Jenifer-
I also have a BA in art history. I went to graduate
school thinking I was going to be an Art History
professor but after an internship, I fell in love with
the museum world.  Unfortunately, I sent out my first
resume at 7:50am on September 11 2001. Over the next
year, I sent out over three hundred resumes and
individually written cover letters.  I got a total of
seven acknowledgements that my application was
received.  I did not get one interview.  I consulted
this list and several wonderful people helped me
rework my resume.  They gave me tips on how to
approach the museums.  I sent out fifty or sixty more
applications to no avail.  I was willing to move
anywhere and I did not have salary requirements.  I
had three fantastic letters of reference (one from a
museum, one from a gallery, and one from a professor).
 I had four years of art gallery experience.
Frustrated and broke I had to move home with my
parents.  I finally found a part time job as the
director of art education at a non-profit dedicated to
helping at risk inner city children.  I was paid
$10.00 per hour (25 hours a week) however, quickly
this turned into 40 hours a week although I was still
only being paid for 25.
Fed up, I quit and went to art appraisal school at
NYU.  When I returned home I started my own
art/antiques appraisal business and have since become
successful and very happy.
If I could do it over I would not.  Although I have a
wonderful education I feel I squandered one and a half
years trying to find a job in a field that is
saturated with applicants in a poor economy.  If you
don't have something on your resume that makes you
very very different from everyone else your chances
are very slim for finding a job.  If you do find a job
you will spend the next few years making $10-$12 an
hour.
I still love the museums and I think that the people
on this list are an invaluable resource.  However, I
suggest you weigh your options and try to figure out
if there is something else that you could do that
would make you just as happy.
Good luck

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