I have worked as a freelance writer, researcher and lecturer for thirteen years now, and in that time have taught academically, as well as for continuing education and professional development. I have written and co-written books, published articles and magazine pieces, designed stamps for the Royal Mail and dragged jetlagged tourists around landscape parks in the pouring rain. However, the work I particularly enjoy is conservation-related research, as nothing beats an archival break-through, and the feeling of personally contributing something, however small, to the future and understanding of a historic site. This leads me to another piece of advice; namely, acquaint yourself with the myriad of research resources available, and hone your analytical skills, essential for interpretating both historical plans and on-site archaeological evidence.