One of the things that most archaeologists dislike about archaeology is how misunderstood it is. We meet people all the time who have never met an archaeologist, or who did not realize that one can have a career as an archaeologist, or who think that archaeologists spend their time digging up dinosaurs. Almost as bad, we meet people who have heard of archaeology and perhaps even have met real archaeologists, but who have a misconceived notion of the discipline and its practitioners.

This chapter examines careers in, and the structure of, public and community archaeology. It includes discussion of archaeological outreach organizations (especially charity sector and non-governmental organizations), of professional archaeological organizations and museums, and of the place of archaeology in the media.

This chapter examines careers in and the structure of, academic archaeology – that based in universities, museums, and related educational organizations. The chapter includes discussion of specialist and technical roles in this area of employment.

This chapter examines careers in, and the structure of, cultural resource and cultural heritage management careers in archaeology. This is the single largest employment sector in archaeology globally. The chapter includes discussion of consultant and freelance roles in the sector.

This chapter explores skills and training in archaeology, especially university-level training opportunities. It includes pre-university and school-level training opportunities and fieldwork opportunities, and it addresses accessibility and equality issues in archaeology.

Archaeology offers tremendous opportunities for involvement, alongside another career or a career in itself. It is never too late to become involved in archaeology, and children grasp the inherent pleasures of the subject as well as any adult – who does not like a pursuit that so uniquely combines both mental and physical exercise? Archaeology transcends borders and cultures, languages and dialects, social and economic divisions – anyone, anywhere can become involved in archaeology if they wish to, and the opportunities to become involved improve all the time. All that involvement requires is your own decision to become an active participant – and if you are reading this book, you have already taken that decision. Here, then, are some suggested second steps.

This chapter examines careers in, and the structure of, local and state government archaeology, especially development control and regulatory roles based at the local and regional level. The chapter includes discussion of locally held and managed historic environment records, and of specialist and community roles, such as engagement with Indigenous communities.

This chapter explains what is – and isn’t – archaeology, its historical development, thematic and global spread, and the development of the discipline as a profession. The chapter also discusses archaeological ethics, professional standards, and codes of conduct.