Frustrating as it is to devote scarce time and energy to supervising interns who love history but don't plan to stay in the museum field, you might think of it as an investment in future audiences, museum members, board members, and supporters. Easy for me to say, since it's not my investment of time, but I've known some interns through the years who didn't become museum professionals but are fine citizens, nevertheless, and have a good understanding of our field. Ultimately you're weighing the short-term benefit of an intern with the long-term benefits, which you may not reap. But that's true if they go into the museum profession, too.
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Amy Killpatrick Fox
Museum Educator
Bureau of Historic Sites & Museums, PHMC
Commonwealth Keystone Building
400 North St.
Harrisburg, PA 17120
717/772-1967
Website: www.patrailsofhistory.com
Blog: Trailheads--http://patrailheads.blogspot.com
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-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Christa McCay
Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 12:09 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Is a love of history enough for interns?
Hello All,
My question is about interns. After having recently interviewing over
20 interns for the summer semester (fyi, we are a staff of 4 and will
have more interns then staff at the Museum this summer), I have begun
to feel that potential interns think that a love of history is enough
to get them a position. Is it really enough?
I have begun to feel that no it?s not. Often times they don?t have
the experience with basic computer programs or with graphic design
programs (mainly exhibits and marketing interns). I understand with
this economy getting an internship and experience is the best for
their resume and for getting a job after college. Also I understand
that people need to start their experience somewhere,but most of these
students don?t want to be in the Museum world when they graduate and
often times assume that they will get to ?play? with cool artifacts
all day. We all know that the truth is, there is a lot of paperwork
involved with maintaining a collection along with data entry, both of
which are not glamorous or very exciting.
I know that our job is to teach interns but like many of us, we are
juggling multiple tasks to make up for the positions that are
currently empty and can?t be filled due to budget. Our teaching and
training time is limited. I do want to have interns with a passion
for history but also a passion to work in Museums. I sometimes feel
like my time was wasted trying to teach and train someone who just
wanted to do this for fun.
I am sorry if this sounds like whining or sour grapes but I would like
to know from others if a love of history is enough?
Sincerely,
Christa McCay, M.H.P.
Registrar
Marietta Museum of History
1 Depot Street, Ste. 200
Marietta, GA 30060
770-794-5726
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