Thank you so much for this incredibly supportive message directed to
those of us searching!  I am finding what you said to be true.  My 6
years of experience is in the Corporate World and I am trying to
transition into non-profit.  Some people balk but others respond very
well.

When looking at various position openings it is sometimes quite esy to
talk yourslef out of even applying because you don't match up exactly.
I am finding that museum people in particular take notice even when the
quals aren't exact - more exchanging of experience and degrees allowed.

THanks for the words of wisdom!
Maggie


>Date:         Fri, 18 Dec 1998 17:38:19 PST
>Reply-To:     Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]>
>From:         Robert Lopata <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject:      Re: advice on internships &/or employment
>To:           [log in to unmask]
>
>Don't be discouraged by the level of experience sought in ads. The
>education and level of experience required within the museum field is
>generally out of whack not only with the pay but with reality in
>general. My experience has generally been that, regarding entry level
>positions, museums will end up settling for about one fourth what they
>ask in their ad (i.e. they want 2 years development experience=you
>worked in the gallery at school for a semester, or they want someone
>with a masters=you have a B.A..
>
>There are more jobs in museums and fewer people trying to fill these
>positions. Certainly, the more favorable your qualifications the better
>your chances. But with a job market in this sort of situation, the best
>thing you can do is network like crazy and put yourself in the right
>place at the right time.
>
>Don't rule out internships. You may be making only a little less money
>and you'll be in a better position to taylor the experience to your own
>learning goals.
>
>If you're really driven things will happen for you. Short staffing in
>most museums will give you a good opportunity to learn about all sorts
>of things simply because there's too much work for the size of the
>staff. As a result you almost always are provided with an opportunity
to
>demostrate your skills and initiative.
>
>There's a huge downside to museums (pay, job security...) but if you
>don't let that bog you down you'll have a huge advantage over those who
>do, but choose to stay within the field anyway- and there are a lot of
>them.
>
>Good luck.
>
>-Rob
>[log in to unmask]
>
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