Ariane,

Take it from someone who has seen the issue from both sides: if you can
get the graduate degree, do it! I began my career in natural history
museums by "working my way up" in a large institution, from a high school
volunteer to a full-time professional position as a collections manager.
After many happy years there, the museum reorganized and I was transferred
to a department not in my field. So I decided to find a position at
another museum. I had many years of solid experience and top references
but, as I found out, not having the grad. degree closed many doors for me.
Read the job ads in Aviso and you'll see that most museums now require a
master's for registration and curatorial positions. I returned to school,
got an MS in Museum Studies (with an emphasis in natural history museums),
and found that the employment opportunities were much greater. Perhaps of
more importance, I learned that "growing up" in one institution allowed me
to only see one way of doing things. Graduate training, internships, and
working in several institutions will open your eyes to the variety of
methods in museums, as well as to the variety of museums themselves. You
will be a more well-rounded professional, and more employable. My only
regret is not getting the degree sooner!

David Dyer
Zoological Museum and Herbarium
University of Montana
Missoula, MT  59812

"Montana - the last best hiding place"