Hello!- New Member
Mia
my name is Tramia Jackson (Mia) and I am a volunteer at the
Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center in Fredericksburg,
Virginia. I graduated from William and Mary in 2008 with a Bachelor of
Arts degree in History. I am pursuing a career in Museum Curatorship
and Education and I am currently researching various museum studies
graduate school programs in the area. I look forward to learning more
about the current issues and challenges in the museum field from this
discussion board. As well as ways to further my career in museums.
Thank you!
Mia
defl...@gmail.com
My name is Danielle Flores and I did my MA in Museum Studies at the
George Washington University in DC (graduated 2004). I enjoyed my
studies and liked being in DC for grad school... but 4 years into my
career, my advice to you is to not waste time and money on a Museum
Studies MA. My reccommendation is to just volunteer and intern and
volunteer some more - the hands on experience will get you farther and
you'll create a larger network of contacts. I will be paying off my
student loans for the next 25 years and I'm still not making very much
money with museum work, which very frustrating but also a reality of
the museum field. If you have your heart set on an MA, look into
programs that aren't as expensive as GW. :) Many schools now offer
certification programs for Collections work, Education, etc. This
might be a cheaper option that you could pursue as you are getting
hands-on experience within a museum. Most museums will always take
free help!
I'm happy to answer any more specific questions you have - I feel
really strongly about making sure prospective MA students have an idea
of the financial burden that your grad school loans can create. If I
knew then what I knew now, I definitely wouldn't have done the MA and
would have started volunteering.
Best of luck to you!
Danielle Flores
defl...@gmail.com
Dallas Museum of Art
Kalanaj
Thanks for posting Danielle. I am currently a graduate student at the
University of Texas at Arlington earning my MA in Anthropology
(hopefully graduating in May 2010). I earned my BA in Anthropology
with a minor in Latin American & Caribbean Studies from the University
of Michigan in Ann Arbor in May 2006. Since deciding that the museum
field is definitely where I want to be, I was wondering whether or not
I should pursue a MA in Museum Studies after I graduate. I had
originally applied to the MA Museum Studies program at Baylor
University in Waco, TX and got accepted but since I live in Dallas,
UTA was a much closer commute and less expensive. Since I don't have
the educational background in Museum Studies, I've been volunteering,
interning, working part-time, etc. at various museum in the Dallas/
Fort Worth area and hoping that my hands-on experience and networking
will out-weigh my lack of a degree in Museum Studies. I've been
supplementing having a degree in Museum Studies by becoming a member
of the various museum associations (AAM, TAM, etc.), attending the
annual meetings, workshops, web conferences and reading as many books
about the museum field as I can get my hands on. From what I gathered
from your post, I'm headed in the right direction and should not
concern myself with accruing additional student loans by pursing an
additional MA in Museum Studies. I will probably still look into
certification programs that are not as expensive as Baylor grad
school. If you know of any, please send them my way
(kalan...@yahoo.com).
Thanks again,
Kendra A. Jones, Museum Coordinator
National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum
3400 Mount Vernon Avenue
Fort Worth, TX 76103
On Dec 17, 4:43 pm, "deflo...@gmail.com" <deflo...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Mia,
>
> My name is Danielle Flores and I did my MA in Museum Studies at the
> George Washington University in DC (graduated 2004). I enjoyed my
> studies and liked being in DC for grad school... but 4 years into my
> career, my advice to you is to not waste time and money on a Museum
> Studies MA. My reccommendation is to just volunteer and intern and
> volunteer some more - the hands on experience will get you farther and
> you'll create a larger network of contacts. I will be paying off my
> student loans for the next 25 years and I'm still not making very much
> money with museum work, which very frustrating but also a reality of
> the museum field. If you have your heart set on an MA, look into
> programs that aren't as expensive as GW. :) Many schools now offer
> certification programs for Collections work, Education, etc. This
> might be a cheaper option that you could pursue as you are getting
> hands-on experience within a museum. Most museums will always take
> free help!
