ArtHistoryandMuseum

Oops! I must have seen your post NOHOWNOWAY on the side bar... I'm an art history/material culture kid! Hope I'm welcome here! That said, I have interned at a university museum, with a collection of anthropological artifacts....

I plan to apply for Fall 2014. This round will be my second. Top choice is a top secret (OK, nahh -- I'm currently evaluating my options ). Favorite color? (Haha!) Robin egg blue. Also, I am highly curious, NOWAYNOHOW, that you are looking into MIT's PhD program HASTS! While on the surface it may not appear a fit for me, it might actually just be (given my interests in history of technology and material culture). Which of the major research areas are you thinking of studying? Have you looked into any potential advisors?

Yes! This! [Oh, and the other stuff that you wrote, wildviolet? Spot on, too. :-)]

"Gotta love a writing tutor who can't write!" It's always easier said than done, haha :-) And on a serious note, good for you to get feedback from your peers. Maybe you can ask them for how they approach work and if they have any suggestions for improving your study style.

Hi there! I agree with the two above posters -- you have been accepted to your program with the thought that you are capable of the work, and second, being fatigued compromises your ability to process and produce work. While I am not trained and I am by no means able to diagnose, I had a hunch that what you may describe might be a learning difference, or a personality disorder (like perfectionism)? If that is possible, it may be worth your while to make an appointment with the Office of Disabilities, or Academic Support, at your university to investigate further. These student services should be able to evaluate you -- or send you to places to validate whether or not your issues are "typical" -- so that you can see if you actually have something limiting you -- and that you require an adjustment of some sorts. Secondly, not only do these student services help you arrange accommodations you may need to succeed, but they may also advise how to advocate for yourself and how to communicate your (dis)abilities to your professors should that ever come up. On the other hand, you may find going through the process that a learning difference (or other) is not the case, but all the same, they might offer you a full understanding of your current abilities, and subsequently offer you information about other student services, which may assist you better, such as the university's writing center. Anyway, I wish you all the best and good luck!

So sorry to hear this... sounds like it took you by surprise. I think your idea about compiling a specific list of questions is a good one. I'd just add, write it down and bring it with you when next meet your advisor. That way, you can say something like, "oh - let me make sure I asked all the questions that I wanted to know..." and scan the list for anything you might have missed. Then, you are also being efficient -- thinking through the limited time you have together, and making the most out of it; and zero-ing on the most important.

Sounds like you've carefully thought this through, and you will do the best with what you have. Good for you :-) You never know, in the year ahead, you *might* find external and/or internal funding... Anyway, good luck in the road ahead, and I sincerely wish you all the best!

Hey, I wish you all the best! It is my gut sense that entering, and planning to transfer out, is not a great practice. I imagine you are making good connects and conducting research... and bam! you surprise the department by desiring out. However, having no funding sounds to me like a good reason to consider elsewhere (someone out there, please correct me if I am wrong). In a year's time, maybe you can talk with your advisors or the department about seeking internal and external funding. If they can't help you/this doesn't work, then you can bring up funding concerns/living expenses. Also, if you don't get help finding grants/funding/help financially, if you do transfer, keep in mind that you'll want to transfer out before any major exams, thesis-ing, etc. Lastly, I totally TOTALLY get why you would not want to develop debt, as I wouldn't, but if you could somehow swing it, I'd really consider finishing the Master's if you start. I imagine that is a better seque into a PhD, anyway. You'll have a department cheering you on (hopefully!), as well as you'll have graduate LORs and no burned bridges... While I don't have any relatable experience (where I can support these aforementioned concerns for sure), I thought I would mention them to you, as this is my hunch that transferring out is tricker in graduate school, and you should be aware of the consequences/planning requirements as you accept this unfunded degree program.

