You are not the only one currently finding yourself stone-walled attempting
to break into your first full-time position in the museum field. I, like
yourself, recently graduated this last May with a M.A. in Museum Studies at
IUPUI. I have a B.A. in History from Purdue University (with honors). I have
one strong internship (Education, Indiana Historical Society), previous
experience with site management prior to entering my M.A. studies, and
experience working in collections. I am currently still in that part-time
position, though I actually make less than our interns, because they get
medical coverage. However, I count my blessings to at least have this
part-time job. Collections is not my preference in museums, but I really
like the people I am working with and it makes up for the boring/mundane
work I am currently doing.

I have had three phone interviews and one face-to-face interview so far. I
have also sent out my resume to probably over fifty job announcements from
all over the United States (and a couple in other English-speaking
countries) in education, administration, interpretation, volunteer services,
and others. I have personally kept away from applying to positions in big
cities. Big cities do not fit my personality well and I am sure there are no
lack of applicants in those cities that already live in the area. Also, most
big city jobs simply do not cover the cost of living in those cities,
especially entry-level positions.

From my experience so far, I have actually learned to use the pay-scale
(assuming it is provided) as a larger barometer than the job title.
Obviously, I read through the qualifications and such, but you would be
surprised that most mid-level positions easily fit into skills learned in
most Museum Studies programs (at least IUPUI's) and learned in internships.
Depending on the type of museum (art museums and city-supported museums seem
to have better funding in general for staff), jobs with salaries up to
$35,000 a year are easily within your skill and experience range.

Do not let 'years of experience' requirements keep you from applying for a
position as well. This is especially true for entry-level jobs or other jobs
with entry-level pay. Most people with 3+ or 5+ years of experience on the
job market are not interested in taking a pay cut for those types of
positions unless there are other circumstances.

Also, the best advice to give to anyone, in my opinion, is to be ready to
move. It is really unlikely you are going to get a job in the city you are
currently living unless you are really, really lucky. This is impossible for
some people due to family circumstances with spouses/children. None of the
jobs I have gotten interviews for so far are even in my region (the
Midwest), even though most of the jobs I have applied for are in that
region. Some regions might have more candidates than others. New England and
the D.C. area are probably thick with graduates of the different types of
museum-related programs offered by universities while less-populated areas
are in need of the people with the qualifications you have because they have
none of their own.

Also, keep in mind, as a candidate, you are in competition with a lot of
different candidates. Museum studies, arts administration, historic
administration, public history, art history, and the more specialized
degrees are all going to be looking into similar types of jobs. You are also
battling teachers unhappy with no-child left behind, management/tourism
majors, and any number of other people interested in working in museums.
Some jobs I have applied for have had over 150 candidates applying.

While I am sure my professors and co-workers are well aware of my
frustration with the process, that is exactly what it is... a process. It is
almost as if it weeds out everyone except the most determined, stubborn
candidates. Those people so impassioned and driven are who remain and that
is a good thing for museums if these are the people getting the jobs that
are out there. Ultimately, you are going to have to decide if you are
willing and able to wait a year or longer to get the first opportunity when
it arises. It might not be possible for any number of real life reasons
(family and student loans being only a couple of examples). If not, I
strongly encourage those who read this, to please find a good, paying,
for-profit job. Your skills of organization, management, and creativity will
go a long way in the for-profit world.

I am aware my reply has grown lengthy, but I have no lack of thoughts on
this subject. Hopefully, there will be plenty of replies, especially from
those of us trying to get that big break.

James Seikel
May 2007 Graduate
IUPUI Museum Studies Masters Program

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