ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************

Reginald,

There's a nice diversity in the positions you're interested in---perhaps it's time to diversify your volunteer experience as well.  If you're not getting anywhere within the
Natural History Museum, maybe it's time to try another venue?

I began as a volunteer many years ago and worked my way up to becoming Director of a major zoological operation for a Fortune 500 company.  When I left my position
and began consulting, I was sure that every non-profit facility would be knocking at my door, trying to learn the secrets of how to manage a top tier facility while raking in 
money at the same time.  Instead, the majority of my clients are other corporations, who make a fortune from my services while non-profits keep crying from lack of
funding  (and the rich keep getting richer...............)

When hiring staff for facilities,  I always look for the same thing in prospective employees: a great attitude and passion for their work, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a 
track record of innovative ideas that have been developed and implemented by any facility they're working with, either as an employee or as a volunteer (i.e. a new education 
program, a special event, a great team-building exercise).  Every new employee, no matter the level they come in at, is looked at for their capacity to grow into future management 
possibilities--not to replace current managers, but in order to grow and expand operations.  Unfortunately, this is not a business model followed by too many facilities.

Want to apply for a job out of town?  Offer to show up at an interview at your own expense.  If you're seen as a candidate with potential, it's rare for a facility to turn down a
chance to interview you at no cost!  (I just helped 2 people secure jobs by doing just that).  Keep in mind though, that most facilities will not pay relocation costs.

A word about "dumbing down" a resume---if your level of knowledge and experience is threatening to a facility when you're a candidate for a job--imagine how threatening 
you'll be once you get the position!  While pretending to be less qualified may land a job for some individuals, I've rarely seen it work out where the individual is happy with their
position.  Getting a job is like starting a new relationship, you want it built on a foundation of honesty and support for all the things you can accomplish.

Finally, if you're tired of trying to land a job in the field, think about starting a science-education based business of your own ( a la Mad Science, after-school programs and in-school programs) .  
Many failed job hunts have led to successful businesses!

Wishing you much success wherever your path leads!

Sincerely,

Julie Wignall


"All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware."  -- Martin Buber



Julie WIgnall    
Biodynamics Inc.
Consultants to Museums, Zoos and Aquariums
Independent Producers for PBS
"Wonders of the West" TV Series
http://www.wondersofthewest.net



Join us on Facebook for updates on Nature, Education, and Special Events:
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On May 21, 2013, at 8:53 AM, Reginald Finley wrote:

> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
> *****************************************************************************
> 
> Hello everyone,
> 
> I'm Reginald Finley Sr, I have been an informal science educator of some stripe for the last 14 years.  I am trying to get into an actual facility and am finding this horrifically difficult. I have applied to over 3122 jobs in two years and haven't been able to get on anyone's payroll. For those of you working in Informal Science Institutions, does it really seem to be a "who you know" kind of thing to get employed? On LinkedIn, I continuously find people with much less experience, much younger, and with less education and they are getting hired but not me.
> 
> I must be doing something wrong. I'd appreciate any advice. I'm willing to relocate and am hopeful for a very modest salary. Positions I am interested in: Public Programs Manager, Science Interpreter, Education Specialist, Science Performer, Employee Trainer, Theatre Manager, etc.
> 
> I'm currently volunteering at Fernbank Natural History Museum here in Atlanta and have tried to get on-board with them for 4 years. Obviously, no luck.  Places my wife and I have considered moving to: Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Pensacola Florida; Virginia Beach, VA, Charleston, SC, Austin, Houston, TX; maybe California if moving expenses can be paid.
> 
> Anyway, I hope this is appropriate as this may effect others as well trying to get employed. Hopefully others can learn from the responses. And yes, I have applied to every single Science center and Museum in the areas I have mentioned.
> 
> Thank you for your time,
> 
>  
> Reginald V. Finley Sr. M.Ed.
> Ph.D. Student / Science Education
> Informal Science Education Specialist / Critical Thinker
> LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/reginaldfinley 
> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/epistemologist
> 770-331-2495
> 
> 
> “It is suicidal to create a society dependent on science and technology in which hardly anybody knows anything about science and technology.” - Carl Sagan
> 
> ***********************************************************************
> For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.
> 
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For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.

Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org.

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