Pros
SNA doesn’t just check boxes on credentials. Once you’re in the field, leadership expects you to think, assess, and make defensible decisions — and they back you when those decisions are grounded in science and policy. There’s a rare understanding that archaeological recovery doesn’t happen on spreadsheets. Weather, terrain, host-nation coordination, and human remains don’t care about schedules — and SNA plans accordingly. Lastly, the best compliment I can give is that most of the time, program support is invisible — because things work.
Cons
If you need constant direction or reassurance, this may feel uncomfortable. You’re expected to own your calls and defend them professionally. If you’re motivated by constant praise or visible recognition, this may feel underwhelming. The culture assumes competence rather than celebrating it loudly.