I started as a volunteer and worked for our support group. I learned so
much about the operation. I volunteered for different committees - it
didn't matter what it was - if I could help, I did. I gained experience and
a network of professionals that knew my work. Now I also have my dream job
and it is not what I started out to do in the museum world - I went from
Visitor Services to Collections. You'll find the museum folks from all over
the country are family and will open their hearts to a fellow museum person.
So hang in there.
Marlene Minshew
Historic Site Manager II
Manager, Admin Services/Collections
NC Transportation Museum
411 S Salisbury Avenue
Spencer, NC 28159
Tel: 704-636-2889 ext 225
Fax: 704-639-1881
www.nctrans.org
My opinions may not be those of this agency.
E-mail to and from me, in connection with the transaction of public
business, is subject to the NC Public Records Law and may be disclosed to
third parties.
_____
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Ware Petznick
Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2007 9:58 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Advice for Entry Level Applicants?
Jennifer,
I would be happy to have a look at your cv/letter, not as an expert but as
another opinion. Keep trying. It can take years to get that first paid
museum position. If you are willing to move, that is a great start. You must
be sure that this industry is something you love and one that you can
contribute to positively.
It is not just a job to me - it is a compulsion. That is why I moved,
volunteered, and temped (gained other experiences) until that wonderful call
came to be curator. If you are committed to working in this field, keep
working so that your resume better reflects what positions you want. Need
more publications? Work on that while you apply. In the end, what you can do
for a future employer will be evident. If you are committed to working in a
museum, it will be worth it.
Best of luck to you!
Ware
L.W.S. Petznick, Ph.D.
McFaddin-Ward House
Curator of Collections
725 N. Third St.
Beaumont, TX 77701
[log in to unmask]
409.832.1906 p 409.832.3483 f
SAVE THE DATE for Who Else Lived Here? The Historic House Museum Conference
Nov 1-3, 2007 in Beaumont, Texas at the Hotel Elegante. $125 Registration,
$89 special room rate for conference. <http://www.mcmelegantebeaumont.com>
www.mcmelegantebeaumont.com
The McFaddin-Ward House features three floors of original furnishings,
including a newly restored third floor. Explore the McFaddins' world in the
years surrounding the First World War for "Foxtrots and Foxholes"
throughout 2007. Call 409-832-2134 for tour information.
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Jennifer Harris
Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 8:53 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Advice for Entry Level Applicants?
Hello,
I've recently graduated with a MA in Museum Studies from the George
Washington University and have been quite actively pursuing a variety
of entry level positions in museums.
I'm writing in search of advice or guidance. I have respectable
internships (registering artifacts at the British Museum, working in
archives at the Marlborough Gallery, and working as a curatorial
assistant at Hillwood Mansion), a high GPA, BA in Art History and
English Writing (with Honors), yet am having very little to no luck
breaking into the museum world.
I've been actively looking for months now and do not want to believe
that it really comes down solely to 'who you know.'
If anyone has a bit of extra time, I would love to send my letter of
interest
and CV in hopes of receiving any suggestions
for improvement. I imagine there are other entry level applicants who
could use the help as well...
Any words of encouragement, advice, or personal experiences would be
very, very appreciated.
With determination and many thanks,
Jennifer Harris
GWU Museum Studies Graduate
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The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).
If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).
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