Melanie,
Aren't you glad you asked for our advice?  We certainly are here for you!
I have something else to share-something that I did that tipped the scale
for me and my decision to pursue an MA in Museum Studies while continuing
my work in the field.  I did an exhaustive job search, both through AAM,
AAMG, state job postings and specifically targeted museums in which I
would choose to work given the right circumstances.  In doing that, I was
able to make note of the degree requirements for the types of jobs in
which I was interested and that gave me a really good idea of whether or
not I should pursue the MA.  In several cases, years of experience could
be substituted but the plain truth was that in most cases, the MA in "a
related field" was required in order to be a successful candidate and the
equivalency was not available.  I have a feeling this is tied the number
of applications that museums must get these days (and their need to have a
starting point to eliminate a lot of applications right off the bat).

You might try doing the same kind of search to find that information out
for yourself based on the kinds of position(s) you hope to hold.  The
other question is not only gaining employment but what kind of credential
you will need for ADVANCEMENT in the field.  This also had a lot of weight
when it came to my own decision.

This is not an easy question but one with which many of us are struggling.
Best of luck to you!

Mary Mikel Stump
Gallery Director/Curator
The University Galleries [1] & [2]
Texas State University

On 9/7/12 10:25 AM, "Wesley S. Creel" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>Good Morning All,
>I will build on Ms. Fuller's excellent and sound advice.
>1.	Since the early 1970s (the late Bronze Age), I have been involved in
>the hiring of many dozens of museum professionals, including directors,
>administrators, curators, educators, exhibit designers, conservators,
>registrars,....and planetarium, nature center, IMAX Theater, historic
>properties, staff, etc... etc... and museum-related trades persons and
>janitors.
>2.	To be honest......I am more interested in the skill sets that an
>applicant brings to the particular vacant job that is being advertised.
>I am not interested in how many degrees, certificates, etc. the applicant
>possesses.  As long as the applicant possess the minimum qualifications
>set by the Human Resources Department and their Compensation office.
>3.	Primarily, I am interested in finding an answer to the simple
>question...... Is the applicant capable of doing the job on the first day
>at work.....and, doing the job in such a way that raises the bar as to
>how that position's performance can enable the institution to meet is
>mission, more efficiently and effectively?  That can only be discerned by
>evaluating the actual work history of the applicant; and, if that
>particular work history provides the applicant with the skill sets that
>are required to do the job that is being advertised.
>4.	The bottom line is:		The applicants, who possess the skill sets that
>best align with the vacant job's key roles and responsibilities,
>and......demonstrate an established work record of: showing up on time;
>excellent record of teamwork behaviors; project accomplishments;
>completing the assigned work within budget and by the deadline; ...... a
>proven "track" record of making decisions that are legal and ethical,
>consistent with one's peers, and demonstrating a record of work that
>includes sensitive and creative responses to the assigned work objectives
>-- -- are the applicants who will receive serious consideration for
>filling the vacant position.
>Best Wishes,
>Wesley
>Wesley S. Creel
>Administrator of Programs
>Pink Palace Family of Museums
>3050 Central Avenue
>Memphis, TN 38111
>www.memphismuseums.org
>Office 901.636.2370  new telephone number
>FAX 901.636.2391  new FAX number
>
>Please consider including the Pink Palace Family of Museums in your
>charitable giving plans
>along with your other charitable interests.
>Please visit all our great facilities as well as our website:
>www.memphismuseums.org Our mission: The Pink Palace Family of Museums
>inspires people to learn how history.science, technology and nature shape
>the mid-South. Through rich collections, thought-provoking exhibitions,
>and engaging programs, we encourage our diverse community to reflect on
>the past, understand the present, and influence the future
>
>
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
>Behalf Of Deb Fuller
>Sent: Friday, September 07, 2012 9:12 AM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Continue working in a museum vs. Museum studies
>Master
>
>On Thu, Sep 6, 2012 at 4:13 PM, Hingham Historical Society
><[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
>> On the other side of the coin, I have hired dozens of staff and
>>volunteers over the years, and  I have found that academic degrees are
>>the least reliable determinant of a person's qualifications and ability
>>to get the job done. I assume other museum CEOs have had the same
>>experience.
>
>Thank you for saying this. Academic degrees are very valuable but I feel
>too many people are putting themselves into debt to get degrees which are
>not paying off in the long run. Get solid work experience and THEN start
>looking at advanced degrees. I also see no problem with certificates. I
>don't think we have enough of them here in the States.
>Everything is overkill with degree inflation. Soon people will need PhDs
>just to be a secretary.
>
>Deb Fuller
>
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