Monica,

Good points.  Save (something I did not do at at early age --- and I'm a 
touch older) is
very important in "any" career path.

In our field, too, when seeking work there are many other fields that are 
closely related
to museum work, not to mention positions with local, state, federal and 
private agencies
directly related to museums.  One cannot just look at regular museums, and 
feel the
field is closed.  There are many large corporations who have archives, 
exhibits, collections,
etc.  There is the National Parks, BLM, Forest Service.

But, for the beginner, going to school and would like to get in the field -- 
volunteer.  Get
some experience behind you.  Take classes, get involved in community 
fund-raising groups.
Museums like and need to raise money.  Public relations?  work for a 
non-profit doing their
press releases?  Get management teams by directing volunteers.   Graphics -- 
do some
computer work for non-profits or museums in your community.  They always 
need volunteers.

Then, take any class that is closely related to museum work.  Museum work is 
not all
about "curators" -- but tourism, recreation, education, outreach, promotion, 
preservation,
graphics/communications  --- the field is becoming more diverse.

Myself, I did volunteer work with my employer.  That led me to volunteering 
at a local
federal National Historic Site.  Great -- great experience and references!  
I organized two
non-profit groups -- with one group now over 200 members and been around 
since 1988.
It has raised thousands of dollars for the community.  I served on various 
boards --- great
experience!  I put on more than 30/40 community events and fund raising 
events.  I
raised money for non-profit groups.  I did public presentations for Niki, 
Meir & Franks,
National Park, and served as (volunteer) Public Manager for a National Park 
Friends group.
I did living history programs working with major national and community 
events.  I volunteered
at a local (state) Historical Society.  I took many classes on writing oral 
histories, Native
American Art, Grant Writing, Jewish cultures, Native American culture and 
art, proposal
writing, etc.  This I did working for an employer non-related to museum 
work.  But, they
wanted our involvement in the community.   I also earned my BS in History 
during that
time, and served in the military reserves, getting training on journalism 
and photography.

I went from working in the telecommunication field to directing a museum.  
Worked as
Asst. Director of a non-profit foundation.  Then Curator of Collections for 
a large Living
History Park, taught school (when jobs were slow), and now work for the 
federal government
in a museum related job.  I now have a MS in Museology/Museum Studies, plus 
30+ hours
in graduate work in public relations.

Course, I am worried about my career -- with the "museum" field very 
unstable in enduring
positions for the long term due to budgets, etc.  So, one must always seek 
higher levels,
and always train, volunteer, work, get more education.   One must improve as 
we age, to
be the best that we can be.

Consequently, what got me into this field  -- and I only had a degree in 
History -- was
getting out into the community and volunteering, and getting some GOOD 
references
for my resume.   I credit that -- not my degree.  I also worked with a job 
counselor who
helped me fine-tune my resume even more.   I also had a good support group.  
  It takes
work.  And yes, jobs "outside" the basic museum field do pay more...and you 
can still work in the museum field.   So, don't trap yourself thinking a 
"museum" is the only place you can work.  I spread out my wings -- and have 
constantly looked outside the "box"  --- it is a big wide wonderful world 
out there.  Expand your thoughts...explore your dreams --- and you can reach 
them.

Cheers!

John
Boise, ID

om: "Simpson, Monica" <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Occupational Guidance
>Date: Thu, 1 Feb 2007 09:46:49 -0500
>
>I'm 50 and have been working in the field for about 20 years.   I have a
>Master's in History Museum Studies.  I am married and my husband, a
>teacher, makes twice my pay.  So as a (snip)

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