Hi Emily,

A few thoughts - from the British perspective, although I don't expect it will 
differ too much from the American ones!

1. What does "certificate program" actually mean i.e. what certification will 
you be awarded on completion? I have heard American Museum Studies 
students say that you really need to be awarded a Masters Degree to 'cut the 
ice' - but no doubt American site members will comment on that seperately: 
things may have moved on!

2. Consider why you want to break into the Museum field - at all. If you want 
to become rich - you are looking in the wrong place! If you are looking for 
intellectual satisfaction and want to do something that will benefit the 
community at large, you are looking in the right place - but be prepared to 'roll 
your sleeves up' and get down in the engine room, deal with politics, ethics 
and hone your negotiating skills! That's no different to any other environment!

3. As in any sector, you need to work on your 'Unique Selling Points' (USP's) as 
my bretheren in the Marketing World would say. I'm an Accountant with 
extensive Retail experience - as well as having a Masters in Museum Studies - 
that makes me a somewhat unusual creature, over this side of the pond 
anyway! If you have financial, computer, marketing, retail, or procurement 
skills there are all valuable commodities to help you get a foot in the door!

4. If you can, do some volunteer work in a museum whilst undertaking your 
Certificate Program - this will not only build up your experience of the museum 
sector (thus enabling you to present yourself better at interview) but also help 
you identifify areas in the sector where you may may be able to apply your 
skills to benefit: and think wide! Language proficiency, experience of working 
with those with learning disabilities, travel to other countries and exposure to 
different cultures - these should all help.

Good luck!

Regards,

Jerry Symonds - Senior Internal Auditor
Historic Royal Palaces
Surrey, England

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