Career Exploration

It can be difficult for students to understand how to connect their academic studies to the world of work. This program is designed to clarify a possible path. Students contemplating a career in the museum field will learn what goes on in various museum jobs, what skills are needed for each, and how to acquire them. They will have an opportunity to meet and talk with professionals in many different aspects of museum work. They will begin to build a network of individuals to whom they can turn for advice as their plans take shape.

Evening panels will bring together representatives of graduate training programs, including specialized programs in conservation and curatorial studies, to discuss their offerings and explain their criteria for admission. Junior professionals who are on the lower rungs of the career ladder will share their recent experience in entering the profession.

Participants will have a chance to conduct in-depth informational interviews with staff members of area museums and to “shadow” them as they work. (For information on the rich array of nearby museums, see www.museums10.org.) A workshop on résumé preparation, interview techniques, and landing internships and first jobs will provide concrete advice on first steps. Each participant will also be offered an individual counseling session with one of the Co-Directors.

Based on what they learn at SIAMS, current undergraduates will be in a position to select courses that support their long-term objectives as they complete their college education and to strategize to acquire experience outside the classroom that will make them competitive as they apply to graduate school or enter the job market.

CREDENTIALS

A certificate will be awarded to all who complete the program successfully.