From an antipodean perspective (which may have some similarities with the US context), I firmly believe that 'small museums in the middle of nowhere' (to paraphrase Debra Loguda-Summers) are often the very best places to start your museum career. You are exposed to a broad range of types of work, and can pick up skills that a more focused role in a larger institution might not offer. Furthermore, you might discover that you have skills in an area of museum work that you hadn't previously considered.

Debra Loguda-Summers, Curator
Still National Osteopathic Museum and National Center for Osteopathic History
800 West Jefferson
Kirksville, MO 63501
Phone: 660 626 2359
Fax: 660 626 2984
Toll Free: 1 866 626 ATSU Ext. 2359
[log in to unmask]
www.atsu.edu/museum

The Mission of the Still National Osteopathic Museum is to collect, preserve, and make available artifacts and related materials to communicate the history and philosophy about the osteopathic principles of mind, body and spirit to a global audience.

>>> "Frank Kordalski, Jr." <[log in to unmask]> 8/1/2007 9:32 AM >>>
Welcome to the club!

On 7/31/07, Jennifer Harris <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

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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