ArtHistoryandMuseum

Happy to provide my perspective! I wanted to be certain you knew for some museums (usually smaller ones), or for particular museum positions, an advanced degree is not necessary. However, you are striving for something else, and academia is needed to accomplish your career goals. ^^ Yes. Museums can be choosey with new hires! It is a buyer's market right now. While I have no idea about the circumstances of the museum where you are trying to climb up, or even your full qualifications or position sought, it may be that the hiring committee preferred a non-internal applicant ("fresh ideas"), or that the committee had a difficult time seeing you in a new role. For instance, if you work in visitor services (of some kind) or administratively, and you wish to go into curatorial, it can be challenge to cross over. You can have stellar recommendations, yet still not be truly "seen"; and also, the "grass is always greener on the other side." Does any of this make sense?

If not professorship... I should have asked you: what kind of museum work are you in, or what in museums do you want to do? That might help narrow down if you should do a MA or PhD in Art History, or in another discipline (e.g. PhD in Educational Studies, a professor example would be museum education/constructivist theorist, George Hein at Lesley University.) Do your museum contacts have any advice for which degrees to pursue? What are their professional and academic backgrounds? Also, keep in mind, years ago the expectations for museum roles, such as curator, did not ask for a PhD. In other words, today senior curators may hold just a BA. But for a curatorial internship or fellowship today, some museums requires a MA, or even a PhD, of its applicants. But remember, this is for curators. (Maybe for museum directors.) This is not speaking of other roles in a museum, such as fundraising, marketing, school programs.

A PhD is expected for curators of top museums; sometimes, museum administration hold advanced degrees. Occasionally, you'll find a director of education or education staff hold MAs/PhDs. But pursuing a PhD for several years and having a PhD degree is generally NOT necessary for museum work. In fact, it may affect you negatively in terms of landing administrative museum work (especially database-driven museum positions, e.g. collections management, development). Now I am not saying it is not a good idea to have the idea of a back up plan of museum work, because the process of professorship is competitive, but going in with the idea that professorship may not work out/professorship is not your ultimate goal, sounds like to me that you don't have a concentrated plan for your career. Also, you don't do a PhD because it is financially more sound than a MA, you do it because earning a PhD will help you land where you want to go in your career. And when stopping at a MA doesn't make sense. However, in your case, a MA in Art History would probably help your museum prospects, likely better than a PhD (which is limiting).

My dad's a lawyer. I never thought about following in his footsteps. However, I spied this today in regard to provenance issues at the MFA Boston. Hahahaha, maybe!

"My advisor wrote a 6-10 paragraph e-mail, explaining that it was impossible for him to recommend my draft for defense. He said that I "had no idea what I was talking about", that it was so "blatantly obvious" that I was over my head, that I was "saying things just to sound knowledgeable without knowing them". In his many comments, he mentioned that there were areas of my thesis that were "agonizing to read and not at the graduate level"." Receiving this kind of feedback -- please know, you are not alone. I don't know why some advisors appear agreeable, and then not only have amnesia of that action later, but also criticize that anything that you've done to be "subpar," and not up to graduate snuff. (This is while other advisors are "spectacular." Whether it is pleasant news or not, those advisors will be upfront with you.) In any event, it is difficult to keep up the motivation, especially when you are so close to finishing! Even in the best of times, after working on something so intensively, you do feel burn out and exhaustion. So just keep going, anyway! Once words come out, it's usually not as terrible as you dread; you can always edit, edit, edit. With all my empathy here, I know that this may be difficult for you, but I urge you consider what Eigen wrote. From what I have read and understand, I believe Eigen's spot on in regard to the realities in grad school....... Anyway, I hope that writing out your experience will serve a cathartic purpose for you, and all the best for the completion of your studies!

Especially those advertised by university museums or major museums, keep an eye out for one year or two year, paid fellowships/internships -- these would be a great bridge into entry level/mid-career museum work. Also, seek out auction houses... the jobs with answering the phones/cataloguing/handling artifacts is how you get a foot in the door. As I work currently in the museum field, I can tell you we don't discuss art in terms of value; galleries are so different than museums, with the financial values accompanying the work. (I've worked in a fine art gallery, too.) Although, if you get experience in galleries, it will probably be transferrable to museums. I'd second thinking about language(s). Top museums definitely seek language ability for curatorial positions. As I'm in the museum field, I could go into specifics about museum experience/getting jobs in the field -- so feel free to PM me.

