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In samenwerking met
RTV Drenthe
NOS Nieuws•
On a farm in the Drenthe village of Schoonebeek, a real estate agent has made a special archaeological discovery. Between viewings of a house, he found several objects in the garden, including a natural stone axe thousands of years old.
real estate agent Ruud Pat found the objects in a large pile of stones next to the farm in the garden. “Between viewings, I sometimes had a few minutes to spare. Then I spent it rummaging around,” he told RTV Drenthe.
Pat found four objects, including a natural stone axe that turned out to be 4000 years old. From the same pile of stones, he also fished out a 3000-year-old bronze socket axe, a prehistoric grinding stone and a millstone.
Ruud Pat shows where he found the objects:
Securing employment at a museum is a competitive process requiring a combination of education, experience, and networking. Opportunities range from curatorial and conservation roles to education, management, and visitor services.
Understanding Museum Employment Landscape
Table of Contents
Museum employment encompasses a diverse range of positions,extending beyond traditional roles like curators. The sector includes both public and private institutions, each with unique hiring practices and requirements.Competition for positions is generally high, notably for curatorial roles.
According to the U.S. Bureau of labor Statistics, the median annual wage for museum technicians and conservators was $51,930 in May 2023. Job outlook is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Education and Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree is typically the minimum requirement for entry-level museum positions, while many roles, especially curatorial and conservation positions, require a master’s degree or doctorate.
Specific educational backgrounds vary depending on the role. For example:
- Curators: Frequently enough hold advanced degrees in art history, archaeology, history, or a related field.
- Conservators: Typically have master’s degrees in conservation, specializing in a specific material (e.g., paintings, textiles, objects).
- Educators: May have degrees in education, museum studies, or a subject-matter expertise relevant to the museum’s collections.
- Registrars: Often have degrees in art history, museum studies, or library science.
The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) accredits museums, and accreditation is often seen as a sign of quality and professionalism. Many museums prioritize candidates with coursework or experience related to museum studies.
The Importance of Internships
Internships are crucial for gaining practical experience and networking within the museum field. many museums offer both paid and unpaid internships.
The Smithsonian institution,for example,offers a wide range of internship opportunities across its museums and research centers. Details can be found on their Smithsonian Internship Program website.Competition for these internships is fierce.
Job Search Strategies
Finding museum jobs requires a proactive and targeted approach. Online job boards, museum websites, and professional networking are all important strategies.
Key resources include:
- AAM Job Board: https://www.aam-us.org/jobs/
- Museum Employment Network (MEN): https://museumemployment.com/
- Idealist: https://www.idealist.org/ (often lists museum positions)
- Individual Museum Websites: Regularly check the career pages of museums you are interested in.
Networking at museum conferences and events can also be highly beneficial. The AAM Annual Meeting & Museum Expo is a major event for museum professionals.
The Application Process
The museum job application process typically involves submitting a resume, cover letter, and potentially writing samples or a portfolio. Some positions may also require interviews,presentations,or skills assessments.
Cover letters should be tailored to each specific position and highlight your relevant skills and experience. Resumes should clearly demonstrate your qualifications and accomplishments.
The UC Davis Career Center provides comprehensive guidance on crafting effective resumes and cover letters.