Topic ID #10406 - posted 4/17/2011 10:56 AM
homland
Getting back in the game!
homland
After finishing grad school and a few month of unemployed job searching I think it's time to go back CRM and see how it goes, at least for the time being. I think I made a wise decision and got a M.S. in Geography instead of Anthropology because GIS is suppose to be a growing field. I hear that archaeology jobs are hard to come by these days, but luckily I live in North Dakota and we are experiencing an oil boom (I'm guessing that's where a lot of these jobs are coming from) and I'm figuring there's not too much competition; I'm guessing most people don't want to come to NoDak. So, it looks like field teching for a while, why not? I'm only 26 and I'm single so I've got no strings to hold me back, so why not? Every time I apply for a GIS job I just imagine myself sitting in a cubicle, and I don't think I could do it, I DON'T want anyone telling me it looks like I "have a case of the Mondays".
So what I'm thinking is that I may, eventually, be able to move myself up to an actual permanent, non grunt, position. I have my M.S. in a desirable specialty and a few years of field experience under my belt. I just need to put my dues in a little longer and then I can move up, right? maybe be P.I. in a few years? Any input? I've been out of the game for three years now (my thesis was on remote sensing and archaeology but I haven't' put a shovel in the ground since I started school) and would like to hear from those of you who are still in the game.
Oh, and when I'm flirting with someone I figure saying, "I'm an archaeologist," sounds a whole lot better than, "I'm a GIS Analyst."
So what I'm thinking is that I may, eventually, be able to move myself up to an actual permanent, non grunt, position. I have my M.S. in a desirable specialty and a few years of field experience under my belt. I just need to put my dues in a little longer and then I can move up, right? maybe be P.I. in a few years? Any input? I've been out of the game for three years now (my thesis was on remote sensing and archaeology but I haven't' put a shovel in the ground since I started school) and would like to hear from those of you who are still in the game.
Oh, and when I'm flirting with someone I figure saying, "I'm an archaeologist," sounds a whole lot better than, "I'm a GIS Analyst."
Post ID#18660 - replied 4/18/2011 12:46 PM
McBain05
PI in a few years? Maybe. But, most places are going to want to see you as a crew chief and then a Field Director (sort of a quasi- PI) before they let you start working on proposals (which is the PI wheel house, aside from the report production).
I got my MA at 23 or so and I am closing on 10 years since grabbing the degree. I am at the Field Director position.
You are right, though, there is a whole lot of work happening round the Dakotas so may be the need out there gets you up the ladder a little faster. The specialty should really help you out. I usually suggest the same thing over and over again, but: Go Fed. If you got no strings start picking up Federal jobs with the NPS in those out of the way places and get into the system (many are seasonal or one/two-year only). It will make it easier when you want to transition to a more stable government gig that actually pays you for your education and experince unlike the private side.
Anyhow, it only sounds good flirting with someone who has no idea about the pay difference between the two :)
Post ID#18663 - replied 4/19/2011 11:31 AM
homland
A federal job is what I've been hoping for, but it's like throwing your CV into a black hole. I've done my research and that seems like the only way you can make a decent living in the field, I would imagine the competition is fierce for those, but someone has to get the position. At this point even a low paying entry level field position seems much better than having to work in a kitchen. And heck, now field teching should be a piece of cake, ease myself back into it, eh?
While I dream of the federal job, has anyone had any experience with employee owned and operated firms? It seems like they would be at least a little better to work for.
Maybe I should go STP our yard to get back in shape?
While I dream of the federal job, has anyone had any experience with employee owned and operated firms? It seems like they would be at least a little better to work for.
Maybe I should go STP our yard to get back in shape?
Post ID#18664 - replied 4/19/2011 6:34 PM
Delenn74
Did you apply to ND jobs recently? I think I've just seen most of the Bismarck area companies post for tech positions. If you applied to those, I would think that you would be hearing back from somebody soon. I don't think you need to work in a kitchen. Since you have field experience, even though it has been a while, you're pretty much golden. Probably take my job... I just have a BA.
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