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

 

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.

 

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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

 

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

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