Dear Museum-L members, I apologize in advance if this is an imposition- I am in the process of looking for a graduate program (MA) where I can study textile and costume history, with the hope that that will lead me to the museum world. Unfortunatly, I have no experience in museum work and the only reference to the field I have found so far is the following quote from a book listing internships (1993): "Although some new museum programs have recently been established, the number of entry-level positions has not expanded significantly. Full-time positions are sparse and gaurded by those who have them...." That is awfully discouraging, but I already know about the lack of funding for the arts and reduced staff, since I currently work in theatre, where it is not too difficult to get a job, so I am wondering if it is really as bad as the above quote implies. In theatre, I think, it is easier to get an entry level job because new employees are less expensive .....in my experience, there is a disproportionate number of people under thirty. So I also wonder if museum professionals stay in the business or if many start but then move on to different career because of a lack of jobs. In reading the archives of this list, I saw that a book on planning a museum career- does anyone knows if that has been published yet? I have not yet managed to get much advice on how specific my degree should be. If I go to a program that focuses on history only, will it be impossible for me to find a job in a museum? (I ask this because my undergraduate degree is marketing, not theatre- related) On the other hand, will I be discredited as a professional if I go to a museum studies program, and have a less complete knowlege of, in this case, textile history? Or should I plan to get two degrees before I am prepared enough? If anyone has any advice or can point me to some books or journals or magazines, I would really appreciate the help. I appologize again for asking for your help, as I myself have little that I can contribute in return. I am asking here since it seems that responding is much more voluntary than to a phone call or a letter.... Thanks for your time, Heddi Plumb ([log in to unmask])