Sorry to hear about the lack of funding. That is disheartening. I have not been in the same position. However, I would expect being in the same location for the next one or two years could actually be advantage. You won't have to concern yourself much about situating in a new locale -- you know, finding housing, grocery shops, etc; you can put your energies fully into schoolwork. I understand, though, it is bummer to be somewhere not new. Do you plan to re-apply for PhD programs in upcoming cycles? Perhaps then you'll funded and you'll get to try somewhere new. In the meantime, does your field support or encourage conference attendance? What about conducting your research elsewhere? Those are ways of getting out for awhile. Also, sometimes getting out of your immediate location can make you appreciate it... Finally, I support this suggestion: As I'm seeking to advance in my field, being in the same place for awhile now has me feeling similar to you: I'm ready to move on. In the meantime, I'm trying out non-American restaurants that I have never been, just to keep it more exciting. Today, I had takeaway Tibetan. Now if I were to move away, I have this expanded cultural palette to take with me. In other words, think of it as milking it for everything that the place is worth. Hopefully, an academic degree later, you'll get to move on somewhere else... Keep the faith! good luck!

My heart really goes out to you. I was also not accepted this round, I am looking to enter a museum position that is not highly compensated, and I have a Master of Arts. Before I earned my master's degree, I have worked in retail sales; I could take a stab at the discouragement and dissatisfaction there, as an academic-minded person. Are you an emerging and/or young professional? It's extremely difficult these days to find work! Don't be too, too hard on yourself. it is tough out there, especially if you are being considered against those with more working experience... As I have been interviewing for work, I have come to realize all of a sudden that I may be too "intellectual" for the administrative roles that I am seeking. Of course, I do not have enough "demonstrable" academic background to get the museum work that I am ultimately seeking... I hate that. It's especially frustrating because I am well-read in my field, and my passion is evident. I just don't have the papers or degree to show it. So, keep in mind that you may not be an intellectual fit for admin jobs, and that you may have to be brave to re-try to get back into academia, so that you *can* progress. Do take this year to focus on strengthening your application, if that's what you dream of doing. Also, having that project on the side should help keep up your spirits... Good luck!

Haha! I was just on Facebook, and I observed Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art wrote the following: "If you've watched THE LITTLE MERMAID recently, and we know that you have, you probably recognized this piece which is in our Caravaggio exhibition! [image] Ariel had good taste." :-) Here's the museum exhibition, the image referred to is the first on the left (of three) on the website.

Many thanks for posting this SeriousSillyPutty... I realize now that the strap on the backside of my messenger bag also does the trick of making the main strap stay in place, if say, I was biking, with the additional snap on the main strap. I had no idea what that addition snap was for on the main strap and now I do! Also, I just looked up the Chrome bag. It has a bottle opener?! Wow - that bag's designer thought of everything.

No one says you can't have both! Especially if it is adorable :-) And, indeed, yay compartments! Sometimes you learn what you need by what you don't have... Once I borrowed a friend's Burton wheelie luggage bag because I was attending a conference in another state and through using it for a week not only did I see that I needed a similar bag, but I was also familiar with its features and that helped me find a luggage set of my own. Generous friends and test driving what they own for the win!

Yay! I'm so glad to hear the suggestions helped someone. :-) As I mentioned earlier, I do have the Dakine messenger bag, which was designed to fit a laptop to fit inside, plus a larger area for books and other things. I really like how the bag's laptop section is separate and padded, and that it has a holder on the side for a nalgene waterbottle. No potential to spill on documents or the laptop here! Also, I love that it has a strap running on the bottom of the bag, so that I can put it on top of my rolling luggage. (In other words, my messenger bag is bigger, and looking an awful lot like this) For an everyday bag, where you'll be toting a lot of papers, etc, you can't go wrong with a slightly larger messenger bag so nicely organized. :-)

^^ I wholeheartedly second Fuzzylogician. (Unfortunately, I ran out of up votes. Sorry!) Although, I will add, if you are one of those people who like to stand during a telephone call -- and you would sit for a camera/Skype interview -- that may be a (tiny) difference between the two.

Is the general difference between a docent and interpretative guide, the first presents material (i.e. one sided, aka lecture) and the second engages with the public (i.e. two sided, aka conversation)? For the second (interpretative guiding) -- Are you outgoing? Will you be able to strike up a conversation with anyone? Can you think well on your feet? You may be super prepared to offer facts and historic biographic information on art, but visitors always come up with new questions to things... things you've never thought of. In my opinion, this kind of teaching/learning experience is awesome... you'll learn so much, and then you'll engage with subsequent visitors likely in an improved way, usually more concise manner and generally more aware of the "common" responses to art. Anyway, this is my basic understanding of the job post. It does look great. While I've never done an internship like this (or with Hirshhorn), I have been employed in museums, where I am expected to engage the public and interpret the collections one-on-one basis. I expect that you'll definitely grow from the opportunity. It's a unique type of internship. I say, go for it!