Judy Chicago?

Tracey Emin?

Many thanks for this distinction, Brazilianbuddy. Soon, I will have an opportunity to talk with a few of the top professors in my field, and at that time, I can inquire whether or not they are open to best sample which will illustrate "range," or if they'd simply prefer the area of interest. Speaking of that, as a prospective Fall 2014 applicant, I'm still open to any insights to make the most of

Thank you for your reply, fullofpink. Yes: "Be myself." This is a useful reminder for a young professional, who wishes deeply to impress. There is no reason to be an encyclopedia of facts: "Eero Saarinen did MIT's chapel" or "Queen Anne reigned from 1702-1714." Instead, I will relax, and be my best professional self. Yes, yes, yes. As for the institutes: For one program - if you pay for tuition (and the course is not full), you get in. For the other program - you must apply and offer your academic background. That may reveal something in regard to the rigor of the program. Fullofpink, I will PM you a link to the second program. Yes, for the institute(s), I should have an elevator-style summary ready to give on the side research that I am conducting, as well as the exhibitions that I'm involved with at my museum. Speaking of my museum work, it is spectacular for one of the days in the first program, the program will be devoted fully to a subject that I am researching currently for my museum. As I am actively immersed in the topic, I will have more comfort there to ask questions of the lecturer(s), too. Also, I appreciate the information that I should be prepared to speak about my museum. I see those questions being inevitable -- right now, my museum is going through a lot of changes, and I am certain to be asked all about it! In fact, I can see the questions now. :-) I am definitely enthusiastic about my museum. All the same, putting on my diplomatic face is critical. Even if my museum is only helping me out by a tiny bit and merely offering me time off (not paying for my course fee), I am still representing them. Regarding the institute(s) being more about an exercise, than a serious scholarly activity, that's probably spot on. Thanks for piping up on that. I will have to think carefully if these experiences are worth discussing in my SOP(s), or elsewhere on my application. That said, top faculty from one of my grad schools that I am applying to will be part of the institutes. Also, I do want to show to my schools that I am invested in dec arts and willing to do what it takes to learn about the field. Thirdly, my undergrad is filled with courses in the fine arts. (I do not have any undergraduate courses in my current focus of early American furniture, nor in general on the decorative arts.) In any event, I see that neither program are absolutely scholarly. However, both are a good starting step in my particular field. Finally, I would like to state again that I am a young museum employee, who is doing all that I can to make a bridge into studying objects in a scholarly way. While these program may not be rigorous for an art historian or for current graduate student, but for now, they are helpful for me. Finally, your comments on being friendly, and making small talk during the institute. Yes! Definitely! As an introvert and as someone who doesn't know any of the participants (only what they have published), I will be thinking a lot more about this, and how I can be, (and be viewed as), an engaged, intelligent, and pleasant participant. In all, this has been very helpful to me, Fullofpink. Thank you for your time. ** // Re-posted to clean up confusing sentence structure.

Are you in proximity to Boston? Someone that I know from the museum field found housing in Boston by walking around. Not to say you shouldn't look into rental agencies, as that might be your very best bet, but there was a success story of finding a great place, just by being there. I don't think my friends would have found this place otherwise. Something to consider.

I am not in your field. However, my first instinct is that the Narrative Medicine would open more job opportunities for you, than a focus on Appalachian Studies. Are you truly firm on remaining in the Appalachia region, or on working always with that culture? A degree may be useful to you, but my thought that it might be more helpful to them, to have a professional with a particular skill set, than someone "who has studied them". Also, if you did matriculate into the Narrative Medicine program, could you work on research (or a thesis) which you'd focus exclusively on the needs of those in Appalachia? It seems that way you can do a generalized program, develop a skill set, but still obtain crucial information on the region culturally.

