Blog

Last fall I was incredibly fortunate to have been chosen as one the Mid-Atlantic Assocication of Museum’s annual conference fellows. At the time I was not a member of any museum organization, but after attending the conference I realize that museum organizations are wonderful opportunities for emerging museum professionals. For the past year and a half I have been a ‘career intern’ while pursuing my graduate degree in museum studies, and I am pleased that the conference and organization have aided in my professional development.

Last year’s fellowship included a year-long membership to MAAM, conference registration, and additional aid for travel, lodging, and supplemental programs while at the conference. While the financial aid was appreciated, I truly thought that the two greatest awards from attending a conference that I would not have otherwise been able to attend were the seemingly endless networking possibilities and the knowledge gained from seasoned museum professionals.
I know that it is said by everyone but networking is essential…especially in the museum profession. Once you get out in the working world it seems like everyone knows everyone, and as an emerging professional it is essential to start meeting people who can potentially become mentors or contacts in the future. While at the conference last fall I met Dana Allen-Greil, Project Manager for the New Media Program at the National Museum of American History. Nine months later Dana and I recognized each other when we were introduced on my first day of my new internship at NMAH. Networking with professionals that are already established with successful museum careers is incredibly beneficial, but while at the conference I also enjoyed meeting other fellows and graduate students. We are the future of museums, and creating and maintaining relationships with other emerging museum professionals now will have short and long-term benefits.

The caliber of speakers and programming at last year’s conference was incredible. Just beginning my graduate degree in museum studies, I was thrilled that I could take so many articles, quotes, and stories back to the classroom. The conference familiarized me with well-known museum professionals and increased my awareness of many more museums because of the great range of employees from various museums in attendance. Additionally, I was given great advice for my museum career through conversations with these employees as well as through the career-oriented lectures and programs.

Museum organizations and conferences are just one more way to become involved in the museum world, and they have proven to be a wonderful resource for finding jobs, seeking advice, discussing museum trends, and connecting with other professionals. I am thankful that I was a fellow at a museum conference at the beginning of my museum career, as I know now how beneficial the resources truly are and will utilize these resources in the future.

Stacy Adamson is a graduate student at Johns Hopkins University.