[BCMA] Advice

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.]

The BC Arts Council has a program for emerging professionals. The program
requires that both the new professional and an institution do a joint
application. Not sure when the next run will be, but it is something you
should keep an eye on. Taking something like this to a perspective employer
and offering to work with them on the application would be a good idea.
https://www.bcartscouncil.ca/guidelines/artists/youth/early_career_developme
nt.html

 

As to volunteering, it is important to recognize a few things when applying
to volunteer: 1. Volunteers are not free... organizations need to put a lot
of time and effort to make sure that they get effective use out of a
volunteer. Larger institutions likely have programs you can easily slot
yourself into, smaller one's may as well. Be aware though that you might
start off with very small tasks. The organization needs to get a sense of
what you are like, before they will hand over a lot of responsibility. 2.
Have a focus... yes be prepared to do anything, but let the organization
know where your strength are. 3. Give a consistent block of time and try to
make it for more than an hour..

 

Make a list of museums that you might like to work in. Visit them all, look
at their  website, get on their social  media, get names of key staff.

 

Be prepared to work outside of your degree area, there are few specialist
curator positions.

 

From: bcma-bounces at lists.vvv.com [mailto:bcma-bounces at lists.vvv.com] On
Behalf Of Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.
Sent: Sunday, October 12, 2014 6:43 PM
To: bcma at lists.vvv.com
Subject: [BCMA] Advice

 

Hello all,

 

I hope I have done this right, it is my first time posting to a listserve.

 

I am looking for advice on finding a job in a museum. I graduated from
university last December with a degree in archaeology with a minor in museum
and heritage studies. I would really like to work with artifacts again
curating and researching. I am just unsure how to break into the museum
scene. I do not qualify for YWC employment so the only experience I have at
the moment is my practicum and field school I did for my degree.  I wish I
had time for lots of volunteer work, but as I now live in Vancouver I am
working full time and I do volunteer work for my daughter so my time is
limited. 

 

I could really use some advice on what avenues any of you may have taken to
have gotten any sort of entry level work in a museum. 

 

Thank you so much,

Julie Thomas



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