Public History Applicants

[KBHistorian]

That's awesome!! Congrats

[KBHistorian]

Any new updates in the public history field?

[emhafe]

I haven't heard of any other schools sending out acceptances. I'm up for an interview at WVU for complete funding + stipend. We'll see what happens.

 

I'm hoping next week is the week when things becoming exciting.

[KBHistorian]

Oh goodness! Fingers crossed the interview goes well!

Yeah I'm just waiting to hear for funding--seems like a tale as old as time by now haha

[emhafe]

I don't think I'm holding my breath anymore to hear from NCSU on funding.

[emhafe]

Haha, I posted that and received confirmation of my thoughts from NCSU. No worries.

 

Also, KB, I just saw your post about GWU in the 2015 acceptances and WOW! How exciting is that!!!

[KBHistorian]

Thanks emmd94!! I'm excited to learn if they have any funding available

So did you get funding from NCSU? I just got an email from NCSU about funding-I didn't get a TA position. All it said was to look online for other possible funding opportunities.

[emhafe]

Hearing about all the errors being made with letters, I feel like I'm going to be twitchy anytime I hear something. GWU would be a phenomenal place to be!

 

That's what I received to. I'm hesitant to do anything until I hear from a couple other schools. Ahh, the waiting game. Never been any good at that.

[KBHistorian]

Yeah, I'm going crazy just waiting for the last notifications. I just want to know everything so I can start planning for the fall!!

Also, have you heard anything from Amherst yet? That's the last one I'm really waiting on. After I hear from them I can really make my decision.

Edited February 23, 2015 by KBHistorian

[emhafe]

No, I haven't heard anything from UMass. I understand where you're coming from. I really can't wait to hear from UNCG but I (hopefully) won't hear from them for a while.

 

Did you ever consider trying to go straight into the workforce? Just curious

[KBHistorian]

I did and I still do at times, but from my research if I ever want a job that isn't mainly entry level I need a MA. I like to look at job postings for fun, I know I'm weird, and a MA is almost always required. Also with a MA I can always teach if I have too. Plus, I really enjoy school so it won't be such an arduous task for me.

What about you? Have you thought about just jumping into the field?

[emhafe]

Nope, I totally understand! I look at job postings frequently too. I would love to get a Masters but I have also decided to apply for a few jobs just in case (there are a couple online MA in Museum Studies degrees from well known schools). I guess I just want to be prepared from every angle, if possible. However, I'm assuming I'll be in grad school in the fall.

[KBHistorian]

It's always good to have options!

I had thought about getting my MA online, but from what I've read and with people I've talked to having the hands on experience you get is really important.

Of course there is always the option of working in the field while attending grad school. Even if it's part-time that's my goal for the fall.

Edited February 25, 2015 by KBHistorian

[emhafe]

Ya, I only would have done the online route if (by some twist of fate) I had landed a job in the field. I fully expect to be in graduate school.

 

With NCSU, do you think the department would help to find us a local public history job? The assistantship interview I have with WVU involves working in an archival collection (which I would much prefer over being a TA).

[KBHistorian]

For NCSU, from my discussion from the director I gathered that they and alumni help graduate students find jobs. Since most of the history centric institutions are run by alumni who are always willing to lend a helping hand. Graduate students who don't have a TA position, will instead work off campus. Hope that helps!

[emhafe]

Ok, I'll have to keep that in mind. So many things to think about! That was one thing I liked about American--their classes are all in the evening so it's possible for students to work full time and get their Masters in 2 years. (It's also super pricey, but so great.)

[hxd536]

What kind of undergrad background is everyone coming from?

[Chiqui74]

I did not apply to any Public History programs, although I did consider applying to one (NCSU).  I do, however, have a strong interest in public history, particularly living history programs.  If I wasn't going into a PhD program, my dream job would be to be a Colonial Williamsburg interpreter, or a similar site.  I hope that I can do some PH work in grad school, and I am definitely keeping PH as a career option upon graduation.  PH is, after all, the reason I got into history in the first place.

[emhafe]

Hxd, I come from a small private college. I have worked hard to get various types of experiences. Graduating a year early.

Chiqui, I noticed in the acceptance forum that you mentioned PH one time. What made you do the phd route? I know in a year I will be trying to choose getting into the PH workforce or going for a Phd.

[Chiqui74]

I didn't feel I was (academically)  prepared to go into public history.  I was also not willing to give up my nice, decently paying job, to take a $9.50 an hour apprenticeship, which are rare opportunities anyway, at a living history site.  Upon writing my statement of purpose, I realized that right now I have little to offer to the public history field and my research, as such, is much better suited for a traditional PhD.

[Chiqui74]

For what it's worth, I'm not a spring chicken and this isn't my first career so I have a lot more things to consider, I think.

[KBHistorian]

What kind of undergrad background is everyone coming from?

Hi there!

So I transfered colleges a bit, but I'm graduating from a large state university. My BA is in history and I have a minor in hospitality management. I've had three internships in the public history field and one job.

What's your academic background? Where did you apply?

[jshaffer11]

Hey everyone!

 

I was accepted to/ will be attending NCSU in the fall and I'm glad to see others have been accepted! I am graduating this spring from a state university with a BA in history and a minor in business. I volunteered as an archivist and docent for two of our local museums. My focus will be in museum studies.

 

Also, is anyone planning on attending the conference in March?

[emhafe]

Congrats on the NCSU acceptance! I see you're applying to UNCG too. Although you've already decided on NCSU, you'll have to post if you hear anything from UNCG--I'm dying to know (I really, really love their program)! Have you heard from the other two schools or was NCSU you're top choice?

 

I don't plan on attending the conference, simply because it's too far and at an awkward time for me. I went to visit and attended a personal statement workshop in the fall. 

 

Also, glad you posted!

[hxd536]

Well, I got into the Public History thing a little late in the game. So I applied to one school. If it's meant to be it'll be and if not, I'm definitely looking to try again next year. I spent some of my undergrad thinking I just wanted a PhD, then did some soul searching and found that I want to work a little closer to people.

 

But I'm finishing up my undergrad at a state school, dual majors in Ancient History and general History. I'm lacking in the internship experience, but I have experiences from my majors that I'm hoping can supplement and academically I think I have a shot. 

 

I never really knew this field existed until about 10 months ago. I knew about Museum Studies programs at a couple schools but just wasn't sure how I would fit in. So I remain hopeful (and admittedly impatient and nervous).