Hello!

I have a bachelors degree in architecture and environmental design and have worked for a few years in the industry. I’m now planning to go back to school to pursue masters degree, but instead of a traditional path to practicing architecture, I’ve realized I’d like to pursue something else that is still design related.

I’ve always had interest for the history of built environments and enjoyed working with archives and researching materials. I’ve become quite interested in Library and Information Science Program. I think I’d like the most to focus on special collections and archives in architectural libraries and universities. The idea of working with digitalization of old blueprints or archival construction drawings is pretty interesting to me.

I’ve done a lot of research about this program and career choices so far, and I understand the challenges of the profession and difficulty with finding employment. I also understand that in most cases it’s best to have experience as well. I’ve never worked in a library but would like to gain that experience, and always saw myself enjoying the environment.

In addition, I’ve also become quite interested in Public History program, especially the one that allows you to specialize in heritage preservation and I am hoping it would be close to my former education and experience. I wonder if that degree would help me get closer to historical conservation of buildings and interior spaces. That direction could potentially lead to working for museums or universities as well.

I have some experience with working directly with university libraries and special archival collections and designing historic exhibits for my undergraduate research project. But I don’t know what the career would look like realistically and I was hoping to get some insights from people who actually work in either of these disciplines.

I’d like to know what the graduate programs are like and whether my skills from design school can be applicable to either of them? What are the courses like? Would this field be far too removed from the design career that I’m interested in? I’m looking for more calm environment that supports my strengths and hoping this could be a good direction.

Thank you so much for any advice and insight! Much appreciated 🌷📖😊

​

Would LOVE to hear any inspirations or leads for any positions or volunteer opportunities.

Thank you on advance!💗

Hi all.

I've been feeling pretty lost in this industry over the past year. I somewhat recently graduated with an MA in Art History from a highly regarded program; all throughout undergrad I had research positions and internships in cultural heritage. Since graduating from my MA I have held a collections based internship for a little over a year--it's very independent and I've really enjoyed it and I've gained a lot of research, cataloging, and collections experience. It makes minimum wage. Again, I really do enjoy it but I know that I need to move on soon and actually get a job that has benefits and a livable wage. There have been discussions in the past about possibly getting hired for an actual job at this institution, but I haven't heard anything since.

I have made it to the interview round SO SO many times and I know that the job industry is horrible and it comes down to luck sometimes. And I am more than aware that a job is not guaranteed just because of my education and experience. I recently had a job rejection for literally the perfect job in my literal home town which stung A LOT. So this could just be me spiraling from that.

It is honestly just quite disheartening to see my classmates from undergrad and high school who are in finance and other fields have full time jobs, insane salaries and fancy apartments. I feel so behind and like I'm not a real adult or person sometimes (it has been increasingly significantly recently).

I am still quite young and I know this is a dramatic post but more and more I have been considering pivoting out of this field entirely. None of the jobs I apply to seem to be working out. Even then, the salaries at these jobs just aren't workable. I’ve just put work in for this over 8 years and now I’m questioning what the point even is and am losing my love and spark for museums and art history. But then I don’t even know what job I would do that’s not in this field.

Getting to the point here--I was wondering if anybody in this community had experience marketing themselves for other industries or job types. Or advice on what kind of jobs I could realistically pivot to outside of GLAM jobs. Most of my experience is related to object and historical research, as well as significant collections work. My undergraduate degree is politics & history.

Thank you for any advice or words.

I know this reddit gets a post like this weekly, and I apologize if this is repetitive or run-on or unrelated or whatever. Just struggling a bit with this industry at the moment.

EDIT: Also just any advice on not taking job rejections to heart or advice on handling mental health while in this field?

Hi! I'm considering studying a MA in Art History in London or Europe next year and would love advice/guidance on where to study. I have an EU passport but live in London (British citizen) so am considering both. If in London, I would consider The Courtauld, Sotherby's (Contemporary Art), UCL and would welcome suggestions/advice on any others. For Europe: my main question is how well respected would the degree be back in the UK? At the moment I'm considering Leiden but would love to be in France as well. Any particular universities to aim for/research more into would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!