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I will be starting a job as a curator in July. Besides this job being a great miracle and serious blessing, the director (who hired me) was attracted to my ability to either take full responsibility of or assist well in developing outreach and education programs for musems and art centers. Also, she liked my experience as a teacher's assistance in the public school system, plus I had very good references who told her about my character, talents, and work ethic. The museum that I will work for desires more outreach and education programs, plus someone who can work with teachers regarding providing activities and tours for school groups.

Having a graduate's degree is important, but make sure you do internships/volunteer work/if possible, paid museum work, and take one extra responsibilities which goes towards your career goals. Also, if you have to work in a job that has nothing to do with the museum, try to aim for one that will give you skills that can transfer to the kind of museum work you want to do. With me, it was within the public school system (education, children, and teachers). Employers ,in general, like the education, but they want to know how you do as an employee...can you give good results, how do you get along in a work environment, how are your interpersonal skills. They love to see projects that you have worked on in previous employment, volunteer, or internships where it shows your ability to succeed in this field. They usually like what you can do in real life workplace environments. Education is sort of limited in providing that kind of experience to you.

Sincerely,

Christi Pemberton

----- Original Message -----

From: Ware Petznick

Sent: Saturday, May 31, 2003 7:33 PM

To: [log in to unmask]

Subject: Re: Graduate degree Vs Experience

Hello all

Perhaps you should consider my story? I have considerable museum experience... and a PhD... and yet, since submitting my thesis in 1999 and applying to too many museums to count, I have yet to secure a permanent position! I don't know what to think about my failure to get a museum job. Rarely has my application reached the interview stage... and when it has, I have been told frequently that I am overqualified. Meanwhile, I am struggling with temp work.

So, I do believe that education is certainly worth pursuing, but whether or not it is financially viable for you, is a question that you will have to consider for yourself. Either way, I wish you all the luck in the world!

Sincerely,

Ware Petznick

www.geocities.com/staforlife/museumresume.html

----- Original Message -----

From: Holly Hartlerode

Sent: 30 May 2003 11:21

To: [log in to unmask]

Subject: Re: Graduate degree Vs Experience

Hello,

Definitely get a graduate degree. Your choices will not be as limited if you go for further schooling.

-----Original Message-----
From:   Carl Kramer [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent:   Thursday, May 29, 2003 7:58 AM
To:     [log in to unmask]
Subject:        Graduate degree Vs Experience

Hello Jennifer, Holly, etc.,
       I am in somewhat the same predicament as you Jennifer. I am graduating in about a year with a history BA with an emphasis on public history. I know I definitely would like to pursue a job in the museum field. I noticed though for some museums that have openings, their requirements are an MA or a BA and one year of experience. I was just wondering if an MA is really worth the money in the light of this? I like enriching my mind and going to classes, but its expensive.
Thanks a lot for any responses,
Carl Kramer
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========================================================= Important Subscriber Information:

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