>
> I'm happy to answer any more specific questions you have - I feel
> really strongly about making sure prospective MA students have an idea
> of the financial burden that your grad school loans can create. If I
> knew then what I knew now, I definitely wouldn't have done the MA and
> would have started volunteering.
>
> Best of luck to you!
>
> Danielle Flores
> Dallas Museum of Art
>
> On Dec 12, 9:45 pm, Mia <tajac...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > Hello,
>
> > my name is Tramia Jackson (Mia) and I am a volunteer at the
> > Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center in Fredericksburg,
> > Virginia. I graduated from William and Mary in 2008 with a Bachelor of
> > Arts degree in History. I am pursuing a career in Museum Curatorship
> > and Education and I am currently researching various museum studies
> > graduate school programs in the area. I look forward to learning more
> > about the current issues and challenges in the museum field from this
> > discussion board. As well as ways to further my career in museums.
> > Thank you!
>
> > Mia- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
kristin...@gmail.com
I also went to George Washington, but for an MA in art history. I
interned and worked in various museums in DC but now work for an arts
foundation in NY. I see you would like to be a curator, which is what
I originally intended. The curatorial field is becoming increasingly
competitive among the younger generation (about 35 and younger)
entering the work force, and increasingly academic. Many curatorial
positions require a PhD in art history, history, etc., especially in
larger museums. I was going to pursue my PhD in art history, but when
faced with the reality of more student loans and further delaying
sustained work experience I chose to get a job. While at GW I also
took museum studies classes and it seemed to be more for people who
wanted to work in collections management or administrative positions,
not for curatorial or education positions- of course, all programs are
different.
Now I work in a programming department, equivalent to an adult
education department in a museum, and most people in my position in
other institutions have MAs. So, I would say getting an MA will make
you more competitve, but I would look into museum education programs
since you mentioned that as an interest. I absolutely loved my time
studying art history, but if I could do it again knowing that I needed
more practical skills to get a job right after graduation I would have
gone to a museum education MA program with an a strong academic core
component - history, if that is what you would like to pursue- because
you will need to know content if working in a museum. And from my
personal experience, jobs in education/programming extend beyond
museums into cultural centers and foundations, historical societies,
university galleries, etc. which gives you more choices when applying
for jobs. A great way to know the requirements for the job you would
eventually like is to read job listings on AAM's website. Pay
particular attention to the requirements and you'll have a better idea
how to prepare for a career path.
I hope this helps! Best of luck to you, Kristin
Anne Goska
Hi Mia & others!
Thanks for posting about your educational experiences...its good to
catch these different opinions on their importance (or unimportance!)
And of course, your experience will be unique as well!
I think a master's degree is the new bachelors...they used to say it
didn't matter what it was in, as long as you had one. And in my
opinion, you should study what interests you. An MA in history has a
little more consistency than museum studies, because its been around
longer as a degree and more institutions offer it. But if you *know*
you want to stay in museums, there are certain practical aspects to
the curriculum that will benefit you in that field. Like Kristin
mentioned, take a look at job listings to see the skills you'll need
to be competitive.
But the major point about the cost of an education that is valued
differently across the museum field is a good one to take to heart.
GWU in particular is extremely expensive, but it is one of the most
recognized in the country for Museum Studies and Museum Education. And
likely, you will not get paid to offset that cost very easily, at
least not in the first several years. I studied art history but chose
to get a masters in library science because I felt like there were
better job opportunities suited to me with that degree. I took a few
museum studies courses as part of that masters, and enjoyed them, but
didn't find it as functional for me in terms of employment. I have
worked in far more museums with an MLS than I probably would have with
a degree in museum studies (granted, in the museum libraries, but that
is what I wanted!)
