Curate Your Career

Are you applying for jobs you could do… or jobs you’re actually ready for?In this episode of Curate Your Career, Elin and Alli tackle one of the most common (and emotionally charged) questions they hear from clients: “Should I apply if I don’t meet everything?”Together, they break down:Why the “apply if you meet 60%” advice often backfiresHow hiring managers actually read years of experienceThe difference between exposure and ownershipWhy overselling and underselling come from the same placeHow to stop emotionally gambling on stretch rolesYou’ll learn the three categories every job application falls into:1️⃣ Anchor Roles – where you should be competitive2️⃣ Strategic Stretch Roles – growth opportunities (without attachment to outcome)3️⃣ Mismatch Roles – the energy drains that erode confidenceIf you’ve ever:Applied to 100 jobs and heard nothing backFelt frustrated that “they didn’t see your potential”Chased a dream title at a dream institutionOr played it too safe because your confidence took a hitThis episode will help you apply strategically, with honesty, intention, and self-compassion.Because not every application is meant to land an interview.And that’s not failure. It’s information.Chapters00:00 – The Real Question Behind “Should I Apply?”02:08 – Why the 60% Rule Doesn’t Work Anymore05:19 – Why Applying Isn’t Free (Protecting Your Energy & Confidence)10:13 – The Three Types of Applications12:24 – Anchor Roles: Where You Should Be Competitive15:26 – Trusting the Process (Don’t Overcorrect Too Soon)17:47 – Strategic Stretch Roles: Growth Without Emotional Gambling20:39 – Be a Goldfish: Detaching From Outcomes24:22 – Title Mismatch & Making Your Case27:16 – Mismatch Roles: Energy Drains to Eliminate33:29 – Dream Titles & Hard Truths36:06 – The Self-Assessment Walkthrough37:45 – Led vs Assisted: Duties vs Exposure38:50 – Scope vs Skill (Scale Matters)40:59 – What Do You Actually Want From This Role?43:09 – Why We Oversell and Undersell47:13 – A Real Client Example48:25 – Strategy as Self-CompassionKeywords museum careersjob search strategycareer coachingmuseum professionalscareer transitionstretch rolesjob application adviceyears of experience requirementsoverselling yourselfunderselling yourselfcareer pivothiring manager perspectivemuseum job marketprofessional growthstrategic job search

In this second Mailbag episode, Alli Schell and Elin Filbey answer listener questions about graduate school investments, career pivots, and the emotional weight that often comes with choosing or leaving museum work.They unpack why not all museum studies programs offer equal opportunity (and how to think critically before enrolling), and how transferable skills can open unexpected doors. They also talk candidly about guilt, regret, family expectations, and the very real identity shifts that come with career change.Whether you’re navigating the museum job market, considering grad school, transitioning back into museums, or wrestling with “Am I allowed to want something different?” this episode is for you.Ask a Mailbag Question:https://forms.gle/m41nnxPS4TKXQ1i89TakeawaysAdvocacy for museums should be accessible and grassroots.Higher education in museum studies is a significant investment and not all museum grad programs provide equal opportunities.Teaching and other transferable skills are valuable in museum roles.Networking remains one of the most powerful job-search tools.Guilt and regret are common when considering career shifts.The museum field is evolving and so are career paths.Support systems (including family) matter more than we admit.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Mailbag Overview01:20 Museum Advocacy & Accessibility Rant09:10 Navigating Career Paths in Museums25:01 Guilt, Identity & Career Transitions31:31 Organizational Challenges & Boundaries33:28 Job Market Barriers44:00 Transitioning Back to Museums51:00 Family Supporting Aspiring Museum ProfessionalsKeywords:museum advocacy, museum careers, museum studies, career transitions, museum education, transferable skills, museum jobs, networking, grad school decisions, museum professionals, career coaching, museum job market

What happens when your passion for museums isn’t enough anymore?In this episode of Curate Your Career, Elin and Alli sit down with Mary Culler to talk honestly about her decision to step away from the museum field and into a new role in a new field.Mary shares what it looked like to confront financial instability, emotional labor, and work-life imbalance and how she navigated the fear, grief, and relief that came with choosing something different.We talk about turning down job offers, recognizing when a role no longer fits, and translating museum skills into a completely new environment. Mary also opens up about imposter syndrome after the pivot, the power of soft skills, and why career moves don’t have to be permanent to be meaningful.This episode is for anyone who:Loves museums but needs more stability or balanceIs wondering if leaving means “giving up”Is afraid of making the wrong career decisionNeeds permission to choose growth, even when it’s complicatedKey TakeawaysFinancial stability and well-being are valid reasons to change pathsEmotional labor can quietly shape burnout in museum rolesTurning down a job offer can be an act of self-trustMuseum experience builds highly transferable skills, even outside the fieldImposter syndrome doesn’t disappear overnight, but confidence does growSoft skills often matter more than technical ones in career transitionsCareer decisions don’t have to be permanent to be worthwhileChapters00:00 – Introduction: when passion isn’t enough01:47 – Mary’s museum career path03:27 – Recognizing the need for change05:48 – Job searching, offers, and hard decisions08:09 – Transitioning into a new role10:02 – What the pivot revealed14:51 – Settling into something new19:09 – Translating museum skills beyond the field22:40 – Relationship-building and soft skills24:27 – Imposter syndrome after a pivot28:36 – Making peace with career uncertainty31:37 – Prioritizing values and growth35:06 – Finding your voice — and your next stepKeywordsmuseum careers, career transitions, museum professionals, leaving museums, transferable skills, imposter syndrome, career pivot, work-life balance, financial stability, career coaching, personal growth

