I have to agree with both points of view, because as a recent MA.
graduate, I too find myself walking into slammed doors.  I chose my area
of specialization, with open-ended optimism and enthusiam (Asian Art
History).  I still find myself falling back on the realization that
something will work out, if I persist in my search, though I am not sure
how realistic this is.  In any case, I cant see myself dropping out of
the race anytime soon, even though it is beginning to seem increasingly
tempting.

Anita

On Wed, 2 Sep 1998, Angela Fox wrote:

> >>I will have to disagree with you on this one.  A recent graduate myself,
> >>and an intern at Arizona State Museum led to three job offers before I
> >>finished my MA.  I did not have an "inside track" on any of these jobs or
> >>3-5 years experience.  Old fashioned networking and asking people the right
> >>questions can open many doors. Do not limit your possibilities because you
> >>never know where they might lead.
> >>
> >Stop and think for a minute about the people who do not get the job
> >you for which you apply. In any given position there are a number of
> >people who do not even get an interview, then a certain number who get
> >one interview, and even a smaller number who get a second interview
> >before the postion is awarded. The point is for every person who gets
> >a position there is a large number of people who are qualified and
> >worked just as hard as you did, but only one person could get the
> >position. I have been looking for almost 9 months, networking, sending
> >blind resumes, using Adviso, and searching the internet but have found
> >absolutly nothing in or out of the museum world. I applaud you for
> >getting three offers, but not everyone is that lucky.
> >
> >[log in to unmask]
> >
> >
> >We all had delusions in our head
> >We all had our minds made up for us
> >We all had to believe in something
> >So we did
>
>
>
> My intent was just to give an example that the opportunties are out there,
> and to keep a positive attitude.....like Ginger Young suggested in her
> response be willing to travel anywhere.
>
>
> ----------------
>
> Angela L. Fox
> Curator, American Indian Collections
> Spurlock Museum
> University of Illinois
> E-Mail:  [log in to unmask]
> Phone:  217-244-3900
>