by Rigden Glaab, MA RPA

Starting a career in Cultural Resource Management (CRM) can be both exciting and challenging. To help you navigate this journey, we've compiled a list of the top 10 things we wish we knew before diving into the field. From practical tips on preparing your own food and packing the right field gear, to strategies for maximizing business points and building professional relationships, these insights are designed to make your transition smoother and more successful. Whether you're a seasoned archaeologist or just starting out, these tips will help you thrive in your CRM career.

1. Become an expert at preparing your own food. Packing a lunch is not only healthier, but it will save you a lot of per diem. Avoid living off of gas station food during fieldwork. One can create a field cooking kit for travel if you drive frequently from your home to projects. Example kits include items such as a hot plate, small pan, dish soap-brush, salt-pepper, reusable utensils-plates-bowls, can opener, a knife, hot sauce, tongs, etc. RIP George Foreman—I have seen his namesake grill used by many archaeologists. A good cooler bag is essential, preferably one that is compact for travel. Invest in a quality coffee mug and water bottle. You can get creative based on your specific needs. One archaeologist I know travels with a mini-blender to make smoothies each day for breakfast. The sky is the limit! If you fly frequently for projects, carrying a cooking kit is not an option like it is on the road. In these instances, I typically bring a compact packable camping mess kit along with reusable utensils, a small amount of dish soap, a small dish sponge, condiments, etc. Airport food (meals, snacks, and drinks) is very expensive. A lot of money can be saved taking your own lunch to the airport and carrying a refillable water bottle.
2. Foods that survive well in the field. Although certainly not comprehensive, here is a list of foods I have found last for long durations during fieldwork: peanut butter-jelly sandwiches, carrots, crackers, cheese sticks/block cheese, granola, and various fruit (oranges, nectarines, bananas, and apples). Source your own favorites to build a powerhouse lunch.   
3. Maximize opportunities to get business points. If your employer allows it, I recommend signing up for points through every hotel, vehicle, and airline where you make reservations. These add up fast on projects allowing you to take future vacations. If you are reimbursed for project charges, and permitted by the business, I suggest signing up for a point-based credit card using that account specifically for project work (e.g., hotel and airline credit cards). 
4. Protection from the sun. Wear sunscreen (SPF 30–50+) on a consistent basis!
5. Field clothing. There are many tips about appropriate field clothing. A standard combination I have seen in archaeology are wool socks, sturdy hiking boots, cargo pants, breathable long sleeve/short sleeve shirt, and a broad brimmed hat. In winter, key items for the field often center around layering with a protective outer shell rain/windbreaker, including long johns. I like gloves that have fingertips with pads for tablet or phone use. A balaclava mask provides a lot of protection from the wind and is easy to carry.
6. Sewing kit. Pack a sewing kit to save money repairing that pair of pants ripped crossing a barbwire fence.
7. Hotel hacks: a) Clothes hangers with pant holder clips can be used for many things such as keeping stubborn curtains shut, hanging bananas, holding bags, shower towels, etc.; b) stuff newspaper and towels into wet boots to dry them out more efficiently; c) save money by getting your coffee at the hotel; d) you can supplement your lunch with items from the hotel breakfast (e.g., apple, bananas, bagel, etc.); e) put ice from the hotel ice machine into a two quart plastic bags to make a quick cooling pack for your lunch; and, f) lay out all of your field gear the night before to make your mornings more efficient.
8. Regularly document work history. It is important to be diligent about documenting your work history. Often, federal or state archaeological permits require details about the duration and location of specific projects. I would recommend keeping track of the project title, your role, county, state, and duration of the project (years-months).
9. Find opportunities to expand your core skill sets. This can include training focused on GIS, CPR, and project-specific tasks.
10. Relationship building. Strive to get along well with your coworkers and build connections that will help you in your career.