While all these resources are wonderfully handy for the new or old job
seeker, they are not the end-all for preparation for a working life.
Sometimes, old poop that I am, it seems that young aspirees to the museum
life are seeking short cuts to a job, rather than experience in preparation
for good work. Undoubtedly the result of our permissive society, the general
decline of liberal arts education and the failure of the Judeo-Christian
work ethic.
I started my museum career in 1991 in Anchorage, Alaska. Since then I've
worked in three museums, now as Curator of Archaeology. None of these
positions were acquired as a the result of the Internet; I did the work that
was available to do in my interest area and followed the opportunities that
presented themselves.
Working in a museum is not a "job," a way to make money, a career path,
an entry into the rat race of competition and rising up the ladder of
success. Working in a museum is heart work, it's work you can't help but do,
it's work that brings satisfaction at the end of the day and a good night's
sleep.
If you must work in a museum, then do it! Volunteer opportunities
abound! Dig right in, learn the ropes, find out what it's like, find what
you love, find what you're not good at doing and don't do that! If you
discover you need additional training or academic instruction, go to where
you can get the training you need. Then follow the opportunities that this
presents.
If you want a job to make money, there's plenty available, of all
stripes. If nothing else will do in your life but to work in a museum, do
what you love; the job and the money will follow.
Michael
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