You are probably looking for paying jobs as well, and it makes it
tough to volunteer/intern when you have rent to pay! But the practical
experience of a museum internship might be worth more in getting you
that first job, and the contacts you make might be extremely valuable.
I am not sure if they are still running the program, but AAM did have
an online mentorship program that paired mentees with mentors in the
museum field, and that might be a good way to make connections and get
more advice.
~Anne
And (shameless plug for anyone interested in art curation) I am
currently living to Stockholm, Sweden pursuing a second masters in the
curation of modern art, and they are recruiting for next year's
classes. Its in English, and its FREE:
Stockholm University, Dept. of Art History: Call for Applications
CURATING ART.
International Master Programme in Curating Art, including Management
and Law, 120 ECTS credits
2010/2011
Next course starting August 2010
Application Deadline:
15th January, 2010
http://www.arthistory.su.se
Share this announcement on: Facebook | Delicious | Digg | Twitter |
Curating Art specialises in the combination of art management, art
history, law and practical curatorial work in a composition that is
unusual in comparison to similar courses internationally. The academic
level of the education is in keeping with the university environment.
We encourage applications from persons within the academic field as
well as with curatorial and artistic experience.
Curating Art is a full time Master programme offered by the Department
of Art History in collaboration with departments of Business Economics
and the Department of Law at Stockholm University. The course faculty
consists of representatives of these departments, as well as directors
and curators at leading art institutions in Stockholm. Guest lecturers
include practising artists, critics, curators and scholars practising
in Sweden and internationally.
The programme spans over a 2 year period and consists of theoretical
courses, including the writing of a thesis, a ten week internship in
Sweden or abroad, and work on an exhibition project. The teaching
takes many forms: lectures, seminars, and supervised work both
individually and in groups. Furthermore, each student has a personal
tutor from the course faculty.
We aim at an education that encourages creativity and innovation as
well as an awareness of traditions and a responsibility for museum
collections. In other words, we envision a field that bridges
institutional and alternative environments. We are attentive to the
student's individual focus and students are encouraged to develop
their own profiles.
Upon completing the Curating Art Master Programme at Stockholm
University, the student receives a course diploma. Students who
previously hold a Bachelor's degree fulfill the criteria for a
Master's degree.
For detailed course description, prerequisites and application
directions, please refer to our web site: http://www.arthistory.su.se
– Curating Art
E-mail: cur...@arthistory.su.se
The program has no tutorial fee, however please note that no
scholarships to cover living costs etc. are offered. International
students are recommended to obtain general information as well as
financial requirements for visiting students in Sweden from the web
site: http://www.su.se/english
On Dec 18, 7:48 pm, "kristinfabri...@gmail.com"
Hoffman, Lisa L.
I have a unique experience to share. I returned to school in my late 30's
to pursue Library Science. During my first year of community college, an
English teacher encouraged us to interview professionals in three
different fields. The museum was next door to the library in my town.
After interviewing the Registrar and Curator, I caught the "museum bug."
With experience as a legal secretary in my background, I obtained an early
internship and spent a year "volunteering" at that museum. This
experience helped me to obtain my current position (which required a B.A.,
M.A. preferred). I now work for my college gaining valuable on-the-job
experience while completing my B.A. in Art History. The internship also
transferred in as two course credits at my college. I whole-heartedly
agree that an internship and volunteer work in museums are time well
spent. I can have peace of mind knowing that I will graduate without
costly student loans because I can pay cash for my classes going part-time
while I work.
Happy Holidays!
