Archaeology alumna talks about achieving her dream career

From childhood enthusiast to Young Archaeologist of the Year and beyond, Cassie Bradshaw tells us about how the University of Central Lancashire inspired her archaeological adventures.

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 UCLan, 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 UCLan, taught her “all about archaeology”, what the course here offered and how to get a job in the field.

"My experiences at the University of Central Lancashire helped me get a job in archaeology and helped me to feel prepared when starting employment. Although nervous, I had a good idea of what I was meant to be doing."

— Cassie Bradshaw, MSci Archaeology Graduate

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 are now giving her the commercial training she needs to start her career. This includes working within excavation, surveying, working at different sites, and undertaking anything else the company has to offer.”

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.

Cassie Bradshaw
Cassie Bradshaw