Alli and Elin delve into the fears and misconceptions associated with negotiation. The episode covers unsuccessful negotiation experiences, rescinded job offers, and negotiation dynamics. It also discusses advocating for yourself and reaching a mutual agreement, as well as preparation for negotiation and the value proposition. The conversation covers the topic of negotiation in job offers, emphasizing the importance of considering various forms of compensation and benefits beyond base salary. It also highlights the significance of expressing excitement for the role while negotiating and practicing the negotiation ask out loud. The discussion includes client success stories and practical tips for negotiating effectively.TakeawaysNegotiation mindsetResearching salary ranges Negotiation is not just about base salaryConsider other forms of compensation and benefitsExpress excitement for the role while negotiatingPractice saying your ask out loudWrite down your ideal and minimum acceptable salary rangesConsider what benefits are important to youChapters00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview10:59 Unsuccessful Negotiation Experiences16:55 Advocating for Yourself and Mutual Agreement24:25 Negotiation Beyond Base Salary31:15 Tactics During Negotiation39:04 Client Success Stories and Negotiations

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/internshipsThis episode is for:Students and early-career museum professionals navigating internshipsMuseum staff designing or supervising internship programsAnyone questioning whether internships actually serve the future of the fieldEpisode Chapters00:00 – Introduction & guest welcome02:15 – Influential internship experiences05:48 – The importance of paid internships08:52 – Sierra’s museum origin story21:04 – Designing meaningful internship programs28:54 – Mentorship and its long-term impact32:50 – Networking beyond transactions37:11 – Building professional relationships44:30 – Internship experience & resume building49:31 – Feedback, evaluation, and growth53:24 – Top tips for interns01:01:34 – Advocating for fair compensationKeywords: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.TakeawaysMuseum gift shop roles are often undervalued, despite their impact on visitor experience and revenueMuseum retail work builds transferable skills applicable across museums and beyondFrontline and store staff hold critical visitor insight that institutions often overlookStrong collaboration between museum teams and museum gift shop managers strengthens mission alignmentMuseum stores can be powerful spaces for interpretation, community connection, and storytellingInvesting in professional development for retail staff benefits the entire organizationChapters00:00:00 The Value of Museum Gift Shops00:09:24 Why Museum Retail Roles Matter00:16:48 Transferable Skills & Career Pathways00:22:05 Collaborating with Museum Stores00:27:33 Community Engagement & Product Curation00:32:43 Museum Stores and the Visitor Experience00:38:20 Advice for Frontline & Gift Shop ProfessionalsLearn 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 Question00:03:00 Challenges of Waiting in Job Applications00:09:00 Networking and Staying Proactive00:15:00 Skill-Building During the Waiting Period00:21:00 Organizing Your Job Search00:27:00 Leveraging Your Network00:33:00 Conclusion and EncouragementJoin the Deaccessioned Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1311034453588429/Keywords: job application, museum jobs, waiting period, networking, skill-building, motivation, hiring process, career tips, museum field, job search

SummaryIn 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/m41nnxPS4TKXQ1i89TakeawaysMock 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Mailbag Episode02:43 Navigating Job Interviews in the Museum Sector10:18 Leveraging Museum Skills in Other Industries14:29 Considering a Career Shift from Museums16:34 Finding Value in Education Roles22:48 International Opportunities in the Museum Field34:22 Introduction to Curate Your Career34:58 Engagement and Community BuildingKeywordsmuseum 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.TakeawaysThe 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-castleAsk a Mail Bag Question: https://forms.gle/gfKXWCKe8kMWMgrS6Chapters00:00 Introduction to Curate Your Career Podcast02:23 Backgrounds and Inspirations in Museum Education05:49 Alli's Journey to Museum Career Coaching09:24 Elin's Path to Museum Education and Career Development18:06 Transitioning Careers and Finding Fulfillment18:28 Navigating Career Transitions in Museums23:35 The Unique Challenges of Museum Careers28:58 Building a Supportive Community for Museum Professionals32:07 Future Aspirations and Live Engagements34:16 Introduction to Curate Your Career34:52 Engagement and Community BuildingKeywordsmuseum 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/gfKXWCKe8kMWMgrS6TakeawaysMuseum 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Career Decisions02:10 The Importance of Self-Assessment19:12 Identifying Energizing Tasks21:17 Understanding Burnout and Misalignment24:13 Exploring Career Options26:17 The 'And' Philosophy in Career Choices28:22 Temporary vs. Permanent Career Changes30:58 Scenario Mapping for Career Decisions34:13 Introduction to Curate Your Career34:49 Engagement and Community BuildingKeywordsmuseum careers, career coaching, professional development, job satisfaction, museum professionals, career strategies, work-life balance, job market, self-advocacy, career transitions