The catch-22 of the museum world - Museum Professional Forums, News, Jobs, Articles, Books

James Lansing · 04-25-2008, 01:44 PM

It seems that while the university system is pumping out more and more candidates for positions, many institutional positions have a catch-22 opinion about the hiring process. Museums want experience, but they don't want to be the ones to give you the experience, however many institutions are always willing to provide space if you want to work for free. I may be wrong on this, but it just seems that if one is not tied an institution via an internship, then the chances of getting hired dim.
It's not rocket science. Museums have to stop the system of making the process so difficult for new career minded people. Many institutional departments forget that everyone was also hired first once.
And let's be honest about this... its not like these institutions are paying a fortune to manage their stuff, and that its the hardest job on the planet! My home town museum hired a curator from NEW ZEALAND!!! because she had EXPERIENCE!!!! WHAT!!!! Nothing against this person, but what does she know about the area people and what makes them tick? When I was told this I just laughed at them. They were quick to have me revamp their storage area, curate two exhibits, and organize their data base during my FREE internship, but when it came to hiring I was told I didn't have the "Experience" to do the same job I was already doing. And the job payed a mind numbing $35,000 a year.
I was making more than that 20 years ago out of college!!!
What are your thoughts on the system....

James Lansing · 04-26-2008, 12:10 AM

I just wanted to add that this isn't for all institutions. I have just talked with enough people who have had the same thing happen, and I am just upset over the place where I spent my internship acting like they did. Other institutions have been kind, helpful and understanding. Just a rant.

Museumgirl · 06-01-2008, 12:14 AM

I think we've all been in a similar situation, and I know we've all experienced the "you don't have enough experience" situation. Yes, we all know that we need experience to get a job, but often can't get a job because we don't have experience.

One thing we all need to remember is that we can't all start at the top. Those who have been in the field for many years have undoubtedly worked their way up to their current position. Just like the corporate world - you can't always start out at the top.

As far as finding someone else to do a job that we may be familiar with even if that person is not local... Well, I guess we need to think about everything that encompasses the job. Is there more to it than what we were doing? People who have more experience have dealt with those tricky situations that all too often arise in the museum, especially when dealing with donors.

I guess we need to be sure that we're taking advantage of all of the volunteer and intern experiences that we can while we are still in school, and then understand that we may not get our dream job right away. I've also learned that having experience in different areas within a museum make you a more well rounded employee and can give you an added advantage during the job search!

Good luck to everyone on the hunt for a job and keep your heads up!!!

04-25-2008, 01:44 PM	#1 (permalink)
James Lansing New Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 5	The catch-22 of the museum world It seems that while the university system is pumping out more and more candidates for positions, many institutional positions have a catch-22 opinion about the hiring process. Museums want experience, but they don't want to be the ones to give you the experience, however many institutions are always willing to provide space if you want to work for free. I may be wrong on this, but it just seems that if one is not tied an institution via an internship, then the chances of getting hired dim. It's not rocket science. Museums have to stop the system of making the process so difficult for new career minded people. Many institutional departments forget that everyone was also hired first once. And let's be honest about this... its not like these institutions are paying a fortune to manage their stuff, and that its the hardest job on the planet! My home town museum hired a curator from NEW ZEALAND!!! because she had EXPERIENCE!!!! WHAT!!!! Nothing against this person, but what does she know about the area people and what makes them tick? When I was told this I just laughed at them. They were quick to have me revamp their storage area, curate two exhibits, and organize their data base during my FREE internship, but when it came to hiring I was told I didn't have the "Experience" to do the same job I was already doing. And the job payed a mind numbing $35,000 a year. I was making more than that 20 years ago out of college!!! What are your thoughts on the system....

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04-26-2008, 12:10 AM	#2 (permalink)
James Lansing New Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 5	I just wanted to add that this isn't for all institutions. I have just talked with enough people who have had the same thing happen, and I am just upset over the place where I spent my internship acting like they did. Other institutions have been kind, helpful and understanding. Just a rant.

06-01-2008, 12:14 AM	#3 (permalink)
Museumgirl Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 44	I think we've all been in a similar situation, and I know we've all experienced the "you don't have enough experience" situation. Yes, we all know that we need experience to get a job, but often can't get a job because we don't have experience. One thing we all need to remember is that we can't all start at the top. Those who have been in the field for many years have undoubtedly worked their way up to their current position. Just like the corporate world - you can't always start out at the top. As far as finding someone else to do a job that we may be familiar with even if that person is not local... Well, I guess we need to think about everything that encompasses the job. Is there more to it than what we were doing? People who have more experience have dealt with those tricky situations that all too often arise in the museum, especially when dealing with donors. I guess we need to be sure that we're taking advantage of all of the volunteer and intern experiences that we can while we are still in school, and then understand that we may not get our dream job right away. I've also learned that having experience in different areas within a museum make you a more well rounded employee and can give you an added advantage during the job search! Good luck to everyone on the hunt for a job and keep your heads up!!!