has your perception of archaeology on TV changed since you undertook your degree? (E.g. Time team, meet the ancestors, Bonekickers).

My perception of archaeology in the media is that public interest has increased and a lot of it is focused on the romanticized version of it, that of Indiana Jones and general treasure hunting. A proper archaeology drama would probably be more of a soap and maybe a bit dull.

Name

Ben Slader