Good Morning Christina,
As someone who as hired dozens of dozens of museum staff (i.e.
directors, managers, supervisors, curators, educators, conservators,
designers, etc...)-- I am more impressed with overall knowledge of
museum work as demonstrated by past experiences, a record of teamwork
successes, and a positive attitude.  To be honest -- a "big-name grad
program" might get you an interview, but doesn't guarantee you a job....
or keeping a job!
As I told my kids when they went to university -- go anywhere that
prevents you from going into debt.... because.... after a few years on
the job, NOBODY (e.g., who makes decisions, regarding hiring or job
performance evaluation) cares about where you went to college
(undergraduate or graduate).
Best Wishes for Success!
Wesley (Leicester 1972)
Wesley S. Creel
Administrator of Programs
Pink Palace Family of Museums
Memphis, TN 
www.memphismuseums.org
office 901.320.6370

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Christina Garretson
Sent: Thursday, August 12, 2010 11:47 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: prestige vs. pragmatism

Hi listers,
     I'm getting ready to go to grad school for museum studies, and I'm
wondering, does a big-name grad program pay off in the museum field? I'm
very close to what I understand is a strong (but not big-name) program,
so there's certainly some pragmatic incentive to go there. I'm also
looking into schools like George Washington, Oxford, Columbia, etc., but
the cost and logistics involved are difficult if not prohibitive. I did
a very expensive undergrad degree for the sake of the program's ranking,
and I don't want to do that again unless I'm sure it's worthwhile. So
now I'm wondering to what degree (if any), a bigger-name grad program
could open doors for me that a smaller-name program couldn't. 
     So, my question is to you, how helpful to your museum career is the
prestige of your grad program? Is it worth the expense?
Any thoughts much appreciated!

Best,
-Christina

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