2 answers
Laura
Student
1
Question
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What’s the best way to transition to working in museum education and research?
I am in my early fifties and have a graduate degree in literature. I wish to study textiles.
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2 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1750
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Laura,
It would be beneficial if we had some additional information, such as a little bit about your work experience to-date, life experiences, etc.. and possibly where you live or would like to live.
Lacking that, I'm just going in a general direction with this response.
The first step would be to evaluate what is needed in that field, and what education, work experience, volunteer experience, etc. you have that could possibly be used as a "transferrable skill." You also need to evaluate your financial situation - do you have the means to support yourself, either through work, other members in the household, loans, etc while getting started on a new career.
Perchance do you have a background in historical fiction? Do they have any Living History groups where you live - the people who re-create the Revolutionary War and Civil War at parks, for example? The ones I've met pride themselves on authenticity. Might be a way to get started?
You might also search for jobs on Indeed, leaving off the city/state if there are too few matches otherwise. A search for "museum educator" (with quotes) returns 97 matches nationwide. Read the job descriptions and experience. Assuming you have some teaching experience?
A search for "Museum" and "textile" (written just like that) returned 36 matches nationwide. Some look interesting! But, it looks like some further schooling is definitely in your future.
So, I'd try to get a position more in line with my current education and experience at a place where I eventually want to work once I got qualified in the textile museum field.
I hope this is of some help to you! Kudos to you for heading out in another direction!
It would be beneficial if we had some additional information, such as a little bit about your work experience to-date, life experiences, etc.. and possibly where you live or would like to live.
Lacking that, I'm just going in a general direction with this response.
The first step would be to evaluate what is needed in that field, and what education, work experience, volunteer experience, etc. you have that could possibly be used as a "transferrable skill." You also need to evaluate your financial situation - do you have the means to support yourself, either through work, other members in the household, loans, etc while getting started on a new career.
Perchance do you have a background in historical fiction? Do they have any Living History groups where you live - the people who re-create the Revolutionary War and Civil War at parks, for example? The ones I've met pride themselves on authenticity. Might be a way to get started?
You might also search for jobs on Indeed, leaving off the city/state if there are too few matches otherwise. A search for "museum educator" (with quotes) returns 97 matches nationwide. Read the job descriptions and experience. Assuming you have some teaching experience?
A search for "Museum" and "textile" (written just like that) returned 36 matches nationwide. Some look interesting! But, it looks like some further schooling is definitely in your future.
So, I'd try to get a position more in line with my current education and experience at a place where I eventually want to work once I got qualified in the textile museum field.
I hope this is of some help to you! Kudos to you for heading out in another direction!
Thank you for the advice, Kim.
Laura
Sari Cohen
Art Collection Manager
19
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Sari’s Answer
You may want to consider a certificate program in museum studies like this one at NYU: https://as.nyu.edu/departments/museumstudies.html
An internship could be a good next step. You can check with your local museums to see what opportunities they offer.
The American Alliance of Museums has a great website with job listings and additional career resources available for members: https://www.aam-us.org/programs/manage-your-career/.
Good luck!
An internship could be a good next step. You can check with your local museums to see what opportunities they offer.
The American Alliance of Museums has a great website with job listings and additional career resources available for members: https://www.aam-us.org/programs/manage-your-career/.
Good luck!