Topic ID #7403 - posted 4/10/2010 1:08 PM
YazzieGirl
Returning to the fold
YazzieGirl
After a 20-year diversion into a different career, I am planning a return to anthropology/archaeology and could use some solid advice. I have a BA in physical anthropology/archaeology (emphasis in zooarchaeology) from UCSB, 2 years graduate courses in medical anthropology and biology from SFSU, and 3 years graduate courses in biosocial anthropology at UNM, followed by a MS in nutrition/anthropology.
The small matter of marriage preempted finishing the masters and doctoral program in anthropology at UNM. As a compromise to a spouse who had career aspirations of his own and did not what to uproot again, I changed departments and finished up with the MS in Nutrition Sciences. That was 16 years ago. Since then I have worked in research, clinical and public health fields related to nutrition and dietetics.
The marriage ended a few years ago and I relocated to the Four Corners area of CO. In fumbling about trying to get some kind of career path to stick since moving here, I have come to terms with the fact that I made a grievous mistake in leaving the anthro track at UNM for a degree and credential in nutrition. My heart has always been in field of anthropology.
I am fortunate to be living in an area that is a hotbed for CRM projects, with at least 4 environmental and CRM consulting companies within a 50 mile radius. I would love to be able to get my foot in the door to work for one of these companies while I build up a solid suite of technical skills and consider another advanced degree. While it has been years since I did any field or lab work, I do have a formidable battery of computer and database management skills that I believe would be easily transferable.
If I were approaching one of these firms for an opportunity to work my way back into a career, what advice would you offer? My initial thought was to attempt to leverage the array of computer skills I already possess, and work on adding GIS experience to my tool box. While I enjoy anything associated with bioarchaeology, I recognize that the bulk of CRM work today will involve surveys, mapping and reports.
Any thoughts or advice from the forum would be much appreciated.
The small matter of marriage preempted finishing the masters and doctoral program in anthropology at UNM. As a compromise to a spouse who had career aspirations of his own and did not what to uproot again, I changed departments and finished up with the MS in Nutrition Sciences. That was 16 years ago. Since then I have worked in research, clinical and public health fields related to nutrition and dietetics.
The marriage ended a few years ago and I relocated to the Four Corners area of CO. In fumbling about trying to get some kind of career path to stick since moving here, I have come to terms with the fact that I made a grievous mistake in leaving the anthro track at UNM for a degree and credential in nutrition. My heart has always been in field of anthropology.
I am fortunate to be living in an area that is a hotbed for CRM projects, with at least 4 environmental and CRM consulting companies within a 50 mile radius. I would love to be able to get my foot in the door to work for one of these companies while I build up a solid suite of technical skills and consider another advanced degree. While it has been years since I did any field or lab work, I do have a formidable battery of computer and database management skills that I believe would be easily transferable.
If I were approaching one of these firms for an opportunity to work my way back into a career, what advice would you offer? My initial thought was to attempt to leverage the array of computer skills I already possess, and work on adding GIS experience to my tool box. While I enjoy anything associated with bioarchaeology, I recognize that the bulk of CRM work today will involve surveys, mapping and reports.
Any thoughts or advice from the forum would be much appreciated.
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