I began graduate school in the fall of 2013 with the plan to take my sweet time going through the program. A few weeks ago, I realized that I might be able to graduate in December, if all goes well. If not, May is also a lovely time to graduate. But, realizing that we are at the end of the program put everything into panic mode. I have not written a resume for 15 years. I have not interviewed for a job in 12 years, so this week’s discussion is perfect. What do people do in interviews nowadays? I have a feeling that binders with lesson plans in plastic sheet covers is no longer considered uber professional.
As for digital resumes, I found this site helpful: old/http://workplacelearningsolutionsblog.com/digital-resume-out-with-the-old/
My only initial concern was that on the example resumes, the applicants had accomplished SO much. How could I ever achieve that level of activity within the field? But then, I helped my father with a presentation that he is doing about researching military records for genealogical purposes and I helped him clean up his presentation and suggested handouts so people attending the class could find research clues on draft records, etc. I realized that I had just done consulting work and felt better about what I have to offer. I think the secret is confidence. One thing that I have been on the soapbox about this month is that I need to be proud of not being a traditional student. I have a knowledge base that the younger whipper snappers do not have, and as someone hoping to go into the archivist field, will work to my advantage. Oh, someone has donated a box of 16 mm films of Ernest Hemmingway? Yes! I know how to use one of those projectors! (And to brag, will learn how to digitize old film this summer.)
On the other hand, I am not sure about the amount of confidence it would take to be a freelance historian, personally. I know professional genealogists and they do quite well for themselves, but they also have spouses with steady work that they could fall back on if work is slow for a few months. There is money to be made out there, though. I did a little looking into the Reel Tributes and the initial price is 5,000. The founder, David Adelman, spent 25,000 for equipment and 6 movies later, had paid off his debt and started making a profit. Adelman works from home and the movies are about 10 minutes long. He says that people want to preserve the memory of loved ones and that money spent is seen as comparable to costs of a wedding photographer. Adelman also offers digitation of family heirlooms if a family does not want a movie, but does want things preserved and shared.
The most exciting research this week was at the USA jobs website. There was a job posting for an archivist for Yellowstone National Park. Wouldn’t that be dreamy?
This website often posts jobs from the USA job website as well as many others from smaller organizations: http://www.archaeologyfieldwork.com/AFW
I think you are definitely correct in saying that confidence is key and so is the ability to see what you have done and the experience you have in new lights. So please continue to keep the young whipper-snappers on their toes with your experience and knowledge base!
I agree with you that we non-traditional students often sell our ourselves short. And at BSU what’s a traditional student anyway? I also find that many people who appear supremely confidant are in fact terribly insecure and are just good actors. So go blaze a trail with that 16mm projector!