I started out wanting to get my Biology degree and very quickly learned that was not for me but I really enjoyed my Anthro and history classes, so that was the route I took. At the same time in my freshman year that I was changing my major I found out that my tribe had a kick-arse internship program. You could pretty much intern anywhere and get paid for it as long as you were a tribal member. On a lark, I signed up to intern at the tribe's Museum. That set me on my path. The director there showed me this book from our state historical society that discussed what qualifications and expereince the state required for different licenses and job positions. She also spent time talking with me about her experience as a Museum studies grad student and professional. She strongly encouraged me to look broad as a student and take whatever I could find but at the same time, know what my ultimate dream job or career path would be so that I had a something to check myself with. Amazingly enough, I've stayed with the same dream career path for the last 9 years. No I haven't had the easiest luck finding work but I've always asked myself one important question, will this get me to where I want to go? When my options were between going back to a job I loved for summer break during grad school at a higher pay rate and with co-workers I enjoyed or working for $6.50/hr as a costumed interpreter at a living history museum so I could continue to research my thesis site and topic, I chose the latter. Even though it meant living with my parents in a 2 bedroom house and no chance whatsoever of saving any money. The greater goal was to get my thesis done so I could move on to the next career choice, which I hoped would be a full time job anywhere within the realm of cultural resources. I was willing to work at a small local history museum, for a government agency or even a private archaeology company. In the end, pure luck got me the job I have now. Actually, it was because the person who previously held my position as a temp filled out her application incorrectly. And after 6 or 7 years away, I wound up right back at the same museum that started it all, my tribe's museum. I've been here now for over a year and half. I keep my eyes open for any other positions that I might be interested in, although it's harder for me to be so willing to up and move now that I'm married and starting my family. My husband has always assured me that if I need to make a move for a better career choice, he can be ready to move at a moment's notice to anywhere across the globe. Having that support and the support of my family who encourages me to make sure that above all, I enjoy what I do makes it easier for me to make my way through the museum/cultural resource field. Besides, I have no idea of what other career I would want other than my own. Elizabeth Sauer Pries Cultural Educator Oneida Nation Museum Oneida, WI --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - You care about security. So do we. ========================================================= 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).