Student Archaeology Internship at Drayton Hall
Student Spotlight: Archaeology Internship at Drayton Hall
Earlier this school year, Charleston Collegiate School junior Jhazmyne was featured in the Post & Courier for her archaeology internship at Drayton Hall. As her yearlong experience comes to a close, we spoke with her to reflect on what she learned, what surprised her, and how the experience is shaping her future.
Jhazmyne spent the year working as an archaeology intern, taking on hands-on fieldwork that included excavating an old well, screening soil for artifacts, and carefully washing, mending, and organizing pieces that are hundreds of years old. “I didn’t expect to be so involved,” she shared. “I actually got to go into the excavation, and my mentor trusted me with 300-year-old artifacts. That was really cool.”
Her experience was highly immersive from the start. One of her biggest challenges was learning to identify different types of artifacts. “There are so many kinds of pottery,” she explained. “Delftware, colonoware, porcelain, salt-glazed stoneware. It was a lot at first, but it got easier over time.”
When asked to sum up her internship in one sentence, Jhazmyne said, “It was a very cool experience that taught me a lot about archaeology.”
Beyond technical skills, the internship also built her confidence. She credits her classes at CCS for preparing her to communicate effectively in a professional environment. “I wasn’t afraid to ask questions or ask for help,” she said, which helped her learn even more throughout the experience.
Most importantly, the internship confirmed her future interests. “It’s reinforced that I want to go into archaeology,” she said. “I really like ancient history. My dream dig site would be somewhere in South or Central America. The Aztecs are really cool.”
Jhazmyne encourages other students to consider internships, especially if they have a strong interest in a field. “It’s very hands-on,” she said. “They actually let you do real fieldwork.”
Internships at Charleston Collegiate School
At Charleston Collegiate School, internships are a core part of the Upper School experience. Students have the opportunity to step beyond the classroom and into real-world environments where they can explore their interests, build professional skills, and gain meaningful, hands-on experience. Whether working in science labs, creative industries, nonprofits, or historic sites like Drayton Hall, CCS students are encouraged to pursue opportunities that align with their passions and help shape their future paths.
