Archaeology alumna Cassie talks about achieving her dream career as an Archaeologist

Cassie Bradshaw wanted to be an Archaeologist since she was five years-old after getting a taster of the subject on a family holiday. Her ambitions never changed and at 14 she won a competition run by the University of Central Lancashire to take part in Ribchester Revisited, a long-term dig at the famous Ribchester Roman Fort. Cassie did so well that Dr Jim Morris, Senior Lecturer in Archaeology at the University, nominated her for the Council for British Archaeology’s 2017 Young Archaeologist of the Year Award and she won. Dr Morris described her as "the best and most enthusiastic young archaeologist I have met in 20 years of archaeological study and work." High praise, indeed, and this was achieved even before Cassie officially joined our MSci Archaeology programme.

For Cassie, her experience over several years on the Ribchester dig working with Dr Morris and Duncan Sayer, Professor of Archaeology at the University, taught her “all about archaeology”, what the course here offered and how to get a job in the field.

During her studies, Cassie not only developed her skills and knowledge but she also made some great memories with her course mates, as well as with the University’s many societies. From climbing Ben Nevis to completing a range of lab and dig work, she met her closest friends. Many of whom are from the Australian National University who also worked at Ribchester.

Graduation was a double celebration for Cassie. After four years of study, she had successfully completed her master’s degree and she had also landed her dream job with Graduate Archaeologists at Cotswold Archaeology, who gave her the commercial training she needed to start her career. This included working within excavation, surveying, working at different sites, and undertaking anything else the company has to offer.”

Upon completing the graduate scheme, Cassie is now officially an Archaeologist and is still working for Cotswold Archaeology. "I am working on one of the largest infrastructure projects in the UK which is an exciting experience. I finished my graduate scheme and am now an Archaeologist who still loves what she does on a daily basis. I have been able to explore parts of the country in which I never would have and got to work on some amazing archaeology from every time period" Cassie said.

Cassie’s hard work and talent has paid off but she has some wise words for anyone considering archaeology as a career. She said: “Don't expect a job right away. Companies take a while to get back to you sometimes. Make the most of fieldwork and other opportunities. Yes, they are time to have fun but they're also there to prepare you when going into the field.” Good advice for anyone studying for their dream career.