Overwhelmed re: careers. Advice?

Parents Forum
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<p>Hi All, </p>

<p>I apologize if this is the wrong forum for this kind of message. I just thought that parents would be able to help more than the general student, as they have more perspective on careers. </p>

<p>I'm going to be a junior in college this fall. During my freshman year, I took mostly science classes, in preparation for medical school. At the end of the year I just couldn't take it anymore, and decided to look for a new path. During sophomore year, I took classes in varied disciplines looking to see what I might be interested in. I ended up declaring a major in French, as that has been an interest of mine since middle school; I thought that learning another language is always a beneficial skill, and since I had been interested in it for so long, I probably wouldn't get bored with it suddenly. I declared a minor in education, thinking that was a logical and safe career path for a French major. </p>

<p>This summer, I've spent a lot of introspection time regarding that decision. I took an education class during the spring semester, and I enjoyed it, but I've been fighting with the feeling that I just don't see myself as a teacher. I picked up What Color is Your Parachute from my public library and did some of the exercises in it, hoping to find a career possibility that wouldn't leave me with a nagging feeling that there was something I was missing out there. One of the elements of my personality that the book made me recall strongly is that I love writing research papers, and doing research in general. I started reading books and looking on websites for research related careers. I spoke with family members and friends about this, and my sister suggested that I might work well in a museum. I love museums, but it had just not occurred to me previously that I could WORK in one! It was a fantastic feeling to imagine being surrounded by art and history and culture all day long. I was excited by this suggestion and started looking into museum careers. </p>

<p>From what I found so far, (and admittedly I haven’t really gotten so far; anyone with knowledge of museum careers can shout out suggestions!) a job that would be closest to my interests is that of some kind of curatorial assistant who does mainly research (Is this really I viable career?). I also looked in museum library jobs. </p>

<p>It seems that in order to get jobs like these, one has to (understandably) have advanced degrees in art history. I don’t feel that I could really get a graduate art history degree, since, never having been exposed to it, I don’t have research interests in the area. I’m not even sure if I really want to work in art history, I just know I like research and I like going to art museums. </p>

<p>So, I feel that I’ve hit a bit of a roadblock, and I’m just generally confused. I felt that the path I was (and am) going down just wasn’t the right one for me, and then saw another possibility that seemed like it was in many ways just what I was looking for. But, since it took me a while to get here, I’m afraid I don’t have time to really investigate it, and that I might be denying myself opportunities.</p>

<p>Does anyone have any thoughts they could offer that might be useful?</p>

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<p>The museum market is generally considered to be quite tough, but best marketability (which isn’t much!) is often a degree in museum studies at the graduate level. Given your science background, you could get an MLIS/MLS and go at library job for that angle, as apparently your prospects are somewhat better with a science background. Good luck!</p>

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<p>You can explore art history by taking it in school this year.</p>

<p>To get a taste of art history, you might consider this:</p>

<p>[Amazon.com:</a> Master Pieces: The Curator’s Game: Thomas Hoving, Kate Learson, Lori Stein: Books](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Master-Pieces-Curators-Thomas-Hoving/dp/0393328384/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245676537&sr=1-3]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Master-Pieces-Curators-Thomas-Hoving/dp/0393328384/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245676537&sr=1-3)</p>

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<p>have you looked into science-oriented museums? like the museum of natural history and such</p>

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<p>psych_ thanks for the suggestion. I’ll look into library careers. I wonder if librarians do research? </p>

<p>ADad, unfortunately, since it took me so long to get to a major I wanted to declare, in order to complete it, plus university requirements, plus my education minor, I don’t have any room to take classes outside of those required. I could certainly pick up a book and do some reading on my own, though. Thanks for the link. </p>

<p>alamode, I recently visited natural history (I live right outside the city), and didn’t quite enjoy it. I’m finding myself leaning away from my science roots and more towards the humanities, as I feel they are more “me.”</p>

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<p>mdhopeful,</p>

<p>I’m not sure I can give you much concrete advice, just a note of comfort and encouragement. I think you’ve taken quite a normal path, and actually if you can find an interesting career at this age, at least in terms of liberal arts, you are doing very well!</p>

