ArtHistoryandMuseum

If I had to go with location, I'd go with sunny Boulder over Pittsburgh any day. (I'm an east coaster, who has been to Boulder many times <-- take that for what it is worth!). BUT you should select a program that will prepare you the best for the future. I'm guessing that you will looking for employment after your degree? Entertainment Technology may give you the right connections and experience. However, you should consult someone, who really knows the field and the reputations of each of the school's programs. Good luck!

If there are no restrictions to working outside your program and you believe that you can balance both responsibilities (with school being first priority), you may want to consider finding employment that will allow you to make connections or develop knowledge for your specific field of study. Of course with my background, I am immediately thinking of museums, which deal with archeology :-). However, the state where you reside, or other non-profits (or archeological societies) may be academically advantageous employers, as well.

In general, Boston is pretty pricey, and it can be a challenge to secure good, affordable, convenient housing. From my experience: Medford is in proximity to hip Somerville, which I like a lot. I have also walked to Tufts University from the T. It's not bad, but it does get chilly in winter! For more specifics, I'd recommend checking out "Boston & Cambridge, MA" on GradCafe. Ask there about the realities of funding and housing.

Is there a possibility that there is a first round (culling of applicants), and a following round (that requests a research proposal)?

Thanks so much! As you can see, my GradCafe profile picture of Paul Revere II is from the MFA Boston. I have been just chomping at the bit, to return to the city, in mid-Spring!

Any advice for the E line of the Greenline for this material culture / museum kid (i.e. visits to MFA Boston)? Or, is it better to take Orangeline to Ruggles and just walk?

1) Yup, curatorial internship positions tend to desire at least MA (often in Art History). There are exceptions, such as internships at the Met. 2) In addition to working/volunteering in a museum, how are your language skills in your desired subjects? Also, could you study abroad or travel abroad?

OH MY GOSH, YES! I had this happen last application cycle. The email with the link, for uploading/creating the letter, went to my letter writer's Spam box. Meanwhile, I was feeling discouraged that the letter writer hadn't submitted the LOR... that my heart just sank. Haha! Once we had that sorted out... I learned the opposite: the letter writer was very supportive of my application, for the specific university/program. Whew!

Yes, clearing off the snow is not the worst. It's a great workout! But I lived in a western state where it snowed pretty much every day, through the Spring until early June. Every morning looking out the window felt like Groundhog Dog. (What, more snow!? AGAIN!?!?) The repetitiveness was so tough on me... and I grew up in the snowy Northeast! However, you learn things (e.g. having four seasons is special) -- and it's awesome that you have more life knowledge. (And later on: gratitude when you move away!)

You never know if you do not try. If you have nothing to lose (and likely everything to gain), why not? I second this. In a museum setting, I loved it when I had an object with me (or beside me) -- the eyes from the group went to the object, I focused on what I had to share. It took the pressure off from worrying that they were scrutinizing me for whatever reason. In addition to PowerPoint (as a way to divert attention from yourself), Prezi may be another option. Also, consider using a whiteboard (or a large pad of paper) during class. On these, you can put an agenda, or notes about what you are teaching on, for them for all to read. Again, this would help take the focus off you and/or your behavior. Plus, if you write an agenda, it reminds you to keep going. For, even if you blank out or get stressed, the class can still follow along.

What types museum positions are you looking into -- full-time, fellowship, internship? I have not been employed in a university museum, so I cannot speak to that, but the following advice is based on my experience in the industry: Full-time positions would more likely be hinged to the employer's timeframe -- rather than yours. They might have an immediate need for an employee, and would have liked you in the office as soon as possible. (However, there is potential wiggle room on your end, especially if you are the top choice for the position!) With fellowships, there might be an expected start date... and the same with internships, as internships can be pegged to a certain time in the future, e.g. summer. TL;DR: I might hold off on the full-time positions for a little while, but I would start looking at internships and/or fellowships soon. Also, museums can vary in terms of the length of time to process their applications. While some museums have fewer applicants and/or hire within one or two interviews, others take months on end. For instance, I have had one museum that I applied to in July, and by Labor day, I found that that they were still going through applications! So I would keep that in mind if you are applying to a bigger museum and/or university, and apply much earlier than expected. Hope this helps. Good luck!

Thank you so much for the information! Also, thank you for this advice:

Wow! You've piqued my interest. I have some experience subbing, and I have significant experience in museum education -- but it would be great to work full-time in a formal classroom/teach. From my museum background, I have particular strength in art and social studies. How would I go about finding a school desperate for teachers? As for my preferences, I would be open to private or public schools; elementary, middle, or high school. I'm open to moving out west, but I am in New England.

answers your question slightly -- unfortunately, not fully. However, it addresses a subsequent problem: getting time off from a full-time job, for school visits and interviews.

Six months is not a lot of work experience. After subbing a full school year, I am curious if you'll have more success receiving interviews. Anyway, I would still keep applying! Also, what site are you using to search for jobs? For public schools, I know that there is SchoolSpring, but I wonder if there are other sites that you can be using to find work?