As one of the lucky few who did manage to find gainful museum employment
after receiving my graduate degree, I just want to say that a lot of luck
and good timing is necessary beyond the education and experience.  I
actually got a Master of Applied Anthropology degree (focus in Historical
Archaeology) and a Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies and Material
Culture a year ago.  I'm firmly convinced that it was the broad scope of my
experiences (education and previous employment) that secured me the position
(plus it left me open to other fields in case I didn't find a museum job).
But, I think that there was luck involved; I happened to be at the right
place at the right time.

I guess my two cents--the job market does stink, but there are jobs out
there.  You might have to do temp work or even get a job in an unrelated
field, but DON'T GIVE UP.  If this is what you want to do, then make it
happen any way you can.  I'm glad I chose this field, even with all the
downfalls (and there are worse downfalls, like being stuck in a job that,
while it pays the bills, you despise).  Almost all fields have these
problems right now, not just ours.

Best of luck to everyone who's looking for a museum job, whether you are new
or a seasoned veteran,

Meghan

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