Meghan,
For my two cents...
You bring up a good point, which happens to be one of my pet peeves in
reviewing applications. If your degree involves a certificate in museum
studies, then say so clearly on your resume. Do not cite it as a full
degree in museum studies/science if it is not. I know the difference, as do
most of you guys, and I find it offensive when applicants make that
assertion. Besides, individuals should stress the diverse education
provided by such a degree. Such diversity is a large positive on a resume.
Timing is definitely a big part of it. Applicants will often have to wait
to find the right combination of location, instituion, and experience.
Having that other potential source of employment/skill is critical in that
waiting period. Or at least a willingness to do other stuff to make ends
meet.
Mark Janzen
Registrar/Collections Manager
Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art
Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection
Wichita State University
(316)978-5850
Meghan McGinnes
<mmmcginnes@HOTMA
IL.COM> To
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<[log in to unmask]
SE.LSOFT.COM> Subject
Finding entry level employment
05/14/2004 11:06
AM
Please respond to
Museum discussion
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<[log in to unmask]
SE.LSOFT.COM>
As one of the lucky few who did manage to find gainful museum employment
after receiving my graduate degree, I just want to say that a lot of luck
and good timing is necessary beyond the education and experience. I
actually got a Master of Applied Anthropology degree (focus in Historical
Archaeology) and a Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies and Material
Culture a year ago. I'm firmly convinced that it was the broad scope of my
experiences (education and previous employment) that secured me the
position
(plus it left me open to other fields in case I didn't find a museum job).
But, I think that there was luck involved; I happened to be at the right
place at the right time.
I guess my two cents--the job market does stink, but there are jobs out
there. You might have to do temp work or even get a job in an unrelated
field, but DON'T GIVE UP. If this is what you want to do, then make it
happen any way you can. I'm glad I chose this field, even with all the
downfalls (and there are worse downfalls, like being stuck in a job that,
while it pays the bills, you despise). Almost all fields have these
problems right now, not just ours.
Best of luck to everyone who's looking for a museum job, whether you are
new
or a seasoned veteran,
Meghan
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