Thank you Elizabeth for finally standing up for us!  some ppl think they are
the only ones out there busting their butts when it is most of us doing it!
   Ginger M. Young
-----Original Message-----
From: Elizabeth Anne Hanson <[log in to unmask]>
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.museum-l
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thursday, June 18, 1998 3:25 PM
Subject: Re: seeking: ENTRY-LEVEL JOB


>I feel like some people are missing the point.  Speaking for the group of
>graduates.  We are not a bunch of babies wishing for a free carrot to chew
>on.  We understand the museum field is tough.  We understand there is not
>enough work.  We understand we must work many hours.  That is a given.  We
>just want a job to pay the rent and loans and eat.  I am sure that most of
>us would
>not have wasted so much time if we did  not understand all of the
>circumstances.   BUT, this does not mean we should be gladly taken
>advantage of.
>
>Elizabeth
>
>On Thu, 18 Jun 1998, Patricia McElyea wrote:
>
>>         I promised myself that I would stay out of this discussion, but I
am
>> finding that hard to do.  I more than understand the recent
>> graduates' frustrations and concerns when faced with a tight job
>> market and looming student loan payments.  But lets be honest here.
>> Most Museum Studies programs make it perfectly clear how much effort
>> needs to go into the job search.  With an ever increasing number of
>> programs pumping out an ever increasing number of graduates, it only
>> makes sense that institutions will look for those with more
>> experience.  No one ever said there was a guarenteed job waiting for
>> any of us.  If you are not willing to put in the effort to obtain as
>> much experience as possible and perhaps take an "entry-level"
>> position then you must accept that you will be at a disadvantage.   I
>> have been in your situation.  I had to take a non-museum related
>> clerical job to meet the bills while still volunteering at the
>> Historical Society and sending out resumes. It can be done, but it
>> will take effort.  This field is a rich and rewarding one, but only
>> for those with the drive and dedication to stay with it through the
>> lean times.
>>
>>
>>
>> Patricia McElyea                                 Unless the heart sees
>> Curator of Collections                           The mind will never see.
>> Arkansas State
>>    University Museum                                      --Maori proverb
>> [log in to unmask]
>>
>