mind-half-open

For jobs like these that I've seen in the past, sometimes they do want a masters (usually art history); sometimes they don't. I've applied to these types of jobs before with no luck. I'm wondering what the best way would be to break into the field... maybe I should volunteer for free somewhere, or seek an internship. A tough prospect as a 30-year-old who's been working full-time for seven years. Right now based solely on the advice in this thread I'm thinking maybe the time/effort of a masters is probably not worth it, given my goals.

Thanks for replying. I realize my inquiry is vague and not yet well-formed. The writer/editor I met had worked with curators to create museum exhibits -- researching, writing and editing the wall text, essentially. She said she had also sometimes worked in more of a marketing capacity, helping create brochures, etc. for certain museums. Later in her career she had started working on books that museums published. Occasionally during job searches I've come across editing jobs at a museum, working in publications departments. So that general "line" of work is what I'm interested in, though I'm not sure how to begin.

Aww, no replies here? Anyone? Keep in mind I'm just looking for BROAD advice right now as I get started.

Hey, new to this forum and my naivete on the topic is going to come across really quickly. I'm in the very early stages of considering a masters after working for several years in journalism and now, due to lack of job stability and progress, needing to get out. (Not that I think grad school is an answer to the job stability thing, but I want a new direction.) Through my work I've written about several museum exhibits, talking to curators and other professionals in the field, and I've always been very intrigued by this world. Recently I was in touch with a fascinating woman who had been an editor and writer for various Smithsonian museums over the years. I've also helped a good friend work on a few projects for her Museum Studies grad program, including a "digital museum," and really enjoyed myself. I've asked this friend and others how I could go about breaking into the business of museum-related writing and editing work. No one has a pat answer but several have suggested that a masters would be helpful. It seems like an Art History or Museum Studies degree would be most relevant. I'm just now starting to look into programs. Initial Questions: 1) I'm specifically interested in writing/editing/publishing work for museums. Are there any programs out there that cater toward this? 2) Is a masters degree necessarily the way for me to go, given these career aspirations? Would I be just as well off doing a couple of internships to try to break into the field, rather than spending the time and money on a masters? Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks.