Hello--as always, I've been following this particular museum employment thread
with interest.  When I graduated from college about 10 years ago, there was no
website where you could go to search for jobs at the Smithsonian--you had to
call in (and the call was not toll-free) and wade through interminable menus and
options read by the world's slowest talker to hear the details of jobs that
might be suitable.  My average monthly phone bill my last semester of college
was astronomical!

However, one day a lightbulb clicked on and I realized that the National Gallery
of Art, though a federal institution, was not a Smithsonian entity.  They had
their own human resources department, and their own job line, which was still
not toll-free, but infinitely easier to negotiate.  While going down the roster
of entry-level jobs, a position as secretary for one of the curatorial offices
came up.  I put my pride on hold, applied for the job, and spent two years
working for a brilliant curator who still serves as a model scholar and
professional I try to emulate.  A lot of doors have opened as a result of that
"lowly" job.  I guess that what I am trying to say, as many others have, is that
willingness to start at the very bottom can help you eventually float closer to
the top, even in the government bureaucracy.  Instead of focusing solely on
"curator" jobs, be openminded as you look, and consider jobs that may bring you
into contact with the curators and departments where you'd like to work.  There
may not be funds to hire the third museum technician, but someone has to answer
the phones and open the mail.

All best, and good luck to all those currently seeking employment,
Christian Carr

Director, Sweet Briar Museum
Assistant Professor, Arts Management
Sweet Briar College, Sweet Briar, VA 

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