Nice to hear the stories.  Myself, I was working at US WEST (telephone company) and completed by B.S. in History.  I also did lots of volunteer work, putting on events, raising money and serving as an Interpretive Guide and doing living history at a local national park site for their events. At US WEST, I had many years of administration, budget, and team organization, and was a supervisor in the military.

Well, US WEST dropped 40,000 employees and with almost 18 years I my job was no longer there.  Before I left, however, I visited my college employment center, and asked them why there is never any jobs with museums.  The lady said there was one on the board, and why didn't I see it!  I applied for the job (an Executive Director of a museum) and have been working in related jobs since such as an Asst. Directors, Curator of Collections, and now a Museum Specialist with the federal government.   

My suggestions to "new comers" is VOLUNTEER, VOLUNTEER then take course at college in jobs pertaining to history, museums, etc.  I took grant writing classes, public relations, etc. and it landed me my first job.  While working as a Curator I completed my Masters in Misology.  People often ask me *- what is Misology???  But, just pick up all the skills you know.  Yes, attending conferences, too!

However, it is a tough field, and I had a few years of lay-offs and looking for work *- and with the "age" thing and a Masters' in "What the heck is that degree" *- it is difficult.  Yet, at least I could teach K-12 graders!  Oh joy!  ;o)

John     

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