John Topi (’11)

Sociology/Anthropology Major – Anthropology

What co-curricular or extracurricular activities were you involved in?

I occasionally went to Anthropology Student Association meetings, and was involved in a church group.

 What are you doing now?

I am a crew chief (entry-level field supervisor) conducting archaeological survey and compliance for Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company.

How did you get to this place in your life/ career?

It has been a long road of education and gaining field experience. Two field schools demonstrated how much I enjoy archaeological survey and excavation. I have worked for two private firms, the U.S. Forest Service, and have conducted fieldwork in 19 states. It has been amazing to visit different parts of the country, try different foods, and experience firsthand the archaeology of different regions.

Have you been to graduate school? If so, where did you go? Did you go right after graduating from Truman?

I earned a Master’s degree from the University of Missouri. After graduating from Truman, I needed a short break from school. I took one year to recharge, make a bit of money, and work for the Kansas City Museum as an intern and collections assistant.

Do you have any advice for Truman students who are interested in going to graduate school?

In choosing a graduate program, funding is often stated as the most important consideration, but I think having the right advisor is equally critical. I would recommend meeting with a potential advisor before accepting admission. I was lucky to have very good advisors at Truman and Mizzou. But I have many colleagues who did not ‘click’ on personal or professional interests with advisors, and it made graduate school more trying.

How has the education you’ve received from Truman helped you?

Truman, and in particular the anthropology/sociology program, does an awesome job of preparing students for graduate school and a career. The critical thinking skills honed through coursework were very important, especially in analyzing and conceptualizing research.

Is/are there any particular class(es) you’re glad you took? Did you like it/them at that the time?

The anthropological theory and capstone research courses more than adequately prepare students for graduate school and completing a thesis. Both classes were really difficult and tough at the time, but can provide a great foundation in anthropological theory. And the experience gained through capstone research helps prepare for thesis or dissertation research.

What is your favorite memory of your time at Truman?

I really enjoyed cookouts at Dr. Johnson’s home and attending the SAA meeting in St. Louis with Dr. Johnson and Dr. Binford. It’s great to be around other anthropologists and be able to chat about research and interests in a relaxed environment.

Why is Truman a good school at which to study?

Truman has fantastic professors. Smaller class sizes help students receive more individual attention and mentorship. And as a teaching university, professors are better able to focus on students rather than pushing through the ‘publish or perish’ life of a larger, primarily research-driven institution.

Do you have any advice for someone wanting to go into the same line of work as you?

Attending a field school during undergraduate coursework is really important for becoming a field archaeologist. After that, I recommend gaining as much field experience as possible. It can be very physically demanding (hiking 10-12 miles per day through rough terrain, digging almost endless numbers of shovel test pits, or excavating lots of levels of a test unit), but it is great exercise and is so rewarding in adding to an understanding of the past.

What do you miss most about campus life/ living in Kirksville?

While coursework is certainly challenging, I miss some aspects of school, including being around other students and having the opportunity to learn and discuss current topics/findings in anthropology. It is always great to talk with and learn from other passionate anthropologists.

If you could teach current students one thing, what would it be?

It was always frustrating to see anthropology on national lists as one of the least employable degrees. I have friends who went on to study law, do other social research for the government, or teach at the college level. A background in anthropology is useful in a lot of ways, and, as mentioned, helps develop critical thinking. Choose the career that is most interesting and rewarding to you, and ‘sink your teeth in’, so to speak. Keep working away and do not give up.