Linn, In the first place I didn't say
influence...I said recommendation. You know like a
letter, a reference, a friendly telephone call.
I'm sure the potential for much worse exists
everywhere, even where your little ivory tower is
perched. The personal influence in obtaining
significant professional positions cannot be
ignored. To do so is to blindness. Would you
really ignore the recommendation of an important
benefactor?
What you are holding up as a point of reference is
a perfect world. I'm sorry, I live and work in the
real world.
Alan Heaberlin


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Museum discussion list
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
> Behalf Of rgvmuse
> Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 1999 3:05 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: the recurring question of
> jobs and experience
>
>
> I can't speak for anyone else, but if
> an "active benefactor" tried to
> influence hiring process I would be
> livid!  It wouldn't work here -
> maybe where you're from, Alan, I don't
> know...i would hope that in a lot
> of places trying to pull that kind of
> thing would be the kiss of death.
> linn
>
> Alan Heaberlin wrote:
>
> > Steve Frevert wrote:
> > >  I've found that, without
> > > a degree in museum studies or perhaps
> > > history, nine years of solid volunteer
> > > experience, no matter how challenging,
> > > is not enough to even get a foot in the
> > > door at most places (so take heart,
> Elizabeth)..
> > >
> >
> > The most qualified person doesn't
> always get the
> > job--including personnel manager! But
> keeping that
> > in mind, maybe you are trying to get
> your foot in
> > the wrong door.
> > Try to cultivate a personal
> relationship with a
> > director or two--or even better, an active
> > benefactor who will give you a recommendation.
> > With that in hand, your resume may become of
> > secondary importance. It may seem
> shabby to resort
> > to politics to finally land a job you
> are clearly
> > qualified for, but it is a political world out
> > there...isn't it?
> > Alan Heaberlin
>