Good Morning Heather, To answer your question, "Is there a greater need in certain concentrations within the field?" For over 30 years at several museums (and museum systems), I have been involved in the hiring of museum directors, curators, exhibit designers, educators, business managers, registrars, planetarians, museum theater staff, nature center staff, and museum development staff. We have always had "more than plenty" of talented, knowledgeable, and experienced applicants for all the above listed positions except....museum development staff openings. Therefore, in my humble opinion, there is a greater need for qualified applicants in museum development positions; and, I would suggest that you investigate career training and experience in museum development, including but not limited to, institutional advancement, membership, fund-raising, sponsorships, corporate and donor relations,....etc...... Best Wishes for Success! Wesley Wesley S. Creel Administrator of Programs Pink Palace Family of Museums 3050 Central Avenue Memphis, TN 38111-3399 www.memphismuseums.org (901) 320-6370 Direct (901) 320-6391 FAX >>> [log in to unmask] 09/18/04 12:56PM >>> Greetings, I'm a first time poster hoping to solicit some opinions from you all working and living museum life each day. I want to return to school to get a MA in Museum Studies in San Francisco. Although I was a cinema (archivist) major as an undergrad, I have had a life long fascination and appreciation of museums. For the past five years I have worked professionally in sales and marketing. When I was recently laid off I decided to take stock of my life, realizing that I am not happy in this field, and adventure in the world of museums, hopefully fusing a passion of my life with a permanent career. I have been volunteering in a reputable local museum for many months now, trying to gain experience in which area of concentration I should pursue (curatorial, acquisitions, administrative, collections, education, conservation). My main concern is being employable and obtaining work once I've graduated with a Masters in Museum Studies. Is there a greater need in certain concentrations within the field? Is there anything I'm not taking into consideration? My biggest fear is to rack up debt and then not be able to get a job in what may be an extremely competitive market. I don't need to make much, simply a comfortable living in a field I enjoy. I'm hoping some of you can take a few minutes and offer me your opinions and insights. I thank you in advance and all help is greatly appreciated. Kindly, Heather ========================================================= 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). ========================================================= 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).