Unless your job relates to your graduate study (or could provide you insights for future research), the job will probably zap your energy otherwise slated for school work. Especially if it is full-time and/or you cannot chose the working hours! You might get frustrated that you have to go into work, when you have a lot of work for school to accomplish. That said, money for life's expenses is useful, too. I firmly agree with Manierata:

If you want "someplace cool with great museums" and plenty of museum collections to visit over time -- that is definitely Philadelphia. However, graduate school's main focus is not visiting museums. It's about setting yourself up for scholarly research. It would be one thing if you are committing long term to this area -- perhaps for an ordinary job, where things to do outside of work is essential part of life -- OR if you needed to have access to a particular museum(s) for research, but I think your attention now should really be weighing "if this is the MA program for me?"

Remember also that MA's are generally for two years. Maybe for your next career step, whether it is a PhD program or other, you'll have a warm and sunny spot to move to! Honestly, though, I would suspect you'd adapt to the climate if you come to either Philly or Syracuse. And if you didn't, or didn't fully, adapt, then it's still a good experience to have, I think. However, I do totally get what you mean. After having flown from the West, into an east coast airport, like New York City, my heart always sunk in the jetbridge. In that tunnel, I could just feel the cold humidity. "Back to the cold," I thought. HAHA I have also visited LA and Long Beach, CA. I could also imagine how nice that it must be in your area, and how you are not ready for the cold!

Hey, Philadelphia, is cold, too! Several years ago, I housesat for an extended period in Syracuse, NY. Personally, I did find a place like Syracuse kind of blah. Which may be actually an asset to you -- you'll focus on your studies. The culture that I can think of on the top of my head is the small Museum of Art (Everson), and I believe there are galleries at the University. There is also this amazing grocery store called Wegmans, which is largely in Western New York. They have extensive selections of things like mix your own selection of craft beer, and an elegant layout (at least the Ithaca branch does). You've also mentioned transport. When I housesat, I had access to the person's vehicle. In the suburbs, a car makes things easier -- although, I never did look into the public transit system. Philadelphia, in contrast, has a significant underground and suburban rail system. You can get to the outermost, surrounding towns by suburban rail, which is a nice option for day trips. There's lots of little colleges out there. Now for Syracuse, you'll be further from DC, but I bet it's accessible by rail (longer trip) or by plane (shorter trip). Personally, I have flown on jetBlue from Syracuse into New York City, and it was pretty easy. Once at the airport, I took the Airtrain and the LIRR into the city. While not as cheap as a bus or the train, the airfare was definitely affordable. You may be able to fly in, in the morning, and fly out the same day? However, as I have also stayed in Philadelphia, your access to the eastern seaboard cities, like DC, NYC, Baltimore, and Boston, will be much more plentiful. There's also a lot more life in Philly I feel, and culture that you'll have access to. Plus, Philly is a museum city. Benjamin Franklin Parkway is filled with them. Amazing cultural access in one spot! As for weighing the scholarship... many people on GradCafe urge new students not to pay for the program themselves, or take on debt -- rather, take the scholarship option when it is offered. Unless there is something particularly compelling academically at Temple for you, I'd recommend going with Syracuse. Also, I'd check out the city guides on GradCafe to see if there's any for Philly and for Syracuse. That may allay some of your concerns -- and you can ask more specific questions there.