You'll find some answers here, regarding the pros and cons of Skype and Phone interviews:

I'm so glad it helped. Congrats on your chosen school, and all the best!

You don't want to burn bridges. I would go the vague route. Something like what you've already written: "Dear [name], Thank you so much for considering me for X university. I am grateful to have been offered an assistantship. Unbeknownst to me at the time, I have received an offer from another program. The university is a better fit for my interests and for my professional goals. This was not an easy decision for me to make, but I have decided to accept their offer. I wish [department] at [university name] all the best. Thank you again for your time. Sincerely, [name]." Absolutely, revise this as you see fit, but something like this kind of note that I've composed -- brief explanation, and with appreciation for what they've offered to you -- should do the trick. This might be a daunting challenge at first, but I suspect, you'll feel better in time. Good luck!!

Is the documentary, Picasso and Braque go to the movies, worth a watch?

Oh! You've decided? I'm so curious now! Should you feel up to it, I'd love to know... maybe send me a PM?

That is a dilemma - debt versus connections! Good luck with what you choose! The following is some quick thoughts that I had from reading your post -- I'm not advocating for one school over another, but just offering things for you to consider: School A - Midwest Is it possible at the Midwest institution to do a summer internship in the archives? You'll want that for your resume if you can get find an opportunity. Would the east coast institution also generally have higher living expenses (than the midwest place)? If you visit either school, check out the nearby grocery store, etc, for comparisons. In other words, it's more than rent that you'll have to factor in, probably making the school in the midwest more attractive in the long-term. Did you say this is a Public History option? Did you say you wanted to go into archival work? I'd research where grads got jobs, and doing what kinds of jobs, and whether or not that is generally because of their own hard work, or because the area or the school offered connections? School B - East Coast Archives AND Public History -- to me, that would offer you more opportunities to apply, as you could market to employers one, or the other, or both. Can someone from the department shed any light on future funding opportunities (for the subsequent years)? Getting funding eventually would make this more attractive than totally paying out of pocket in the midwest. Connections are always helpful in landing jobs -- I'd weigh it very highly, being able to get a "foot in the door" with national archives. Also, could you see if you can definitely get out in 2.5 years versus 3 -- otherwise, my thought is that these two programs are not financially on par; you'll be paying a lot more for a degree out of this place than the 2 year program. On the other hand, having 2.5-3 years of making connections, maybe you'll find a job quicker as you'll be theoretically making more connections.

Sure, anytime. :-) I totally get how a supervisor could describe your capacities better than a professor from years ago. That goes for me, too. Museum supervisors could talk about my knowledge of my academic field as strong and sustainable, whereas my undergrad professors from several years ago just have "my promise" in undergrad to go on, such as my alacrity for scholarly texts, tenacious persistence in researching, etc. Also, you may want to check out GradCafe subforum for LORs. Questions like these may not be related specifically to your circumstances, but the replies can be useful food for thought when planning ahead, Finally, keep in mind that for applications generally, you'll need several LORs. Secondly, one university that I applied to required three LORs, but you could submit up to five.

Addition for above: I also submitted letters of recommendation from my professors in undergrad. Oh, and we should trade places for jobs. ;-) With my interests in decorative arts, I'd love to work for an auction house! Right now, I'm studying a couple of modern artists for the museum I'm working next....

Personally, I submitted recommendations from prior work supervisors (albeit from a museum). These letter writers could speak to my most recent work studying my field of interest (which I did not learn about in undergrad). Which is fantastic. Most critically, however, both of my letter writers held academic backgrounds: one holding a PhD, and the other one finishing PhD coursework. So, each were aware of the graduate school process, and the skills necessary to succeed. So you may want to ask yourself -- For my letters of recommendation, what are the backgrounds of those recommending me? Will they be able to submit a letter to the adcomm as equal weight to a traditional LOR writer? And if not, do they add something else to your application?