Hi there, my name is Vikki, and here's a bit about me!
Before University, I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do, I just knew that I loved the past and it seemed like something I could research forever. So I packed my bags and off to the University of Southampton I went to study Archaeology and History☠
From there I professionally developed myself by;
✍ Really focusing on my writing, and dedicating myself to my studies
👩💼 Building relevant voluntary experience to make myself employable in a competitive industry
🎓 Kicking it up a notch with a Masters in Business and Heritage Management to finetune my skills
🖼 Starting my heritage career working in a museum, and developing an interest in public engagement
👩🎓 Graduating my Masters, and entering into the archaeological industry as a Field Archaeologist
Currently, I work for Colchester Archaeological Trust (CAT) as a Senior Post-Excavation Assistant. This role is amazingly varied, with everyday posing something new (which I love). In the office you can find me preparing archaeological archives for deposition at museums or leading my 35 strong volunteer team into battle!
I am particularly passionate about engaging young people with archaeology especially after the COVID lockdowns forced the pause or closure of our public initiatives. For this reason, I have started and now champion a series of initiatives 👇
💭 The work experience programme
📸 Our social media – Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
🧠 School talks, object handling tables and workshops
🖼 Creating or assisting with archaeological exhibitions
🦋 Free open day events with unique opportunities to get hands on with finds
At the moment, I am organising CAT’s Archaeology Day which will take place on Saturday 30 July from 10:00 until 15:00 as part of the Council for British Archaeology’s Festival of Archaeology. This free open day will involve the collaboration of a variety of CAT staff, the Young Archaeologists Club, and some awesome volunteers to introduce the local community to what we do as archaeologists.
Additionally, outside of work, I do my best to get involved with the archaeological community. For example, I spoke at the recent CIfA22 conference on the early careers panel 🎤 and was recently appointed to sit on the committee for the CIfA Archaeological Archives Group.
I am always keen to meet more budding archaeologists and give advice where I can, so do feel free to get in contact and say hi. Lovely “meeting” you! 👋
Contact details
Vikki Sands
Colchester Archaeological Trust