Hi all, Please do let me know if there is a more appropriate location on GradCafe for this question. Currently, I am an employee in a museum, who gets regular opportunities to study my direct field of interest: decorative arts and American furniture. I absolutely cherish this. However, I'd like to go further than my current museum position (which also has me doing non-research tasks), and fully conduct research instead. So, it is my plan to apply this autumn for MA (and possibly) PhD programs. I couldn't imagine a more appropriate place for my abilities. Ranging from one to two weeks long, I have discovered recently that there are a couple of educational institutes for my field of study, where I could pick up highly useful information. The two programs that I am interested in, in particular, not only offer me opportunities to visit a number of museums to see their collections, some behind-the-scenes (i.e. potential research topics), but also they involve several lectures by current and emerita faculty, from well-regarded universities (i.e. academics from whom I can obtain scholarly insights in my field). For one of the two programs, I have applied and received a scholarship to attend. By some miracle, I managed a way to get the rest paid for, so I will be participating. The other institute is several months away; I am currently looking into grant funding. (I do hope that I can secure funding, as this is a program hosted at a fantastic museum, of which has a close, and active relationship, with a neighboring, high research output university.) In any regard, it is a multi-week program, offering me thorough exposure to my academic interests. The program should challenge me intellectually, as well as teach me things that are critical to my field of study. As someone who is attempting to traverse from being a professional worker in the quasi-academic world of museums, into an accomplished, scholarly researcher for graduate school (and post-graduate life), I am wondering how to make the absolute most out of the these learning experiences. So, I am particularly curious to know: 1.) during the program -- how to demonstrate my sincere, and sustainable interest in the field, as well as my research capabilities, and 2.) during the program -- how to network well at the receptions, and the in-between times, to support my primary goal of studying American furniture and decorative arts further in grad school I ask this because one of the programs has a number of receptions (with authors, institute alumni, academic faculty, museum curators, etc), as well as field trips to area museums; and the other institute has the opportunity for me to pursue personal research. As conducting independent research is a terrific opportunity to demonstrate my abilities in research, it's important to plan ahead to make the most of the time that I have. (I also know that I will have to spend more time discovering what is available in their archives and collections, as well as what research has been done so far.) What else should I be thinking about to make the most of these educational programs? So far, I am learning all that I can about each of the faculty participants, and the curators who are involved in the program(s). I have already started that process. In addition, as best as I am able (without immediate JSTOR access), I'm locating their scholarship from print journals at the museum where I work. I'm also looking up the museums where we'll be visiting. Finally, I am also thinking about: the thoughtful kinds of questions to ask, ways to demonstrate serious engagement/passion for the field, remembering to bring a pencil for the archives (haha - the details do not escape me as a museum professional), dressing artistic but sharp... What else would you recommend for an emerging museum professional, who will be applying for graduate school during the fall, who is hopeful of making the absolute most out of the educational opportunities that are available? Thank you so much for your time. AH&M

Haha - a barn! That would also be wicked desirable for me, too. Not only because I drive through the farmlands to the museum where I work, but also because I'm interested in American history, material culture, architecture, and historic preservation. I'd also be sold to an image of a Greek revival house, Federal-style house, a white New England church...

Chipstone Foundation's Ceramics in America, as well as American Furniture.

For my focus of decorative arts and furniture, I've just discovered access through my museum's library to: "Winterthur Portfolio - A Journal of American Material Culture."

I agree with the above advice: to focus more on the program than the city. As a New Englander who has lived in Colorado, I just wanted to pipe up that Denver is very different than an early American, east coast city like Boston. You'll also be living at 5,280 ft in Denver, which is a moderate adjustment from sea level life. The climates also differ. Boston, for instance, you'll find a chill in the winter, that you don't find so much in a lower humidity area like Colorado. Weather changes rapidly in the west, too. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and attention to hydration, are musts for Colorado, especially if you do any skiing in the mountains and are out in the bright sunshine. But unless you are hiking and living up in the mountains (over 9,000ft), and you have or are prone to altitude sickness, it's probably nothing you can't handle. It's just... something to be aware of. Lastly -- one of the issues facing the western states -- like Colorado -- will be water quantity and water quality. A lot of the old mining sites in Colorado have contaminated streams and water supply. Colorado is also very dependent on snowfall for water. (Denver gets it water from the mountains.) So, there are rules for things like water sprinklers for lawns, in Denver proper. I don't say this to scare anyone, but water is definitely an issue to consider if you staying in Colorado, for the long term.

I played field hockey in college. Several years later, I have found a field hockey league at a local gym. It's not the same as a collegiate team (where we devoted hours to exercise and to travel to universities), but the league that I've recently found -- it is a referred game, and the same length of time. So, seeking opportunities at a gym -- or by meetup -- may not be a perfect, but it may be a source for playing sports, when your university is not an option.

In the article "Deja Vu of Today's Application Files," Thomas J. Straka wrote about the best and the worst of applicant materials, for those applying for two tenture track positions: "The leadership statements are intended to be open-ended and relate to service. But few candidates took the ball and ran. Most just stumbled through it. Maybe few of the candidates had time to be leaders. Some mentioned being head of the departmental graduate-student association. That might seem to be minor, but hiring committees know that such graduate-student leaders usually stand out. Don't underestimate yourself; don't think committee members won't know how hard some of those "minor" accomplishments were. [...]" It sounds like it's what you make of it during your studies, and how you might next use your GSA service to your advantage. Heed what Eigen said regarding research-academic positions, though.

Thank you so much for this!