When an employer notices “Archaeology in Türkiye” on my resume and asks me to explain, I would tell them it was much more than an archaeological internship. It was an opportunity to develop physical, observational, and critical thinking skills while working in a new (and hot) environment. Although we spent our days excavating ancient sites, the experience taught me lessons that are applicable to many different settings. Physical habits are directly related to emotional and intellectual performance (ie. good sleep, hygiene, and exercise), and archaeological work directly benefits said performance.
During my time in Antiochia, I worked alongside Turkish archaeologists, professors, and students to excavate and document archaeological remains. Every day required careful attention to detail, patience, persistence, and teamwork. Archaeology is pretty meticulous work, and small but important items like coins can be overlooked and compromise valuable historical information. I learned the importance of following procedures, maintaining accurate records, and communicating clearly with the people in my team in order to ensure that our work met professional standards.
One of the most valuable aspects of the experience was learning to collaborate across cultures. Working with Turkish peers meant navigating language differences and adapting to different communication styles, and respecting cultural traditions. I was able to learn new words and cultural habits, as well as make new friends. Rather than viewing these differences as obstacles, I was able to see them as opportunities to build stronger relationships and broaden my perspective. Living and working in Türkiye challenged me to become more adaptable, open-minded, and culturally aware, which are qualities that are essential in today’s workforce.
My experience in Antiochia also strengthened my problem-solving abilities. Sometimes, Archaeological fieldwork does not go as planned. Changing priorities, sick people, and possible kiln discoveries required our team to think critically and adjust quickly. I learned how to remain calm under pressure, contribute solutions, and stay focused on the overall objective, even when plans changed unexpectedly. An important skill is being able to step back and see the big picture, which is absolutely essential in archaeological work.
Leadership was another skill that developed during my time in Türkiye. I wasn’t really leading a team per se, but I learned that leadership means setting a positive example, supporting others, and taking initiative. Some people have different needs and paces, and I learned that I have to be understanding of this, as well as the strengths different people bring to the team. Good sportsmanship and morale is especially important on long, hot, humid days when people feel yucky, and I now realize the importance of humor and optimism in adverse conditions.
The technical skills I gained are definitely very valuable. Archaeology requires documentation, observation, data recording, photography, and artifact processing. These tasks strengthened my organizational skills and reinforced the importance of accuracy and accountability. I am now more confident in managing detailed information, following established protocols, and producing reliable records (skills that transfer well to a multitude of different jobs).
Antiochia taught me to step outside my comfort zone, navigate unfamiliar situations, and build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. This experience increased my confidence in working internationally and strengthened my ability to adapt to new environments.
At the end of the day, archaeology in Türkiye represents much more than experience on my resume. I have gained skills and knowledge that hold up in basically any setting, and I feel inspired to bring these skills wherever I go. Going back to my first blog post where I talked about wanting to contribute something meaningful, I think that I have done that. I have documented items and made my mark in historical archives, but this trip added something to my life that wasn’t there before. Yeah, Antiochia will look great on a resume, but it was an experience that helped me in a lot more ways than just professionally.