Hi Jennifer, Keep you chin up, I graduated with a MS in Museum and Field Studies from University of Colorado in 2003 with a broad array of internships, volunteer work and work experience but had a hell of a time landing my first job. I just kept sending resumes out to anything that looked interesting and a few that looked awful as well. Persistence paid off after about 18 months and I love where I work now, it is the best possible fit and would have been my first choice anyway! This is an interesting time for new museum professionals, it seems that after 9/11 museums cut staff positions considerably in response to sharply declining fundraising numbers. This meant that when museums started hiring again there was a pool of experienced professionals for us unexperienced new graduates to compete with, and it seems that this trend is continuing still. My suggestion is to keep sending that resume out to anyone with a mailbox and get a fun low-paying job in the meantime (I worked in a bicycle shop) so you don't feel a bit conflicted about kicking it to the curb when your dream museum job comes knocking. I'm certainly no expert, but I'd be happy to look at your CV and letter if you would like to send it to the email address below. Best of luck! ------WILL Will Roberts Exhibitions Preparator Culture & Heritage Museums (803)329-2121 Ext. 118 [log in to unmask] www.chmuseums.org <http://www.chmuseums.org/> The Culture & Heritage Museums (CHM) is a linked system of cultural facilities that includes Historic Brattonsville, the McCelvey Center, the Museum of York County and the planned Museum of Life and the Environment. The CHM's mission is to create an enlightened and engaged citizenry by keeping, communicating and connecting our cultural, historical and natural heritage in ways that promote deeper understanding of people and place. DISCLAIMER: This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are not authorized to read, retain, copy, disclose, or distribute this communication or its contents. Please notify the sender immediately via email and delete this communication and all copies. The company accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email. ________________________________ From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ware Petznick Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2007 9:58 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Advice for Entry Level Applicants? Jennifer, I would be happy to have a look at your cv/letter, not as an expert but as another opinion. Keep trying. It can take years to get that first paid museum position. If you are willing to move, that is a great start. You must be sure that this industry is something you love and one that you can contribute to positively. It is not just a job to me - it is a compulsion. That is why I moved, volunteered, and temped (gained other experiences) until that wonderful call came to be curator. If you are committed to working in this field, keep working so that your resume better reflects what positions you want. Need more publications? Work on that while you apply. In the end, what you can do for a future employer will be evident. If you are committed to working in a museum, it will be worth it. Best of luck to you! Ware L.W.S. Petznick, Ph.D. McFaddin-Ward House Curator of Collections 725 N. Third St. Beaumont, TX 77701 [log in to unmask] 409.832.1906 p 409.832.3483 f SAVE THE DATE for Who Else Lived Here? The Historic House Museum Conference Nov 1-3, 2007 in Beaumont, Texas at the Hotel Elegante. $125 Registration, $89 special room rate for conference. www.mcmelegantebeaumont.com <http://www.mcmelegantebeaumont.com> The McFaddin-Ward House features three floors of original furnishings, including a newly restored third floor. Explore the McFaddins' world in the years surrounding the First World War for "Foxtrots and Foxholes" throughout 2007. Call 409-832-2134 for tour information. -----Original Message----- From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jennifer Harris Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 8:53 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Advice for Entry Level Applicants? Hello, I've recently graduated with a MA in Museum Studies from the George Washington University and have been quite actively pursuing a variety of entry level positions in museums. I'm writing in search of advice or guidance. I have respectable internships (registering artifacts at the British Museum, working in archives at the Marlborough Gallery, and working as a curatorial assistant at Hillwood Mansion), a high GPA, BA in Art History and English Writing (with Honors), yet am having very little to no luck breaking into the museum world. I've been actively looking for months now and do not want to believe that it really comes down solely to 'who you know.' If anyone has a bit of extra time, I would love to send my letter of interest and CV in hopes of receiving any suggestions for improvement. I imagine there are other entry level applicants who could use the help as well... Any words of encouragement, advice, or personal experiences would be very, very appreciated. With determination and many thanks, Jennifer Harris GWU Museum Studies Graduate ========================================================= 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).