Meghan, For my two cents... You bring up a good point, which happens to be one of my pet peeves in reviewing applications. If your degree involves a certificate in museum studies, then say so clearly on your resume. Do not cite it as a full degree in museum studies/science if it is not. I know the difference, as do most of you guys, and I find it offensive when applicants make that assertion. Besides, individuals should stress the diverse education provided by such a degree. Such diversity is a large positive on a resume. Timing is definitely a big part of it. Applicants will often have to wait to find the right combination of location, instituion, and experience. Having that other potential source of employment/skill is critical in that waiting period. Or at least a willingness to do other stuff to make ends meet. Mark Janzen Registrar/Collections Manager Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection Wichita State University (316)978-5850 Meghan McGinnes <mmmcginnes@HOTMA IL.COM> To Sent by: Museum [log in to unmask] discussion list cc <[log in to unmask] SE.LSOFT.COM> Subject Finding entry level employment 05/14/2004 11:06 AM Please respond to Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask] SE.LSOFT.COM> As one of the lucky few who did manage to find gainful museum employment after receiving my graduate degree, I just want to say that a lot of luck and good timing is necessary beyond the education and experience. I actually got a Master of Applied Anthropology degree (focus in Historical Archaeology) and a Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies and Material Culture a year ago. I'm firmly convinced that it was the broad scope of my experiences (education and previous employment) that secured me the position (plus it left me open to other fields in case I didn't find a museum job). But, I think that there was luck involved; I happened to be at the right place at the right time. I guess my two cents--the job market does stink, but there are jobs out there. You might have to do temp work or even get a job in an unrelated field, but DON'T GIVE UP. If this is what you want to do, then make it happen any way you can. I'm glad I chose this field, even with all the downfalls (and there are worse downfalls, like being stuck in a job that, while it pays the bills, you despise). Almost all fields have these problems right now, not just ours. Best of luck to everyone who's looking for a museum job, whether you are new or a seasoned veteran, Meghan _________________________________________________________________ Is your PC infected? Get a FREE online computer virus scan from McAfeeŽ Security. http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 ========================================================= 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).