Here are a few thoughts on the recent discussion. (They are mine and not
necessarily my employer's.)
I don't understand why so many people aspiring to work in the museum field
seem to think that if they spend money on an education they *deserve* a job
when they graduate. It is pretty easy to discover that this is a difficult
field to break into, and I hope educators in museum studies programs are
being honest about the possibilities.
In some ways, the museum field is a lot like acting. Aspiring actors wait
tables, work construction jobs, and do whatever they can to make money,
while continuing to take classes, audition, get parts in local theater to
get experience, and do whatever they can to make those connections. Some
are successful after many years of "paying their dues," some manage to get
a good start, but many just never succeed. No one seems to think that is
unusual. (Or, maybe their lists are full of the same griping as ours;-)
We are in a highly competitive field. There are far more interested,
educated, and experienced people than there are positions. Pay is generally
low, compared to the education and experience required. Our society does
not value museums as essential services, so funding is always an issue.
This is reality at this point in time.
Yes, volunteering is not easy. But, even with a job, you can do it if you
*really* want. Before I got into development, I did prospect research for a
museum as a volunteer. I could do this in the evenings or weekends --
anytime the library was open. It was very flexible and I learned a lot.
Today -- even though I work an average of 50 hours a week, have a 3-4 hour
commute, and have a family -- I still *make* time to volunteer in the
community. It is one of the best ways to build your personal network and
get hands-on experience in new areas.
Susan B.F. Wageman
Grants and Research Manager (408) 279-7178
The Tech Museum of Innovation (408) 918-0253 fax
145 West San Carlos Street [log in to unmask]
San Jose, California 95113 http://www.thetech.org
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