Page 24 - i1052-5173-31-8

STUDENT AND EARLY CAREER PROFESSIONAL UPDATE
Unlocking the Mysteries of Museum Careers

Carmi Milagros Thompson a natural-history focus of the museum discipline, specifically as it
pertains to U.S.-based natural history museums. Nonetheless, it is
Museums are places of wonder and inspire audiences of all ages. my hope that some of this information can be useful to people just
Despite being important centers of education and information, getting started or curious about exploring this career path.
museum careers are aspects of museums that are not well-discussed.
As a kid, I grew up near the National Museum of Natural History GETTING STARTED
in Washington, D.C. While I was fortunate enough to visit often, 1. The easiest way to get started is to look for a place or lab in
thanks to free admission and accessibility via public transportation, which to volunteer. Short-term internships can be a good option.
I never considered that a career in a museum could be possible for However, this is not useful, or even possible, for everyone. It can
me. It was not until graduation following my senior year of under- block people from accessing potential careers, if, like me, they
graduate studies that I began to realize that museums could be a are not able to take on unpaid work.
viable career path. It is in that vein that I hope to share some of my 2. Proofread your application. If you have the time, have others
early career knowledge and insight that I have gained along the way. proofread your application—even just five minutes can lead to
Museum careers are competitive. Many folks are often applying a much stronger submission.
for the same job slot. However, this is true for many industries and 3. Show up! Be respectful of both your time and your supervisor’s
many disciplines of study, so do not let this dissuade you from time, both for in-person and virtual museum experiences.
trying your best to find a career path in a museum setting. In fact, 4. Develop “soft” skills (managing conflict, scheduling personnel,
the skills learned in a museum job can serve well in whatever kind interpersonal communication) —building these skills as a trainee
of career that you end up pursuing. Additionally, museums are is invaluable for when you may take on a supervisory role.
full of many unique and unusual positions that can fulfill your 5. Be flexible—think of different ways to obtain the experience
professional interests. that you want.
In giving this bit of career advice, I have to offer a few disclaim- 6. There are many ways to work in a museum, including as a sci-
ers. My interests in museums lean toward paleontology/natural ence writer or outreach coordinator. Look at the staff pages of
history—but there are many kinds of museums, from art to botany large museums like the National Museum of Natural History,
to trains to all dimensions of history. Thus, I am going to provide the American Museum of Natural History, and the California
Academy of Sciences to get more ideas.
7. Explore resources related to natural history museums, like
the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections
(SPNHC), Association for Materials and Methods in Paleontology
(AMMP), Integrated Digitized Biocollections (iDigBio), and
more. Listservs like nhcoll and paleonet are also good places to
explore different facets of museum careers and see examples of
job postings.
8. Ask for help from trusted individuals (advisor, mentor, spon-
sor)—often being able to voice your ideas and career dreams
can help these individuals help you.
9. Think outside the box—one of my favorite science communica-
tors/museum professionals is Emily Graslie of Brain Scoop fame.
There can be many ways to arrive at careers that are interesting
and fulfilling, so keep your options, and career pathway, flexible.

GETTING THE JOB
1. Plan to prepare several documents as part of your application
portfolio, such as an updated CV, cover letter, and statement of
purpose. Teaching, diversity, and museum statements are often
required as well.
2. The interview process often begins with phone, video, or other
virtual interview formats. Sometimes the process includes an
in-person visit.
3. An interview often lasts half an hour to an hour. They may
provide questions in advance. Be prepared to come with a few
questions of your own.
4. When offered a position, look at all dimensions that it offers for
you, professionally and personally. It is often good to discuss this
A museum career can take you many places. On the top is a local field site
and on the bottom is late afternoon during fieldwork in Nebraska. with mentors and supervisors before formally accepting a position.

24 GSA Today | August 2021