Hi Gabrielle,

     As someone who completed an M.A. in Museum Studies in the D.C. area
     (George Washington University), took several classes taught by
     Smithsonian staff, did internships at the Smithsonian and even worked
     for the Smithsonian for two years (in grants administration - not what
     I went to school for) -- I have yet to get a job at the Smithsonian
     doing what I want to do.  I wish after all those years I was able to
     figure out the secrets on how to break through the "red tape" to get a
     job at the Smithsonian.  Like anywhere else, sometimes it all depends
     on who you know.  I do know of people who have gotten jobs (temporary,
     grant-funded, etc.) after doing lots of free labor for the Smithsonian
     through internships or volunteering.  Unfortunately, the Smithsonian,
     like all government agencies, is limited in the amount of jobs they
     have funding for.  So, even if you have all of the right connections
     it won't help if they don't have any open positions.

     My best advise would be to regularly check USA Jobs
     (www.usajobs.opm.gov) for Smithsonian/government job openings.  Since
     your application has to go to through a central personnel office, it
     might be a good idea to find out who at the museum/office the job is
     with and send an extra copy of your application directly to him/her.
     Personally, I'm not too trusting of central personnel offices.  Then
     you just have to sit and wait.  The hiring process at the Smithsonian
     and other government agencies takes AT LEAST 3 months, oftentimes
     longer.  So, start early and good luck!

     Laura

     >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

     Laura M. Mahoney
     NAGPRA Consultant
     Archeology & Ethnography Program
     National Park Service
     Washington, DC
     (202) 343-1095
     (202) 343-5260 FAX
     [log in to unmask]

     -----------------------------------------------


     I am completing my M.A. in History from UMASS with a certificate in
     Public History.  In addition to my education background, I have
     experience working at a house museum doing both administrative duties
     (including collections management) and education programming.
     Finally, I also have two years of teaching experience (including
     Native American History, Early American History, Latin American
     History) at the college level.
     In three months, I will have finished the coursework for my program.
     I am following all of your general job seekers suggestions but I have
     a specific question.  How do I increase my chances for a job at one of
     the branches of the Smithsonian?  Seeing that it is a government
     institution, is there anyway to break through the "red tape" to
     increase my chances or is it like a lottery? Thanks for helping us new
     comers enter the field that we love.

     Gabrielle Burke