Tracy, et al,

Most of us had to deal with similar situations, although you are dealing
with a difficult job market as well. Although experience is important, it
is not necessarily the only factor involved in hiring for a position. If
you are interested in a position, you should definitely apply. Grad studies
are often looked at as some of that experience. The biggest factor will be
your ability to tailor yourself to the job. Never send out form letters.
Tell the institution why you want to work there and what you will be able
to do for them if hired for said job. Call them and ask questions. Get
yourself on their proverbial radar. The point is to get the interview and
an opportunity to show them who you are in person.

All of us are looking for qualified help, as well as people to train.
Unfortunately, most of us are not going to be able to pay. However those
references can be critical to a successful application. Internships and
such are also great, but equally competitive.

One little secret, which is really not a secret, is do not wait for the
advertisement of a position opening. Market yourself, contact organizations
you are interested in and ask if they are hiring or if they have
opportunities for training and experience. MANY are not advertised, and you
do yourselves a disservice by waiting and only applying to advertised
positions. Said advertised positions are also going to tend to be above
true entry level, with requirements that recent grads can not meet. Do not
let that discourage you.

My advice is keep applying, and do not limit yourself if you can avoid it.
Geographic and professional flexibility will take you a long way.

Good luck.

Mark Janzen
Registrar/Collections Manager
Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art
Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection
Wichita State University
(316)978-5850


                                                                           
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I am a graduate student in a Public History program, and I will be
graduating in June.  I am looking for possible employment opportunities and
have noticed that experience seems to be my biggest downfall.  I have done
a museum and archival internship along with some work on a HABS project
during my two years in school, but I never seem to have the amount of
experience needed for many of the jobs posted.
Is there a way to find a job in this field where someone would be willing
to take a chance on someone who has just graduated and is looking for
experience?  Are there places that are willing to train and work with you
to develop and improve the skills that are learned in school?  Should I
apply for a job that requests more experience than I have in the hopes that
maybe they will be willing to hire me anyway?  These are some of the
questions I am hoping someone here can help me with.
Any help from people who have been in my situation would be of great help
to me.

Tracy L.

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