Monday, April 2, 2018

Back to School


In order to make myself more marketable searching for jobs, I’ve decided to go back to school to get a certificate in museum studies. It’s a three course program all online with Northwestern University. According to their website, “The Museum Studies certificate program unites history, theory and practical learning in a curriculum that prepares participants for professional or volunteer careers in administration, collections and specialty disciplines within museums, zoos, aquariums, parks and botanical gardens.” I am looking to be in the museum field for quite some time, but I need the credentials that this certification can give me. I will continue to look at community colleges for a return to teaching, but I’d really like to stay in museums. I’ve never taken an online course before, so this is a learning experience in more ways than one. Class starts today. I’ve already looked at some of the material and it looks quite manageable. I’m hoping this will be an enjoyable learning experience.


5 comments:

Susan said...

Congratulations on going back to school, Joe. Learning something new is one of the best ways to keep our brains humming along. I hope taking an online course proves to be an enjoyable experience, and that it aids in your ongoing job search. Best of luck.

Anonymous said...

Dear Joe, Like Susan (hi there, Susan, long time no hear) I am so happy that you are taking these courses. Given the physical problems (migraines) that stress arouses for you and given the amount of stress that dealing with students in the classroom entails, a career in museums seems much the best option. Let us know how things go with the online class, Roderick

naturgesetz said...

I tok an online course a couple of years ago. In a way it's more demanding than a classroom course. At least the one I took required weekly interaction — submitting short papers on a deadline — several online conversations. There was no putting things off until the end of the semester and cramming for finals; we had to keep up with it. Three courses at once may be challenging, but you do have your evenings and weekends free so it should be doable. Good luck on getting that degree and finding a good job that's permanent.

Joe said...

I’m only taking one course right now. I may take the other two next semester, but yes, it is much as you describe. There are assignments every week.

BosGuy said...

Good luck with the online class. Be sure to note that you are enrolled / pursuing this certification on your resume so potential employers see you investing in your career and learning.