Lisa L. Hoffman
Art Collections Assistant
Williams Center for the Arts
Lafayette College
317 Hamilton Street, Easton, PA 18042
direct: 610-330-5966
fax: 610-3305642
hoff...@lafayette.edu
www.lafayette.edu/williamsgallery
Mia,
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Jessica Diedalis
My name is Jessica Diedalis and I am a current AmeriCorps member
trying to establish myself in the museum field as well. I graduated
in 2007 from Smith College with a Bachelor of Arts in History and fell
in love with museum world when I began volunteering at the Thomas
Edison National Historical Park and the Ellis Island Immigration
Museum in the fall of 2008. Due to lovely economic climate I have not
had much success securing fulltime employment, however, with
AmeriCorps I now have insurance and a stipend as well as the freedom
at my site to revamp the exhibit space and an excellent reference (my
director added very very in front of the word satisfied on my mid-term
evaluation). I would definitely suggest looking into AmeriCorps, but
do it through the Student Conservation Association (SCA) http://www.thesca.org/.
Sometimes they have amazing opportunities (i.e. my friend is starting
a position in Georgia where she will be surveying an island and
helping to create a historic structures report as well as conserve any
objects she comes across), though you will also have to survive on a
meager stipend and qualify for food stamps. Additionally, I am
currently enrolled in a distance education Collection Management and
Care certification program at the George Washington University
http://www.gwu.edu/~mstd/DL/whyDL.htm. Though I have only finished my
first semester of the program, the course material seems to be very
beneficial from a professional standpoint. I know your interest is in
Museum Curatorship and Education, but there may be similar programs
available. I hope some of this proves useful. The responses from the
discussion you began have definitely made me feel like I am headed in
the right direction. Thanks for posting everyone and good luck Mia!
Jessica Diedalis
AmeriCorps Environmental Educator
Stony Kill Environmental Education Center
79 Farmstead Lane
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
(845) 831.8780 x321
jmdi...@gw.dec.state.ny.us
Nathan Richie
it's cool to read your stories because i entered the museum field much the same way you both did. For the longest time I wanted to work for the National Park Service. I worked as an intern/volunteer both with SCA and the NPS twice while I was in college. I can honestly say that my two summers with the national parks were probably the most important formative years of my life and career. Jessica, I am glad to hear you recommend SCA. I think they are an outstanding organization and it is a non-profit that not only changed my life, but i continue to support as a professional. I think there is a lot to be said about the value of a graduate level education, but you can never underestimate the value of practical experience afforded by volunteering and interning. make the most of those experiences and take them very seriosuly. i know that it was my experience as a volunteer that got my my first job in the museum field. the fantastic thing about the SCA and AmeriCorp is that, if you are in the position to live modestly, they can actually help you survive with a modest stipend and housing. it's nothing to get rich from, but it will allow you to attain valuable experience, plus you can eat all the ramen noodles $50 can buy. i think that if you are serious about staying in this field, you have to remain as active within it as possible. eventually this economy will settle and jobs will open again.
Amy Mutza
All of your stories are so unique and informative! My name is Amy and
I am the Manager of Visitor Services at a small art museum. I got my
BA in Business Economics and Communication in 2005 and then found this
job in 2008 (after trying out 2 other blah non-art-related jobs before
this) and realized that working in the field of art is exactly what I
want to do! I definitely agree that getting some hands on experience
is critical. And for me, personally, working at a small institution
has had a LOT of benefits. It can give you the opportunity to try out
a lot of different areas and paths, which helps you narrow down what
specific areas you are interested in, you can gain a lot more
responsibility and feel like you have a say in a lot of the
programming and operations, and the experience can help you in getting
future jobs. I know that if I had tried to get a job at a larger art
museum I would maybe have gotten an unpaid internship filing paper.
And I agree that the MA is the new BA. I'm planning on pursuing an MA
in the near-ish future, but its definitely discouraging to think that
many reputable jobs require phd's, especially considering the
financial burden. I read an article recently that said that freelance
curating is often seen as a very glamorous, jet-setter job when, in
reality, very few curators can actually live off only curating jobs
alone; not to mention that school debt they incur.
