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! 👋