Fieldwork is a crucial part of many jobs and educational programs, involving visits to remote locations to gather information. Examples include scientists taking soil samples, archaeologists excavating sites, and marketers observing customer behavior. Fieldwork is also required for some degrees, such as internships in medical fields and student teaching for educators.
Fieldwork refers to the portion of a job, or educational program, that takes place in a remote workplace, rather than the worker’s usual laboratory or office. It often involves searching for a specific geographic location, building, or group of people in order to gather the necessary information. It is an important component of many jobs. Some examples include a chemist or biologist traveling to the site of a chemical spill to take soil samples and determine the extent of contamination; or an auditor who spends two weeks at a client’s site, making sure all financial records are in order.
Social science occupations often contain a fieldwork component. Archaeologists study ancient cultures by excavating sites or excavations, as do paleontologists and physical anthropologists. Cultural anthropologists study societies, often living with people in society and participating in the activities and rituals of their community. Field notes taken during these visits, together with any artifacts recovered, are subsequently analyzed and compared with data from other sites to increase our understanding of other cultures and the peoples who preceded us.
Fieldwork can also be a practical exercise rather than an academic one. Electrical and structural engineers and project managers are often required to visit a site to assess existing conditions, make measurements and record data before planning construction or renovation projects. Architects may visit the site of a future bridge or building before making plans. The information gained during these field sessions is critical to ensuring the success of the project.
Business professions also use fieldwork. This is especially true in marketing, where observing customer behavior first-hand can provide insights into industry strategy. The market researchers that people often try to avoid in malls and grocery stores are actually conducting important fieldwork. Customer interview notes show manufacturers and retailers how they can best meet customer needs and expectations. Marketing fieldwork can also mean observing and monitoring traffic patterns or silently observing customer reactions to a new display, promotion or product.
A number of higher education programs require fieldwork to be completed before the student can receive the degree. Most fields of clinical medicine, including nursing, physical therapy, radiology, and all medical disciplines, require the student to do an internship in a clinic, doctor’s office, laboratory, or hospital. Prospective educators must also complete a student teaching component at a real school prior to graduation.
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