<p>You might have a look at auction house work and antiquities appraisal. I believe auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s mostly like to see an art history degree, but with your interest in research and affinity for languages, this might suit you. Check the employment section on their websites for more guidance. They usually take on student interns in the summer.</p>

<p>Best of luck!</p>

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<p>There are also museums with a historical focus, and the National Park museums.</p>

<p>But I would ask why your focus in school needs to be so vocational. Many people work at jobs that have nothing to do with their major, and you can always go to grad school with a career focus. Many job opportunities do not fit neat categories, and there are countless ways your life could go (at least, when the recession eases up).</p>

<p>What do you actually enjoy learning about? I think you should major in something you enjoy studying (and researching, since papers are part of college) now, and not think so much about the future. Take this time to explore your mind and your self through courses that attract your interest.</p>

<p>It is such a misconception that college is all about preparing for a specific career (although of course some programs do that, but they are, in a sense, limiting).</p>

<p>I recently posted an article about “wise wandering” and how trying to impose order on your life too early, actually causes you to miss out on opportunities. Follow your interests, and things will work out without you having to control things so much. Let your life meander, while you still can.</p>

<p>Just my 2 cents. Many college administrators are trying to speak up about this too. College has become a rat race where everyone is thinking about making a living (or perhaps, in some cases, making a lot of money).</p>

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<p>If you don’t see yourself as a teacher, then why complete the education minor? </p>

<p>You don’t even necessarily need it if you decide to teach after all. Probably there is an “alternate route” program in your state:</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>[National</a> Center for Education Information](<a href=“http://www.ncei.com/Alt-Teacher-Cert.htm]National”>http://www.ncei.com/Alt-Teacher-Cert.htm)</p>

<p>Perhaps you could drop the education minor and free up time to discover and study your own field(s) of interest.</p>

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<p>I realize that few people are actually working in a field related to an undergraduate degree they received. And I want my kids to feel they can study whatever interests them in school. However, I have also told our kids that they will be responsible for supporting themselves and financing any education they choose to participate in after they finish an undergraduate degree. Is this an issue that the OP faces?</p>

<p>I like the idea of learning for learning’s sake, and “wise wandering,” but my spouse and I do not have the means to go on supporting our children financially indefintely. (Oftentimes I think we are probably not the norm here on CC?)</p>

<p>The OP should research what type of degree or qualifications are required to begin a master’s degree or PhD program in museum studies or art history. And if the French BA degree won’t do it, how long would it take to get the educational background required to get into a program of that type? And what are the employment prospects? Now’s the time to test your research skills, OP. </p>

<p>Studying something is one thing. You are right to be thinking about and planning for how you are going to support yourself once you finish this degree program.</p>

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<p>Our family does not have the ability to support our kids either, and our son just paid for his own college, working several jobs. But it doesn’t take that much to support oneself right out of college. The point is that artificial pressure (mainly financial pressure) to major in something that is marketable but that a person does not really like, can be counterproductive. Most college grads can find a job, within a reasonable period of time after graduating, and involvement in a department at college that matches interests, can also lead to unexpected opportunities. Also, in this day and age, many people do not really find their niche until late 20’s or so, when it is getting to be time to settle down. That doesn’t mean that they starve in the meantime, but they may have roommates and some used furniture, for instance.</p>

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<p>thank you whatever4, you have hit the nail on the head, if that’s the appropriate expression. I appreciate the posts about finding what you love and studying that. That is, in a sense, exactly what I am doing: trying to figure out what I love. Besides, I unfortunately can’t change or add another major this late in the game. I’m going abroad in the fall, and then have 3 semesters to finish lots of classes! </p>

<p>And yes, my parents are paying for my undergrad, and I am financing any school after that. So, I do plan to teach for at least a little while. Perhaps I should have said that I don’t see myself (at least at this point in my life) being a teacher in the long term, and I’m looking to see what other opportunities I could pursue in the future, and trying to keep as many open as possible. </p>

