Curate Your Career

Curate Your Career
  • 5.0 (10)
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Curate Your Career is a podcast for museum pros who are staying, leaving, and everything in between. Hosted by Elin (Deaccessioned Career Coaching) and Alli (Your Museum Career Coach), we dig into the real, messy, hilarious, and hopeful parts of museum careers. From burnout and bad bosses to career pivots, salary jumps, and rediscovering what you actually want. 

  1. 2D AGO

    15. What If You Didn’t Leave the Objects, Just the Museum? Ryan's Story.

    A few weeks ago, Elin shared a LinkedIn post about an alternative career path for museum professionals... and it struck a nerve. What if you could keep working with objects… just not in a museum? In this episode of Curate Your Career, Elin Filbey and Alli Schell sit down with Ryan Jelso, a former curator at The Henry Ford, who pivoted into estate services, appraisal, and personal collections work. Ryan shares what it actually looked like to leave a respected curatorial role, navigate the identity shift, and build a new career that still centers material culture, just in a completely different context. Together, they unpack: what museum professionals often misunderstand about their own skillshow working with “the stuff” translates outside institutional settingswhat it takes to break into estate services and appraisal workand why this field is poised for major growth in the coming decades They also talk honestly about what it means to leave a “dream job,” the grief that can come with that decision, and how to recognize when something isn’t the right fit anymore. If you’ve ever thought, “I love working with objects, but I’m not sure museums are sustainable for me long-term,” this episode will open your eyes to a path you may not have considered. 🔑 Key TakeawaysMuseum skills like research, object interpretation, and inventory management are highly transferable outside the fieldYou don’t have to leave the work you love. Sometimes you just change the contextIdentity is one of the hardest parts of leaving museum workWaiting too long to explore other options can lead to burnout and loss of confidenceEstate services, appraisal, and secondhand markets are growing industries due to generational wealth transferNetworking doesn’t have to be complicated. In-person connection and follow-up matterMuseum professionals often undervalue their ability to see the bigger picture and connect multiple stakeholdersYou can still be a steward of history and material culture outside a museum setting⏱ Chapters00:00 The LinkedIn Post That Sparked This Episode 03:00 Ryan’s Museum Career at The Henry Ford 10:00 What He Loved About Curatorial Work 13:00 When Discontent Started Creeping In 18:00 Identity, Grief, and Leaving a “Dream Job” 24:00 Realizing a Mismatch in Work Style 29:00 Discovering Estate Services & Reselling 32:00 How He Actually Made the Pivot 36:00 Transferable Skills That Mattered Most 42:00 Finding Meaning in a New Role 46:00 Money, Growth, and Career Ceiling in Museums 50:00 Advice for Leaving (Before You Hit Burnout) 57:00 Do You Miss Museums? Would You Go Back? 1:00:00 How to Explore This Career Path 🔍 Keywordsmuseum careers museum professionals career transitions museum jobs estate services appraisal careers transferable skills leaving museums alternative careers museums working with objects career pivot material culture

    1 hr

  2. MAR 25

    14. Mail Bag #3

    In this third Mail Bag episode, Alli Schell and Elin Filbey answer listener questions about navigating early vs. mid-career roles, breaking into (or moving up within) the museum field, and what it really takes to stand out in today’s job market. They unpack the nuance behind “Am I qualified enough?”, especially for those with transferable skills and dive into the realities of freelancing and consulting in museums. The conversation also tackles one of the most common frustrations in the field: work-life balance. Finally, they break down what’s really happening in final-round interviews when you're not landing the offer. Whether you’re trying to level up, pivot into museums, explore independent work, or finally land the role you keep getting close to, this episode is for you. Ask a Mailbag Question: https://forms.gle/m41nnxPS4TKXQ1i89 Takeaways Understanding the difference between early and mid-career roles can shape your job search strategyTransferable skills need to be clearly translated to connect the dots for hiring managersFreelancing and consulting requires market awarenessWork-life balance is often a top need of workers in the fieldFraming workplace challenges in terms of organizational impact can drive changeFinal-round interviews often come down to storytelling, clarity, and fitKnowing your “why” helps differentiate you from equally qualified candidatesAligning with an organization’s values and culture is critical in hiring decisionsSoft skills (communication, storytelling, presence) are key to interview successFeedback, reflection, and practice are essential for growth in the job searchChapters 00:00 Introduction and Mailbag Overview 03:30 Early vs. Mid-Career: Where Do I Fit? 10:45 Transferable Skills & “Translation Work” 20:15 Freelancing & Consulting in Museums 32:10 Work-Life Balance & Weekend Burnout 42:30 Final Round Interviews: What’s Missing? 52:00 Building Skills & Standing Out Keywords: museum careers, museum professionals, career transitions, transferable skills, museum jobs, freelancing, consulting, work-life balance, interview tips, job search strategy, museum education, professional development, networking, career coaching

