In this episode of Curate Your Career, Alli Schell is joined by Sierra Van Ryck DeGroot, Associate Educator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, for an honest conversation about internships in the museum field: what works, what doesn’t, and what should change.

Together, they unpack their own formative internship experiences, the role of mentorship and representation, and why meaningful, paid internships are essential for building a more equitable museum field. Sierra shares how strong mentors shaped her career path, how interns benefit from being encouraged to explore beyond their assigned roles, and why feedback from interns should actively shape program design.

To learn more about the Met's internship programs: https://www.metmuseum.org/opportunities/internships

This episode is for:

• Students and early-career museum professionals navigating internships
• Museum staff designing or supervising internship programs
• Anyone questioning whether internships actually serve the future of the field
  
  
• Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction & guest welcome
02:15 – Influential internship experiences
05:48 – The importance of paid internships
08:52 – Sierra’s museum origin story
21:04 – Designing meaningful internship programs
28:54 – Mentorship and its long-term impact
32:50 – Networking beyond transactions
37:11 – Building professional relationships
44:30 – Internship experience & resume building
49:31 – Feedback, evaluation, and growth
53:24 – Top tips for interns
01:01:34 – Advocating for fair compensation

Keywords:
internships, museum internships, museum education, mentorship, networking, professional development, paid internships, resume tips, museum careers, internship programs

In this episode, Alli and Elin are joined by Melody Caban, a museum gift shop consultant, to unpack the often-overlooked role of museum retail and the people who power it. Melody shares her pathway into the field, how museum store work builds highly transferable skills, and why frontline staff deserve a seat at the table in institutional decision-making.

We explore how museum stores contribute to interpretation, visitor experience, and community engagement from thoughtful product curation to mission-aligned storytelling.

This episode challenges the idea that museum gift shops are “just retail” and makes the case for recognizing frontline and store staff as essential museum professionals.

• Museum gift shop roles are often undervalued, despite their impact on visitor experience and revenue
• Museum retail work builds transferable skills applicable across museums and beyond
• Frontline and store staff hold critical visitor insight that institutions often overlook
• Strong collaboration between museum teams and museum gift shop managers strengthens mission alignment
• Museum stores can be powerful spaces for interpretation, community connection, and storytelling
• Investing in professional development for retail staff benefits the entire organization
  

00:00:00 The Value of Museum Gift Shops
00:09:24 Why Museum Retail Roles Matter
00:16:48 Transferable Skills & Career Pathways
00:22:05 Collaborating with Museum Stores
00:27:33 Community Engagement & Product Curation
00:32:43 Museum Stores and the Visitor Experience
00:38:20 Advice for Frontline & Gift Shop Professionals

Learn more about Melody Caban’s work as a museum store consultant and how she helps institutions rethink retail strategy, staff development, and visitor-centered design by visiting Melody's website: https://www.melodycabanconsulting.com/

Keywords:
museum gift shop, museum retail, frontline staff, museum careers, career pathways, transferable skills, museum jobs, visitor experience, museum interpretation, professional development, museum consulting, retail strategy

This episode tackles the challenges of waiting during the job application process, particularly in the museum field. Hosts Elin and Alli discuss strategies to stay proactive and positive while navigating long hiring processes, offering tips on networking, skill-building, and maintaining motivation.

Takeaways:

• Waiting during job applications can be stressful but manageable.
• Networking doesn't have to be formal; everyday interactions count.
• Always be applying to keep opportunities open.
• Use waiting time to build skills and prepare for future roles.
• Create a job search spreadsheet to stay organized.
• Mock interviews can boost confidence and readiness.
• Document your achievements and feedback for future use.
• Consider temporary roles or projects to gain new skills.
• Leverage your network for support and opportunities.
• Stay proactive and control what you can in the process.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction and Mailbag Question

00:03:00 Challenges of Waiting in Job Applications

00:09:00 Networking and Staying Proactive

00:15:00 Skill-Building During the Waiting Period

00:21:00 Organizing Your Job Search

00:27:00 Leveraging Your Network

00:33:00 Conclusion and Encouragement

Join the Deaccessioned Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1311034453588429/

Summary

In this Mailbag episode, Alli Schell and Elin Filbey tackle various questions from museum professionals, focusing on job interviews, career transitions, and the value of education in museums. They provide insights on how to effectively communicate skills, navigate the job market, and consider opportunities outside the museum sector, while also addressing the challenges faced by international students seeking work in the field.

