Knowing I wanted to end up as a curator, I opted for a PhD. Honestly it has shut more doors than it has opened. It's knocked me out of virutally all entry-level positions. I have been told straight out they were afraid I would become bored quickly or would find it frustating to work under someone with a BA or MA.

On the other hand, it has got me interviews at major institutions where they admitted shelving MA resumes automatically- they were only interested in a PhD.  Since I went straight through school, doing volunteer and part time work for museums instead of full time, my experiece didn't have the years of upper level management they wanted from a PhD.  Where I ended up, a museum exhibits and consulting firm,
has given me the diverse museum experience I need, and will, I think, get me to the place I want to be when I'm ready to move on in a few more years.

For those of you struggling to get a foot in the door, I'd recommend checking into firms that do museum contract work. You get to work with many big and small museums doing all kinds of projects, and will not only learn a lot, but make a lot of contacts at scattered museums which will come in useful down the road.

Beth P.'s advice was right on the money: "work at a smaller museum while you obtain your PhD.  Then, you will have both the degree and the experience required."
Bryan

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