I returned to archaeology after 20 years as a history teacher, when I decided that life was too short to miss out on the adventure that is working in archaeology!
I applied for PCIfA accreditation because, having moved from teaching, I had seen the benefits of accreditation and accountability that come from membership of professional bodies, and felt it was important to gain this recognition from one’s peers.
CIfA helps to promote archaeology to the companies we work with, providing them with reassurance that we are a reputable profession – CIfA advocates for archaeology and represents us to the industries that we work with.
Also, with the professionalisation of archaeology as a career, a lot of commercial archaeology companies see accreditation by CIfA as an important sign that you are taking your career development seriously.
Finally, joining as a PCIfA was a crucial step in my own journey back into archaeology – moving up (hopefully!) through the levels of CIfA accreditation will be an effective way to mark my progress over the coming years.