Allison Pultz wrote:

> I agree that you need to assess what exactly you want to do. If you want to
> be a curator, you will need at least a masters degree in art history. Or
> Perhaps you would be interested in arts programming.  Taking an internship
> or other like work at a museum or other cultural organization might help you
> make that decision.

Another reason I would encourage an internship or volunteering with a museum in your area is not only to hone in on what you want to do, but also to clarify what you need to be able to do it. I started graduate school in museum studies (which was a wonderful experience and all) and
started meeting people in the field who were doing what I wanted who had gotten there by working hard and earning their points, not by a pile of degrees. Other people said I was wasting my time getting a museum studies degree when what I really needed was a PhD in history. I continued
on the museum studies track and by a twist of luck am doing close to what I wanted, but things could have just as easily gone the other way.

A graduate degree is alot of time and money, and although it is a worthwhile experience, it is always a good idea to make sure your money is going to benefit you exactly as you want to. You'll rarely pick the destination for a car trip without first at least glancing at a map, think
of your career the same way.

Good luck,

Pamela Feltus

Historian
The History Factory
14140 Parke Long Court
Chantilly, VA 20151-1649
703-631-0500

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