I think Museum Studies as well as Arts Administration are both valid
areas of study, but as Anne mentioned, Art History tends to carry a
bit more weight (for some employers, not all) since it has been around
a lot longer as an area of study and is considered more "academic"
than say an Arts Administration program, which is usually half
business and half art history. SAIC offers a dual masters in Arts
Admin and Art History, but there again, its a 3 yr MA program that
will put you hugely in debt. this might sound super lame and sappy but
all in all, it seems to me that there are many routes to this type of
career path, and no singular one is the perfect formula and any one of
them will lead you in the right direction as long as you are enjoying
what you are doing. Anyhow, thanks for all your wonderful insights
everyone, and I would love to continue to hear how things are going
with you!
Best,
Amy
On Jan 8, 6:08 pm, Nathan Richie <nrichie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Jessica and Mia,
>
> it's cool to read your stories because i entered the museum field much the
> same way you both did. For the longest time I wanted to work for the
> National Park Service. I worked as an intern/volunteer both with SCA and the
> NPS twice while I was in college. I can honestly say that my two summers
> with the national parks were probably the most important formative years of
> my life and career. Jessica, I am glad to hear you recommend SCA. I think
> they are an outstanding organization and it is a non-profit that not only
> changed my life, but i continue to support as a professional. I think there
> is a lot to be said about the value of a graduate level education, but you
> can never underestimate the value of practical experience afforded by
> volunteering and interning. make the most of those experiences and take them
> very seriosuly. i know that it was my experience as a volunteer that got my
> my first job in the museum field. the fantastic thing about the SCA and
> AmeriCorp is that, if you are in the position to live modestly, they can
> actually help you survive with a modest stipend and housing. it's nothing to
> get rich from, but it will allow you to attain valuable experience, plus you
> can eat all the ramen noodles $50 can buy. i think that if you are serious
> about staying in this field, you have to remain as active within it as
> possible. eventually this economy will settle and jobs will open again.
>
> best wishes,
>
> nathan richie
> chicago, il
>
> On Fri, Jan 8, 2010 at 6:56 PM, Jessica Diedalis <jessica.dieda...@gmail.com
> > jmdie...@gw.dec.state.ny.us
>
> > On Dec 12 2009, 10:45 pm, Mia <tajac...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > Hello,
>
> > > my name is Tramia Jackson (Mia) and I am a volunteer at the
> > > Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center in Fredericksburg,
> > > Virginia. I graduated from William and Mary in 2008 with a Bachelor of
> > > Arts degree in History. I am pursuing a career in Museum Curatorship
> > > and Education and I am currently researching various museum studies
> > > graduate school programs in the area. I look forward to learning more
> > > about the current issues and challenges in the museum field from this
> > > discussion board. As well as ways to further my career in museums.
> > > Thank you!
>
> > > Mia
>
> > --
> > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> > "AAM-EMP" group.
> > To post to this group, send email to aam...@googlegroups.com.
> > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
> > aamemp+un...@googlegroups.com<aamemp%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com>
Mia
Wow! Thank you all so much for your responses to my post. I had no
idea there were so many routes to the Museum Studies field. I am
currently still volunteering at FAMCC and I have applied to a few
graduate programs. I am still learning about the field everyday and
shaping my own goals and objectives. I appreciate everyone's sound
advice and input on the matter. Your advice has helped me (and
others) tremendously in my decision making process.
Thanks!
Mia
amy mutza
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to aamemp+un...@googlegroups.com.
Perian Sully
Dear Amy:
What kind of program were you looking for specifically? Any particular area? Online only? Each program has different strengths and weaknesses and different focuses. JFKU, for example, is most well-known for its MBA/MA program, and its focus on museum, community, and education, while Johns Hopkins is best for technology-focused students.
~Perian
Perian Sully
Collections Information Manager
Web Programs Strategist
The Magnes
Berkeley, CA
Adam MacPharlain
From: amy mutza <amu...@gmail.com>
To: AAM-EMP <aam...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Tue, January 19, 2010 3:57:52 PM
Subject: Re: [EMP] Re: Hello!- New Member