To Nancy Sheer, I am almost a graduate of the arts administration program at University of Oregon. I have witnessed other people (and myself)having your same problem which is why my thesis topic dealt with educational and experiential qualifications from employee and employer viewpoints. This was strictly in non-museum arts organizations. This is a VERY simplified picture of my research, I found that even though hiring organizations list Qualifications at BA and only a few years experience, they are hiring people with Masters degrees and many years of experience. Between the two of us we make the perfect candidate, education and experience, but without one or the other you will have a difficult time, I know I am. If you are interested I have info on the most frequently requested skills, breakdown of regional differences in qualifications, etc. Annalisa Morgan 541-349-1363 At 06:49 PM 6/4/98 -0400, you wrote: >As an Administrative Assistant in art galleries for 4 years, the experience I have gained is enormous (at a gallery level). With a BFA in Fine Arts, and the work experience, getting considered for any administrative position within a museum or arts organization has been close to impossible! I live in Phoenix, AZ, and I am able to relocate anywhere, with the desire for a bigger, more ecclectic city (LA, San Francisco, Seattle, NYC, DC), yet I am getting nowhere as far as responses to resumes I have sent out. > >Anyone have contacts in these settings that I could contact, or have suggestions for improving my chances in getting involved in such a work environment? > >Another issue: salaries. As an administraitve assistant (in art galleries), the salary history is beans compared to the salaries posted for museum jobs (especially), and I feel I am deserving of them, although when asked of my salary history, they feel I should get what I've been getting, instead of what is being offered. Seems unfair...so what is a girl to do? > >Any suggestions, comments or information would be greatly appreciated! > >Nancy Scheer > >