I second Alexandra's advice; if you are specializing in NAGPRA the best place to 
look is Federal jobs, especially with the National Parks Service, Army Corps of 
Engineers and Bureau of Land Management.  State level historical societies used 
to be a good bet, but since the economic downturn most of them have hiring 
freezes on, if not full out lay-offs.  


Assuming you are using all your contacts from university, my guess is you'll 
need to expand your networks to outside the state.  As a Michigander myself and 
an alumna of a university museum studies and history program there (Go Chips!!  
Sorry, old habits die hard) I found myself in that situation when I graduated 
several years ago.  With the Michigan economy and the fact that most museum jobs 
are nonprofit, it's going to be probably a decade or more before hiring picks up 
in museums there.  Luckily most of my connections and staff at the museums I 
interned with told me that well before graduation so I was prepared.  If you 
haven't started, I'd recommend regional/nationwide searches for jobs.  


Another option is consultation services.  With a specialty like NAGPRA, you 
could still be affiliated with smaller institutions who may need the expertise 
but who cannot pay for a staff member.  Consultation would be a way to get your 
foot in the door with lots of places as well.  Good luck!

 
Maggie Carlson 
Museum Director/Curator of Collections
Coronado Quivira Museum 
[log in to unmask]
History is philosophy teaching by examples - Thucydides




________________________________
From: Adam Johnson <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Thu, February 24, 2011 10:34:51 AM
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Job Advice for Seeking Positions in Collections Management 
and NAGPRA Positions

Hello Museum-L Community,
I am seeking a job in collections management and NAGPRA work having recently 
graduated from Western Michigan University with a master's in anthropology. I 
have had extensive experience in museum internships throughout my undergraduate 
studies and have participated in the repatriation of over 10 sites of NAGPRA 
association resulting in the repatriation of over 30 Native American ancestors. 
I am also currently volunteering at a local historical museum to gain more 
experience with PastPerfect and am digitizing historical photographs. Does 
anyone have any advice on how to obtain a job in the museum field? I have been 
applying to many jobs since August so far with no success.

Any advice or contacts would be extremely appreciated.
Regards, 
Adam Johnson

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