Alex, all of us started out with the exact same problem. Past jobs are
experience even if they are not in museums.

Honestly I would say to take the job offer you have and volunteer on a
weekend, save up some money and take a class. Most likely that job offers
experience that you can apply, whether it is data entry, customer service
or driving a pallet jack.

Education isnt everything, experience isnt everything, personality, talent,
and marketing yourself to the right people are also a part. volunteering is
a great start, but I personally would never recommend choosing poverty as a
way to start a career if you have another route you can take, you may even
get tuition benefits, etc. with a job that would pay for classes or even
your whole degree.
On Apr 17, 2012 5:43 PM, "Daniel Lay" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> I have a history student as an exhibit intern this semester. He's really
> sharp with building mounts and handling artwork. He's a great asset to have
> for a few months. Last semester, he didn't know he wanted to work in a
> museum, but in the three months he's been working here, he knows that's
> what he wants to do. He didn't even know building exhibitions was a career
> option. So this internship is shaping his life, and adding a good
> professional to our field.
>
> I've turned down interns who I thought would be black hole of staff time.
> But if a student is professional, and has good follow-up, I'll take a risk
> on them.
>
> Daniel
>
> On Tue, Apr 17, 2012 at 11:34 AM, John Marks <
> [log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
>> My best intern of all time loved history, but she REALLY loved having
>> things in order - her cataloging and organizational skills were impeccable.
>> You should definitely ask if they love [the tasks you really need done] -
>> yes, there will be history along the way, but s/he needs to looovvee doing
>> layout for publications, or scanning photos, or doing marketing. A love of
>> history is why we apply our skills to this career, but we have to love
>> doing certain tasks, too. (yeah, yeah, "love" is stretching it some days, I
>> know....)
>>
>> John Marks
>> Curator of Collections & Exhibits
>> Geneva (NY) Historical Society
>>
>>
>> On 4/17/2012 12:09 PM, Christa McCay wrote:
>>
>>> Hello All,
>>>
>>> My question is about interns.  After having recently interviewing over
>>> 20 interns for the summer semester (fyi, we are a staff of 4 and will have
>>> more interns then staff at the Museum this summer), I have begun to feel
>>> that potential interns think that a love of history is enough to get them a
>>> position.  Is it really enough?
>>> I have begun to feel that no it?s not.  Often times they don?t have the
>>> experience with basic computer programs or with graphic design programs
>>> (mainly exhibits and marketing interns).  I understand with this economy
>>> getting an internship and experience is the best for their resume and for
>>> getting a job after college.  Also I understand that people need to start
>>> their experience somewhere,but most of these students don?t want to be in
>>> the Museum world when they graduate and often times assume that they will
>>> get to ?play? with cool artifacts all day.  We all know that the truth is,
>>> there is a lot of paperwork involved with maintaining a collection along
>>> with data entry, both of which are not glamorous or very exciting.
>>> I know that our job is to teach interns but like many of us, we are
>>> juggling multiple tasks to make up for the positions that are currently
>>> empty and can?t be filled due to budget.  Our teaching and training time is
>>> limited.  I do want to have interns with a passion for history but also a
>>> passion to work in Museums.  I sometimes feel like my time was wasted
>>> trying to teach and train someone who just wanted to do this for fun.
>>>
>>> I am sorry if this sounds like whining or sour grapes but I would like
>>> to know from others if a love of history is enough?
>>>
>>> Sincerely,
>>>
>>>
>>> Christa McCay, M.H.P.
>>> Registrar
>>> Marietta Museum of History
>>> 1 Depot Street, Ste. 200
>>> Marietta, GA 30060
>>> 770-794-5726
>>>
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>
>
> --
> Daniel J. Lay
> Preparator, Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art
> 405.878.5606
> 1900 W. MacArthur
> Shawnee, OK 74804
>
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