Monica, Good points. Save (something I did not do at at early age --- and I'm a touch older) is very important in "any" career path. In our field, too, when seeking work there are many other fields that are closely related to museum work, not to mention positions with local, state, federal and private agencies directly related to museums. One cannot just look at regular museums, and feel the field is closed. There are many large corporations who have archives, exhibits, collections, etc. There is the National Parks, BLM, Forest Service. But, for the beginner, going to school and would like to get in the field -- volunteer. Get some experience behind you. Take classes, get involved in community fund-raising groups. Museums like and need to raise money. Public relations? work for a non-profit doing their press releases? Get management teams by directing volunteers. Graphics -- do some computer work for non-profits or museums in your community. They always need volunteers. Then, take any class that is closely related to museum work. Museum work is not all about "curators" -- but tourism, recreation, education, outreach, promotion, preservation, graphics/communications --- the field is becoming more diverse. Myself, I did volunteer work with my employer. That led me to volunteering at a local federal National Historic Site. Great -- great experience and references! I organized two non-profit groups -- with one group now over 200 members and been around since 1988. It has raised thousands of dollars for the community. I served on various boards --- great experience! I put on more than 30/40 community events and fund raising events. I raised money for non-profit groups. I did public presentations for Niki, Meir & Franks, National Park, and served as (volunteer) Public Manager for a National Park Friends group. I did living history programs working with major national and community events. I volunteered at a local (state) Historical Society. I took many classes on writing oral histories, Native American Art, Grant Writing, Jewish cultures, Native American culture and art, proposal writing, etc. This I did working for an employer non-related to museum work. But, they wanted our involvement in the community. I also earned my BS in History during that time, and served in the military reserves, getting training on journalism and photography. I went from working in the telecommunication field to directing a museum. Worked as Asst. Director of a non-profit foundation. Then Curator of Collections for a large Living History Park, taught school (when jobs were slow), and now work for the federal government in a museum related job. I now have a MS in Museology/Museum Studies, plus 30+ hours in graduate work in public relations. Course, I am worried about my career -- with the "museum" field very unstable in enduring positions for the long term due to budgets, etc. So, one must always seek higher levels, and always train, volunteer, work, get more education. One must improve as we age, to be the best that we can be. Consequently, what got me into this field -- and I only had a degree in History -- was getting out into the community and volunteering, and getting some GOOD references for my resume. I credit that -- not my degree. I also worked with a job counselor who helped me fine-tune my resume even more. I also had a good support group. It takes work. And yes, jobs "outside" the basic museum field do pay more...and you can still work in the museum field. So, don't trap yourself thinking a "museum" is the only place you can work. I spread out my wings -- and have constantly looked outside the "box" --- it is a big wide wonderful world out there. Expand your thoughts...explore your dreams --- and you can reach them. Cheers! John Boise, ID om: "Simpson, Monica" <[log in to unmask]> >Reply-To: Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]> >To: [log in to unmask] >Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Occupational Guidance >Date: Thu, 1 Feb 2007 09:46:49 -0500 > >I'm 50 and have been working in the field for about 20 years. I have a >Master's in History Museum Studies. I am married and my husband, a >teacher, makes twice my pay. So as a (snip) ========================================================= 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).