Jess Shaw

Following her graduation from Kent in 2020, Jess' degree in Classical and Archaeological Studies with English and American Literature has enabled her to build a unique and varied career that encompasses her passions for hands-on crafts and community engagement.

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

After graduation I did an MSc in Experimental Archaeology at the University of Exeter, and then worked as a ‘professional cavewoman’ for a year (teaching children about the Stone Age through immersive hands-on experiences).

I then travelled for a few months, and worked for 12 months at the Ancient Technology Centre as a maternity cover, where I taught things like fence weaving, coppicing, natural dyes, willow weaving, cob brick making, fire starting methods, etc. I also built and thatched roundhouses and coordinated. I then moved to Butser Ancient Farm, where I am currently working as a Workshop Coordinator.

I’m also volunteer podcast host for EXARC Society. 

What does a typical work day look like for you?

My days are a real mix! They can range from me delivering workshops, helping organise events such as Butser’s Beltain festival, to organising and interacting with craftspeople who teach things like bronze casting and willow weaving. I love the variety. 

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

It’s so hard to choose one professional highlight! I loved building roundhouses, and seeing kids light up with new skills, but ultimately I’m most proud of the relationships I developed with the ATC and Stonehenge volunteers, and the program I developed to train the volunteers - they particularly loved basket weaving and blacksmithing! 

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

Whilst at Kent I got involved in the Study Plus programme, which gave me the opportunity to try stone carving and brash fence making and confirm my love for hands-on crafts and skills. I also completed internships through the excellent employability scheme that helped me work out what I wanted from a job.

Finally, I was awarded funding from the community projects grant at Kent to run a poetry project for people with early onset dementia. The project really influenced me and my passion for community engagement – something that I was also able to explore through my job as a university ambassador. 

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

Follow your interests! Even if they seem random or unrelated. I have done all sorts of weird and wonderful things just because I was interested, and these seemingly unconnected skill sets have been really useful at different points in my career.

Definitely get involved in extracurriculars. I loved volunteering at my subject specific conferences as I got to talk to all sorts of interesting people. Show your enthusiasm, people really appreciate it. 

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

There’s too many to count! I really treasure my time with my friends, exploring Canterbury, my first archaeology excavation, and loved attending a workshop/conference about methods of writing.

There were modules I particularly enjoyed studying (Early Drama, Chaucer and Medieval literature, Archaeology practical module, Dickens) and cafes I loved catching up with friends over cake in (Tiny Tim’s Tearoom, among others).

I also loved volunteering with people with early onset dementia through the NHS as well. 

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

Honestly, no! I loved every minute and am proud of what I achieved. I got involved in societies, was a course rep, a university ambassador, and went on all sorts of adventures with friends. I feel I really made the most of it.

And if Covid hadn’t happened - I would’ve loved to have hosted the cheesy ‘holiday dad shirt’ BBQ my friends and I were planning!

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

Yeah I am! Some of my closest friends are from my time at Kent and I have some people in my professional network from Kent as well. 

What are your future ambitions?

I would like to continue in the heritage sector, particularly open air museums. It would be great to be a director of an open air museum, but I’m also considering being a consultant for museums for interactive events and community engagements.