Let's remember, too, that most of us have strong "liberal arts" degree and an
individual can transfer those skills and experience to other fields. There
are many jobs related
to the museum field in public relations, tourism (heritage, cultural,
ecotourism) and so forth. There may be jobs in exhibit planning, fabrication
companies, convention centers, chamber of commerce.....there are jobs for
special event organizers, and their are grant writing skills corporate and
nonprofit organizations want...experience and trade skills many of us have.
Folks us museum folks are a multitalented group of people! <smiles> These
skills can be adapted and used for "any" job out there. Of course, we all
want to work with museums, but let's now sell ourselves down the tube. Yes,
and many of us have MS and Ph.D. degrees, but we like the low pay, the long
hours and the many challenges that the museum professional allows us to have.
Yes, as just mentioned, computer skills are REQUIRED and a good post. My
great grand typing teacher once told me back in Jr. High School that you can
always use your typing skills, and when computers came along....all my
training in typing and computers
got me in the door.
Yes, VOLUNTEER!!! Yes, Network, Network, and Network...and take your resume
along with you. "Thank you so much for allowing me to talk with you today,
and here is a copy of my resume just in case you know of anyone who may be
interested in looking at my experience and skills." Friends, possible
employers, etc., like to see
a person who comes prepared. And of course, follow up on those networking
interviews with a THANK YOU letter!!! (hand written are better than
type...looks more personal). And be sure to ask..."Do you have anyone else
in mind that may be able to help me get some ideas about where I can go in my
field?" Otherwise, keep asking others of where a job may be.....
Then to know the employer (or museum) you are applying for is an important
factor that should be part of an "unofficial guide." Look at books the
employer or museum
has about their organization, do some investigation on their goals, their
mission...and understand where they are going. YOU want to be a help,
bring new ideas, bring them more money, and be an excellent new employee.
This is called "selling yourself".....so sell yourself. Have a
presentation----you are what they
want!!! You got the power!! You are the person for the job! Be assertive!
Pump yourself up.... BUT do your homework. Don't walk into an interview
and not know ANYTHING about the museum. "Golly...you collect frogs?" "What
type of frogs?" <smiles>
And last...polish up your resume!!!! Make sure there are NO mistakes. no
speloing misstokes. <smile> And REFINE EACH RESUME TO EACH JOB YOU APPLY.
Use KEY words from the particular job you are applying for from you find in
their add or job description. I have also used a "job coach" in the
past...and it has helped me with my interviewing, resume, build my skills in
working with possible new employers, and so on..... It was well worth it!
Well, now that I have given away all my key ways I get jobs...there will be
nothing
for me left out there to move into. Please save me a few jobs hmmmm?
<<smiles>>
John Martinson, Curator, This Is The Place Heritage Park
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