<p>To all posters, thank you for your validation. I guess sometimes I just need to be reminded that I’m actually doing something right; it gives me the motivation to keep going! CC was such a wonderful resource when I was applying to college and you all have been even now just what I needed. I think now I have the perspective to see where life takes me. I feel much more comfortable, after hearing your words, to complete my french major an education minor and go from there.</p>

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<p>mdhopeful, French is a fine major for museum work. Just take some art history courses in the next few years to see if you’re interested in the field. If you should decide to do graduate work in art history the French will come in handy. </p>

<p>Curatorial departments are very academically focused. Even as an assistant you would need at least a masters in art history to get a foot in the door. </p>

<p>But museums are diverse organisms that include a lot of different career paths – administration, fund raising, retail, publications, education, design, construction, security, for example.</p>

<p>When you get back on campus in the Spring, I’d suggest that you spend some time at your campus museum. Most likely they have internships or at least a volunteer group for students to learn how museums really work. I know at my son’s college it was possible for students to volunteer to give tours and participate in educational projects for local school children.</p>

<p>Depending on where you are going for your study abroad you’ll most likely have opportunities to see a lot of art and architecture. I agree with your analysis of studying art: it combines history, religion, politics, philosophy and is a wonderful window on a culture.</p>

<p>Summer internships – even unpaid – are available at all major museums, but they are fiercely competitive so I wouldn’t count on landing one at a major museum, but some of the smaller museums are more accessible. See your campus career counseling.</p>

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<p>haha actually, I go to Brandeis. Our museum is closed :frowning:
that’s true though, I hadn’t thought that although I can’t take art history at brandeis because of other requirements, my classes in France are just electives towards my French degree. I can take art history then! I’ll give that a shot. Thanks for the suggestion.</p>

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<p>I’m going to suggest reading the book, “I could do anything if only I knew what it was,” by Barbara Sher.</p>

<p>It’s a great book for focusing in on what you really WANT to do in your life. </p>

<p>Also, keep in mind that no education is wasted. Even if you complete a degree in something and find out you don’t enjoy it you will have learned something very valuable…something that you DON’T want to do.</p>

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<p>Another great book on the subject is “You Majored In What?” by Katharine Brooks. It’s full of great advice and lots of pencil-and-paper exercises to help college students and new grads figure out what they want to do with their lives, particularly those with liberal arts majors. [Amazon.com:</a> You Majored in What?: Mapping Your Path From Chaos to Career: Katharine Brooks Ed.D.: Books](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/You-Majored-What-Mapping-Career/dp/0670020826]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/You-Majored-What-Mapping-Career/dp/0670020826)</p>

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<p>mdhopeful, the Rose at Brandeis is only temporarily closed for the summer. There may well be learning opportuninites for you once it reopens–as you know, the University is considering it’s longterm role at the school. You also might contact for advice some of the nation’s top museum directors who are Brandeis grads–e.g. Gary Tinterow of the Met and Adam Weinberg of the Whitney .</p>

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<p>I was so happy to hear that you might be able to take art history while you are in France. Tres bien! :)</p>

<p>Maybe explore some art history reading over the summer!</p>

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<p>I hope the situation at the Rose works itself out by the time you are back on campus. If not, you might consider volunteering at the Boston MFA or the Gardner.</p>

<p>The Sotheby’s/Christie’s idea is a good one. They have summer internships, but these are also hard to land. They also have postgraduate educational programs that might be a good fit for you. Your language skills would be an asset.</p>

<p>[Christie’s</a> Education](<a href=“http://www.christieseducation.com/]Christie’s”>http://www.christieseducation.com/)</p>

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<p>B77, wow, it never occurred to me that museum people graduated from brandeis! they all seem to come from ivies. that’s exciting. i looked up what textbook the intro to art history class at brandeis uses, and got it out of my public library the other day. I’m looking forward to getting into it once I finish my latest summer reading book. I would LOVE to volunteer at the MFA. I really enjoyed it when I visited, and local college students get in free and get the member discount in the giftshop which was just awesome. I’ll look into Christie’s education. Didn’t know such a thing existed.
Thank you all for your continued raising of my spirits!</p>