ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ

A Student’s Perspective

By Joanna Wells
BA in Anthropology & Environmental Studies,Ìý Minor in Forensic Anthropology, May 2015

Working in the Archaeology Lab has been a wonderful experience. As a lab assistant, I work with artifacts that further the understanding of Alaskan prehistory. Being able to work with these artifacts is incredibly meaningful to me because I was a part of the ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ excavation this past summer in Trapper Creek, Alaska. Being involved throughout the entire process has made my undergraduate experience much more exciting and significant. As lab manager, I also help students with assignments and research for their anthropology classes. Through this experience, I realize that having a job in college related to my field of study is essential to my future career plans.

Collaborating with Professor Wygal, I have learned so much – excavation techniques, research techniques, and how to prepare artifacts for museum curation. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ has played a large role in my life. Small class sizes and the ability to work one-on-one with my professors have provided me with very useful skills. If I attended a larger university, I truly feel that I would not have had the incredible experiences that I am having at ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ.

Working with the Career Center has also been a wonderful experience because everyone involved has always been friendly and willing to help. I would strongly advise other students that finding a job on-campus, especially one within your department, is beneficial to furthering your professional development. I have been employed off-campus in the past and it doesn’t compare to working at ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ.

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