George Squires
George graduated with a BA in Ancient History and Archaeology and an MA in Greek Archaeology, and currently works as a Civil Servant at the NCA.
About George
Current occupation:
Civil Servant – Programmes Lead, National Crime Agency
Degrees studied:
Ancient History and Archaeology BA, Greek Archaeology MA
About George's career
What is your current role?
I currently work at the National Crime Agency leading complex change and transformation programmes to build our capability for tackling both high harm crime and serious and organised crime threats. I get ‘parachuted’ in to where programmes require additional support and guidance, cutting across commercial, finance, legal, and policy to ensure successful delivery. I also work with subject matter expert groups across the whole of government and industry to ensure that the NCA is aligned with partner agencies and continues to be a sector-leading organisation by improving our own understanding.
Archaeology is a highly sought after qualification because archaeologists have to work with such a range of material to form an argument. I have no doubt that the skills I developed at MA will continue to be key to my career development
Studying Archaeology at Newcastle University
Studying my MA at Newcastle was one of the best decisions I ever made. There is a strong balance between interesting taught modules and independent study projects. I really enjoy tackling large, big-picture problems and the independent study modules, as well as the dissertation, allowed me to work on several of these through the year. The taught aspect meant that I still had a good social experience and got to learn from other people through lectures and seminars. The archaeology staff and the broader HCA school are incredibly engaging and supportive, always offering useful advice and helping to work through new concepts and ideas to ensure that each piece of work is the best it can be.
What did you enjoy most about studying at Newcastle?
The community. The Archaeology Department is a wonderful place to spend an academic year with staff who really care about the students. From the guest lectures to the fieldwork opportunities there is a lot to get stuck into throughout the course of the degree which greatly enhance the experience. All the staff are incredibly knowledgeable and support students in pursuing topics that they find most interesting.
How did studying Archaeology at Newcastle University prepare you for your current role?
Archaeology requires you to use a broad range of evidence of varying types to answer complex questions. You need to weigh up various arguments and construct your own based on your interpretation and application of the material. These are key skills in my role where I am regularly tackling intricate problems with a broad evidence base. Studying the MA helped me develop and hone these skills over and above what I had learned from my undergraduate degree. Being taught to apply different theoretical approaches and look at the world through different lenses has helped me to look at policy options and strategic direction from various perspectives to ensure that I am taking the right course of action.
Archaeology is a highly sought after qualification because archaeologists have to work with such a range of material to form an argument. I have no doubt that the skills I developed at MA will continue to be key to my career development.
What advice would you give to a student interested in studying MA Archaeology?
Go for it! Being able to study such interesting and complex topics at a higher level of detail within a supportive environment such as Newcastle HCA is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Make sure you are approaching the degree with an open mind and with a willingness to take on board all the feedback you are presented with. Look at how that feedback is structured, and the way that the staff approach problems: there is a lot to be learned from this alone which will be key when you start your career and need to act as a leader to grow the capability of others.
I would also say make sure you have fun whilst you do it! Taking part in societies and social events is an integral part of any degree experience. The people you meet and the exposure you get outside of your course will be as important for starting a career as your degree.