Yes to volunteering.  I did it, and loved it.  Helped me decide whether
I even wanted to get into the field.  I still do it.

I make heavy use of volunteers, who are apparently some of the most
wonderful people on the planet.

Of course, if you're giving your time freely, you should do it for love
of the institution, or the field, or the discipline, or some other such
motivator.  If you do it strictly to get a job or put a line on your
resume, you'll find that volunteerism comes with no more guarantees of
employment than formal education does.

however, I must disagree with Ms. Coffey.  I know many people in the
museum field without Master's Degrees.  Including myself.

Bear in mind that jobs advertised nationally are almost never truly
"entry-level."  Entry-level jobs tend to be things like Administrative
Assistant; Security Guard; Cashier; Store Clerk; Preparator.  They may
be in departments like Membership, Development, Operations, etc., far
removed from your ultimate goal.  But these need not be impediments to
achieving that goal.  You can always switch departments when something
opens up (thus, making you the "inside candidate").  I know many folks
who've done it.  Myself included.

Eugene Dillenburg
Lead Developer, Philippines Coral Reef exhibit
John G. Shedd Aquarium
1200 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois  60605

V:      (312) 692-3136
F:      (312) 939-8001
e:      [log in to unmask]

"After five years, they give me a brush."

-- M. Python, Episode 12, 1969