Dear List! My opinion is a foreign one as I work in Mexico. It's very interesting to see how we share similar problems even us are prone to think that you don't struggle with financial cuts, underpaid staff and all things you've mentioned. But, at list you have a forum to discuss it and to share similar experiences, something is very hard to find in Mexico where job offers are not open in Listservs or in job list as AAM and others you've enlisted, and where it is REALLY important to know the right people.
I want to add three things about all that has been said.
1. Networking has been very useful for me, not exactly to get a job but for professionalize myself asking questions to experts and at the same time letting them to know me. People in this Listservs have been very kind sharing their ideas and I’ve met wonderful people otherwise I would not.
2. I think it’s good to look at job descriptions and try to get training in the required areas of the position you want to be in. So, first you have to know what you want (as other person said before) this could be done while you are in other job or as a volunteer. In my case as I am in the evaluation field I'm trying to complete my preparation in all areas an evaluation job description has, not that I'm looking for a job right now, but to know, and to be the qualified people this field needs. And who knows? to get that position later.
3. Finally, I recommend the book "Good to great and the social sectors" (Jim Collins, 2005) my boss let to me. It helped me understand why museum profession struggle with such things as financial problems and why if I want to work in this field I have to accept less payment than positions in business sector. But, at the same time it shows how we can be better in what we're doing and do not assume financial scenario is going to change (especially in my country). It says it is not enough to be good, you need to be great!
----- Mensaje original ----
De: Kevin Schlesier <[log in to unmask]>
Para: [log in to unmask]
Enviado: jueves, 1 de febrero, 2007 14:49:13
Asunto: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Occupational Guidance
Emily,
No silver bullet, just some more comments.
So far I've heard great advice on flexibility of location, putting in
your time for no pay, the value of training, and of course the
importance of networking. I agree with them, especially the networking
one and the relocation. Both of those explain how a boy from the land of
Pizza (Long Island) would up in the land of Tobacco, (North Carolina) by
way of the land of, well traffic (northern Virginia).
And of course, we've heard how many museums do not pay well, and are
suited to those of us looking for a lifestyle by where a spouse/partner
assists with income, or by which we think driving a 1972 Honda civic
with no exhaust isn't a big deal. But you seem to want more, like
groceries, so here goes: you might consider NOT working in a museum.
Your original post states: "I’m looking for a job in a museum". My
advice is to try to distill what it is you want to DO in the museum,
then figure out if you can do it somewhere else, be it a for-profit,
different kind of non-profit, or other something else where there might
be jobs. You answer might lead you down interesting, and even
profitable, avenues. Although my love of artifacts and material culture
got me interested in museum studies, it turns out what I liked about the
work the best was not the stuff, but the process (both creative and
administrative) and the collaboration. With my Masters in Museum Studies
fresh in my 24 year old hands I landed a job working in a Library
creating exhibitions. 6 years and one job switch later, I am still in
libraries, have learned to see books as artifacts, and have transferred
most, if not all, of my skills and interests into my current career. Of
course strangers still ask when I am going to get a job like Ross on
Friends, but whatever.
So my question to you is, do you want a job in a museum, or do you want
a job packing artifacts, perhaps designing labels, or is it writing
text, maybe cleaning paintings, or whipping a project schedule into
shape, or are you a theatrical type who secretly desires to lead tours
dressed up in colonial garb ranting about how evil the British are? Do
you like the public, or do you fear the public and hope to hide in the
basement polishing old silver?
Think about WHAT you want to do day in a day out, then figure out WHERE
you want to do it. Maybe you'll wind up in a museum, maybe doing fund
raising for a cool non-profit, maybe you'll wind up being a project
manager at an architects firm.
Either way, the funny thing about this is as soon as you know exactly
what you want to do, I bet you'll whip your resume into shape to reflect
this, and it will be a stronger document. You'll also be a stronger
candidate at interviews.
Sample Interview Question: Why did you apply for the Job?
Possible Answer 1: I've always loved museums. I've known since my
kindergarten that I've wanted to work in one
Possible Answer 2: I see stories in artifacts, places, and people,
stories that need to be told in order to instill in the people of the
present the urgency and vibrancy of the past. When I put on that
tri-corner hat I get so mad at the British it suddenly IS 1776 and I am
willing to sacrifice life and home for my cause.
Might work, dunno.
Oh yeah, and know how to write grants...
Anyway, best wishes.
Kevin
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> *From:* Emily Milot [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> *Sent:* Wednesday, January 31, 2007 9:43 PM
> *Subject:* Occupational Guidance
>
> Dear List:
>
> I’ve been reading your comments for some months now, and I appreciate
> all of the help and support that you give one another. And I was
> hoping that some of you might have some guidance for me.
>
> The truth is that I’m looking for a job in a museum. I’ve been
> applying for jobs all over my area for the past three years – ever
> since I started taking museum studies courses -- but I can’t quite
> seem to do whatever it is that gets someone hired into the museum field.
>
> I’ve heard a lot of advice through the years. Everything from it’s all
> about meeting the right people to if I could just hold out just a few
> more years and maybe someone will retire or die and I could get one of
> their jobs. I’ve written and rewritten my resume and cover letter.
> I’ve tried to show my enthusiastic, and I’ve done as much volunteer
> work as I can for many years. But the only jobs that I’ve gotten
> either don’t pay a living wage (i.e. allow me to pay rent, buy
> groceries and have some kind of health benefits) or are seasonal.
>
> So, I decided to do something that I have never done before and ask
> all of you. What else can I do? What’s the silver bullet? How did you
> get your jobs? When you’re hiring someone, what do you look for?
>
> I appreciate any advice you can give me based on your experiences.
> I’ve purposely left my own skills and experience vague because I don’t
> want to seem like I’ve got my hand out looking for a job from one of
> you. But, if it would be helpful to know a little more about me, I can
> always send you my resume. J Just kidding.
>
> Emily Milot
>
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--
Kevin P. Schlesier
Exhibits and Outreach Librarian
Special Collections Research Center
North Carolina State University Libraries
2205 Hillsborough Street
Campus Box 7111
Raleigh, NC 27695-7111
919-513-8087 (phone)
[log in to unmask]
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