If you can not get a position with a museum as a junior researcher, look at other non-profits, especially large ones which have large development departments. That experience would be invaluable- you'll do the most basic jobs, but they are the foundation of all fundraising you will do at all levels. I took a detour after grad school museums via an organ transplant charity, and although the only thing I did with museums during those two years was hold a fundraiser at one, the experience I got was so invaluable I wouldn't trade it for anything. Everything from prospect research, grant applications, The Ask, marketing, donor cultivation, etc. If you had a choice, I would say get a position with an innovative supervisor who will try new things, because then you will be able to witness new and different ways to ask for money-- knowledge you can either use in the future or know to avoid. The sad truth today is that it isn't just directors who need to know fundraising skills. You have a long career ahead of you and taking a year or so to learn an important skill is well worth it. My warning, as you mentioned off-hours work, is to be careful when you apply and make sure you won't be doing telemarketing fundraising calls. It'll give you extremely little experience and you'll be among the most hated people in America. Also, if instead of working for an in-house operation you go for an agency (is that the right term?), investigate their records, the percentage that goes to the charities and matters like that. Fundraising is something you should do with the highest ethical standards and if you learn from someone lacking them, then you will never know any better. Pamela Feltus Curator National Museum of American Jewish Military History 1811 R Street NW, Washington DC 20009 202-265-6280 x201 www.nmajmh.org > -----Original Message----- > From: Julia Weichbrodt [mailto:[log in to unmask]] > Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2001 1:25 PM > To: [log in to unmask] > Subject: Fundraising Experience > > > Hello - > I recently completed my undergrad degree in Art History and > am wondering how > I can gain fundraising experience. > > The volunteer positions for individuals who can only commit > on weekends are > slim, usually gallery or membership posts. Trying to get my > foot in the > door pre-grad school, but difficult to do without more > specific experience, > fundraising seems to be a popular requirement. Any > help/advice provided > much appreciated! > > Will be moving to Los Angeles area shortly, if location > specific advice > applicable. > JEHW > > ========================================================= > Important Subscriber Information: > > The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).