How do you become an archaeologist?

So I was thinking the other day about the different questions people ask me when I tell them I study Maritime Archaeology. The most common one seems to be; "what made you choose it and how did you get to where you are today?".

I am the happiest standing knee-high in mud! Source 

When I was 13 my teacher asked the class to write down what we want to become when we grow up. She collected all the notes and kept them in a drawer for three years and during the week before we graduated from the school she handed them back out to everyone. To my surprise I found that I had written 'archaeologist'. I had absolutely no memory of this but the thought stuck with me. 

In Sixth Form I decided to take all history classes and other relevant subjects so when the day comes for me to apply for my undergraduate degree in archaeology, I would have the highest chance possible. The day came and I got accepted on to an archaeology programme at the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, so I packed my bags and moved from Finland to the United Kingdom and I haven't looked back since. 

During my undergraduate degree I became interested in maritime archaeology and decided I should do a masters in that subject. In order to prepare myself for the MA I chose most of the case studies for my assignments from a maritime environment and I also decided to do some work experience at the Mary Rose museum during my second year. This definitely paid off as I got a lot of contacts in the business (which actually in the end got me the job I have today) and it was another good aspect I could put on my masters application.

So I applied and was accepted on to the masters programme in Maritime Archaeology at the University of Southampton. Part of my current research for the program is actually based on ideas I originally thought of when I was 14, but wasn't skilled enough at the time to test them out. So if you happen to come across something interesting then keep it in mind as it may come a day when you actually base you research on it - it is never too early to start!

Just a normal day at the office... Source

Yesterday I finally got a good break as the Royal Naval Museum in Portsmouth hired me! I am very excited as I have finally reached the goal I dreamt about when I first caught an interest in archaeology.

My younger brother once told me that I am the only person he knows who actually follow my dreams and do what I want to do. I realised at that point that far too many people take the easy way out. Where I stand today is the result of 10 years of hard work, during which I have been able to keep my passion and interest for the subject. I now feel I can give others the advice to follow your dreams! It may be hard work and few short cuts, but the feeling you get from achieving you goal is amazing. I still have a long way to go, during which I most likely will have ups and downs, but even if it means I have to work with something else in order to work up my experience in archaeology then that is what I am prepared to do. Don't take the easy way ladies and gents! The hard work was so worth it!

L