My best intern of all time loved history, but she REALLY loved having things in order - her cataloging and organizational skills were impeccable. You should definitely ask if they love [the tasks you really need done] - yes, there will be history along the way, but s/he needs to looovvee doing layout for publications, or scanning photos, or doing marketing. A love of history is why we apply our skills to this career, but we have to love doing certain tasks, too. (yeah, yeah, "love" is stretching it some days, I know....)

John Marks
Curator of Collections & Exhibits
Geneva (NY) Historical Society

On 4/17/2012 12:09 PM, Christa McCay wrote:

Hello All,

My question is about interns.  After having recently interviewing over 20 interns for the summer semester (fyi, we are a staff of 4 and will have more interns then staff at the Museum this summer), I have begun to feel that potential interns think that a love of history is enough to get them a position.  Is it really enough?
I have begun to feel that no it?s not.  Often times they don?t have the experience with basic computer programs or with graphic design programs (mainly exhibits and marketing interns).  I understand with this economy getting an internship and experience is the best for their resume and for getting a job after college.  Also I understand that people need to start their experience somewhere,but most of these students don?t want to be in the Museum world when they graduate and often times assume that they will get to ?play? with cool artifacts all day.  We all know that the truth is, there is a lot of paperwork involved with maintaining a collection along with data entry, both of which are not glamorous or very exciting.
I know that our job is to teach interns but like many of us, we are juggling multiple tasks to make up for the positions that are currently empty and can?t be filled due to budget.  Our teaching and training time is limited.  I do want to have interns with a passion for history but also a passion to work in Museums.  I sometimes feel like my time was wasted trying to teach and train someone who just wanted to do this for fun.

I am sorry if this sounds like whining or sour grapes but I would like to know from others if a love of history is enough?

Sincerely,


Christa McCay, M.H.P.
Registrar
Marietta Museum of History
1 Depot Street, Ste. 200
Marietta, GA 30060
770-794-5726

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