ICA Way Coaching with Coach Kwan: https://www.icaway.com/

Ask a Mailbag Question: https://forms.gle/m41nnxPS4TKXQ1i89

Takeaways

• Mock interviews can provide valuable feedback.
• Connect your skills to the job description clearly.
• Storytelling is essential in interviews.
• Identify what you enjoy and want in your career.
• Research how your museum skills apply to other industries.
• Consider your passions when transitioning careers.
• Understand the importance of education in museums.
• Be proactive in seeking opportunities outside your current role.
• Networking can help maintain connections in the museum field.
• International job seekers face unique challenges in the museum sector.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Mailbag Episode

02:43 Navigating Job Interviews in the Museum Sector

10:18 Leveraging Museum Skills in Other Industries

14:29 Considering a Career Shift from Museums

16:34 Finding Value in Education Roles

22:48 International Opportunities in the Museum Field

34:22 Introduction to Curate Your Career

34:58 Engagement and Community Building

Keywords

museum careers, job interviews, career transitions, museum education, international students, museum skills, job search strategies, museum professionals, career coaching, museum industry

Before we dive into career advice, mailbag rants, and hard truths, let’s introduce ourselves. In this episode, Elin and Alli share the stories that led them here and why they’re creating a space for honest conversations about museum careers, whether you’re staying, leaving, or somewhere in between.

Takeaways

• The podcast aims to support museum professionals in their career journeys.
• Both hosts have extensive backgrounds in museum education and coaching.
• Transferable skills from museum work can be applied in various fields.
• The importance of community and support for museum professionals is emphasized.
• Career transitions can be challenging, but coaching can provide guidance.
• The hosts share their personal stories to connect with listeners.
• Real advice tailored to the museum field is a key focus of the podcast.
• The podcast will feature discussions on navigating job applications and resumes.
• Listeners are encouraged to engage and share their experiences.
• Future episodes will include expert interviews and community-driven topics.

Colleen Moore Fairy Castle: https://www.griffinmsi.org/exhibits/colleen-moores-fairy-castle

Ask a Mail Bag Question: https://forms.gle/gfKXWCKe8kMWMgrS6

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Curate Your Career Podcast

02:23 Backgrounds and Inspirations in Museum Education

05:49 Alli's Journey to Museum Career Coaching

09:24 Elin's Path to Museum Education and Career Development

18:06 Transitioning Careers and Finding Fulfillment

18:28 Navigating Career Transitions in Museums

23:35 The Unique Challenges of Museum Careers

28:58 Building a Supportive Community for Museum Professionals

32:07 Future Aspirations and Live Engagements

34:16 Introduction to Curate Your Career

34:52 Engagement and Community Building

Keywords

museum careers, career coaching, museum education, transferable skills, museum professionals, podcast, career transitions, community support, museum field, coaching

Before you rage quit your museum job (we’ve all thought about it), listen to this episode. Elin and Alli break down how to tell the difference between a bad week and a bad fit, the questions you actually need to ask yourself before leaving, and how to make a thoughtful exit plan... without burning bridges or blowing up your finances.

Ask a Mail Bag Question: https://forms.gle/gfKXWCKe8kMWMgrS6

Takeaways

• Museum careers are built on passion and dedication.
• It's essential to schedule regular check-ins with yourself about your career.
• Understanding your boundaries and goals is crucial for job satisfaction.
• Identifying pain points can help clarify your career direction.
• You can explore solutions within your current role before making a drastic change.
• Temporary changes in your career can lead to new opportunities.
• Networking and professional development are key to career growth.
• You can apply for both museum and non-museum jobs simultaneously.
• Self-advocacy is important in navigating workplace challenges.
• Reflecting on your ideal workday can guide your career decisions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Career Decisions

02:10 The Importance of Self-Assessment

19:12 Identifying Energizing Tasks

21:17 Understanding Burnout and Misalignment

24:13 Exploring Career Options

26:17 The 'And' Philosophy in Career Choices

28:22 Temporary vs. Permanent Career Changes

30:58 Scenario Mapping for Career Decisions

34:13 Introduction to Curate Your Career

34:49 Engagement and Community Building

Keywords

museum careers, career coaching, professional development, job satisfaction, museum professionals, career strategies, work-life balance, job market, self-advocacy, career transitions