Yes to volunteering. I did it, and loved it. Helped me decide whether I even wanted to get into the field. I still do it. I make heavy use of volunteers, who are apparently some of the most wonderful people on the planet. Of course, if you're giving your time freely, you should do it for love of the institution, or the field, or the discipline, or some other such motivator. If you do it strictly to get a job or put a line on your resume, you'll find that volunteerism comes with no more guarantees of employment than formal education does. however, I must disagree with Ms. Coffey. I know many people in the museum field without Master's Degrees. Including myself. Bear in mind that jobs advertised nationally are almost never truly "entry-level." Entry-level jobs tend to be things like Administrative Assistant; Security Guard; Cashier; Store Clerk; Preparator. They may be in departments like Membership, Development, Operations, etc., far removed from your ultimate goal. But these need not be impediments to achieving that goal. You can always switch departments when something opens up (thus, making you the "inside candidate"). I know many folks who've done it. Myself included. Eugene Dillenburg Lead Developer, Philippines Coral Reef exhibit John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 South Lake Shore Drive Chicago, Illinois 60605 V: (312) 692-3136 F: (312) 939-8001 e: [log in to unmask] "After five years, they give me a brush." -- M. Python, Episode 12, 1969