Bek Hamelin

Major: Anthropology; Certificate: Science & Technology Studies 

Archaeology Field Tech Intern, Algonquin Consultants Inc. 

1.) How did you learn about this internship opportunity? 

I learned about this internship opportunity from one of my professors last semester. He introduced me to a friend of his who runs the archaeology firm Algonquin Consultants Inc.

2.) How has your internship helped build your skills and clarify your career goals?  How do you apply your Liberal Arts skills to your internship?  

This internship helped me to understand what trajectory I’d like to take my career in anthropology. I learned key skills in archaeology such as artifact identification. I also learned about working out in the field.

3.) What is a piece of advice you would give someone looking for an internship?  

My advice for finding an internship in this field is to broaden your interests and be open to the possibilities. As a holistic discipline, there are many directions one can take their anthropology degree. Also, be sure to talk to a variety of peers, grad students, and professors about your interests and they may come back to help you out.

4.) What specific responsibilities have you undertaken during your internship?

Key responsibilities included digging and screening, land surveys, and artifact identification.

5.) In what ways has the College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University supported your internship journey? How has your participating in our job-ready program specifically aided your professional development?

Through the job-ready program I was able to go for this internship without worrying about housing and bills. I was able to take a leap of faith and pursue my interests and develop skills because of this extra funding. Without it, I would not have been able to. My career prospects have gotten a major boost thanks to this opportunity.

6.) Could you highlight a standout aspect of your experience in this program that you find particularly noteworthy? 

One experience that sticks out for me was how helpful everyone was in ensuring I still got access to this scholarship even with a time crunch. My offer for this internship was right near the deadline and I was still able to go forward with it because of the kindness of multiple individuals.