It’s a busy time again at the University and at the Arizona State Museum. Students are back on campus, classes are underway, and fall events are being planned. Everyone is doing multiple tasks at once. At the museum one program we are working on is an Open House for students in the Anthropology Department.

At a student meeting last spring one of my colleagues was asked, “What does one do with an Anthro degree?” She mentioned museum work and quickly realized that many of these students had not only never been in the Arizona State Museum, but also had little idea of the types of jobs that exist in a museum. So to answer that cry, what does one do with an Anthro degree, we decided to open our offices, labs and exhibits to these affiliated students. After all, the Anthropology Department grew out of the Arizona State Museum, so at least we can invite the students across the street into our hallowed halls and offer them some food, wisdom, and a closer look at some incredible collections and programs.

Collections Curator Mike Jacobs. Photograph by Jannelle Weakly

In preparation, we put together a multi-page list of museum areas that have opportunities for student involvement either for credit or as volunteers. These include four archaeology laboratories, a conservation laboratory, seven distinct collections, and various research and public education programs. [For those of you who are no longer students, yes, we also appreciatively enjoy the volunteer efforts of community members who support our work. If you are interested in getting involved with ASM, visit our volunteer pages to apply.

Recently we compiled a list of links to information on the web that relates to museum careers. It includes links to study programs and jobs as well as to service organizations that support the diverse types of museums that exist. So if you are thinking of a career change or want to further your studies and are interested in the world of museums, check out some of these digital resources. Just realize that working in museums is a labor of love, not a path towards a high income and fancy living. Although, you can’t beat the riches encountered on the job—incredible objects, deeply interesting materials, and lots of curious, creative, and devoted people to work with.

Invitation! If you are an Anthropology student at U of A, come to the Open House this Friday, September 11^th from 3:00-5:00 pm (sorry, only for U of A students). To check out what will be open, take a look at the What To See & Do sheet. While at ASM, don’t forget to take a peep into our newest exhibit The Border Project and meet Morgana Wallace who directed its creation (see previous blog).