    41 min

  3. MAR 19

    13. Advocating for Museum Workers (Not Just Museums)

    Who gets to shape the future of museums? For a long time, advocacy in the museum field has focused on institutions (funding, preservation, and public programs). But what about the people doing the work? In this episode of Curate Your Career, Elin Filbey and Alli Schell are joined by members of the National Emerging Museum Professionals Network (NEMPN) board to talk about Museum Workers Advocacy Day (MWAD) and the growing movement to center museum workers in conversations about the future of the field. Together, they explore how NEMPN evolved from a community-focused network into an advocacy-driven organization, why Museum Workers Advocacy Day was created in response to barriers in traditional advocacy spaces, and what it looks like to advocate for fair pay, equitable hiring practices, and sustainable careers in museums. They also break down a powerful idea: advocacy isn’t just something directors or institutions do. It’s something museum workers are already doing every day. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by the structure of museum work or wondered how to create change without burning yourself out, this episode is for you. In This Episode, We Discuss:What the National Emerging Museum Professionals Network (NEMPN) is and who it servesThe shift toward advocacy in 2022 and the 2023 strategic planWhy Museum Workers Advocacy Day was created and how it’s different from traditional advocacy effortsKey issues facing museum workers today (fair pay, unpaid internships, burnout, access to the field)Why emerging professionals are often closest to the future of the fieldHow advocacy shows up in everyday museum workPractical ways to get involved in advocacy, locally and nationallyWhy “you don’t have to do everything” when it comes to advocacyKey TakeawaysAdvocacy in museums has historically centered institutions but museum workers themselves need representation tooMuseum Workers Advocacy Day was created to remove barriers and make advocacy accessible, free, and inclusiveIssues like low pay, unpaid internships, and burnout continue to impact the sustainability of museum careersEmerging professionals bring fresh perspectives, current knowledge, and direct audience experience that are critical to the field’s futureAdvocacy doesn’t have to be big — it can start with asking better questions, building relationships, and making small changesYou don’t have to do everything. Advocacy is not all-or-nothingBuilding a more equitable museum field requires collective action, not individual sacrificeChapters00:00 Why Advocacy Feels Out of Reach for Museum Workers 03:00 What is NEMPN? Origins and Evolution 08:30 Who Counts as an “Emerging Museum Professional”? 13:30 Career Development, Community, and Advocacy 18:00 The Shift to Discord + Building Community 21:00 Volunteering as Skill-Building (and Why It Matters) 26:30 The Origin of Museum Workers Advocacy Day 31:00 Why Center Museum Workers (Not Just Institutions) 38:00 What to Expect from MWAD 2026 46:30 Key Issues Facing Museum Workers Today 54:00 Why Advocacy Feels Hard (and How to Start Anyway) 1:02:00 Practical Ways to Get Involved 1:08:00 What Gives Us Hope About the Future Keywordsmuseum careers museum advocacy museum workers museum workers advocacy day NEMPN museum jobs career sustainability museum burnout unpaid internships museums museum salary transparency museum professionals museum career advice arts and culture careers

    56 min

  4. MAR 11

    12. Soo... You Got Fired. Now What?

    Getting fired, laid off, or unexpectedly losing a job can feel devastating. Especially in a field where so much of our identity is tied to the work we do. In this episode of Curate Your Career, Elin Filbey and Alli Schell tackle a difficult but incredibly common experience in museum careers: what happens when a job ends before you expected it to. They talk openly about the emotional fallout, the practical steps to take next, and how to rebuild confidence after a job loss. From navigating LinkedIn and networking conversations to crafting your story for future interviews, Elin and Alli walk through the mindset shifts and strategies that help museum professionals move forward without losing their sense of purpose or value. They also explore a bigger truth many people in the field experience: sometimes losing a job isn’t a personal failure. Sometimes it’s a reflection of deeper structural issues within museums, including burnout culture, underfunding, and unrealistic expectations placed on staff. If you’ve recently been fired, laid off, or are worried it might happen someday, this episode offers honest guidance and reassurance that one job ending does not define your career. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why getting fired doesn’t automatically mean you were bad at your jobHow museum professionals often internalize systemic problems in the fieldWhat to do (and what not to do) immediately after losing a jobHow to reach out to your network without oversharing or feeling ashamedThe best way to talk about being fired in interviews and professional conversationsWhy taking time to reflect before jumping into the next role mattersHow to rebuild confidence and reconnect with your professional strengthsThis episode is a reminder that career setbacks are not the end of your story. They’re often the beginning of a new direction. Key TakeawaysGetting fired or laid off does not erase your skills or the work you contributed.Many museum job losses stem from structural issues like funding challenges, leadership turnover, or unclear expectations.You don’t need to rush into the next opportunity. Taking time to reflect is critical.Leaning on trusted mentors, colleagues, and friends can help you navigate the emotional and professional aftermath.When discussing job loss in interviews, focus on clarity and forward momentum rather than blame or oversharing.Losing a job can be an opportunity to reassess your career goals and identify what you truly want next.Chapters00:00 Why We’re Talking About Getting Fired 04:45 Personal Stories and Museum Career Realities 14:20 The Emotional Aftermath of Job Loss 19:30 Reaching Out to Your Support Network 23:00 Navigating LinkedIn and Public Job Announcements 34:00 How to Talk About Being Fired in Interviews 46:00 Using This Moment to Reassess Your Career 53:00 Rebuilding Confidence After a Job Loss 1:02:00 A Mindset Exercise for Letting Go and Moving Forward Keywordsmuseum careers museum jobs career transition museum layoffs getting fired career coaching museum professionals museum career advice career setback museum burnout professional resilience museum leadership

    57 min

  5. MAR 4

    11. Volunteerism as Professional Development (How to Build Skills Without Another Job)

    What if one of the best ways to build new career skills… didn’t involve getting another job? Volunteer work is often overlooked as professional experience, but when done intentionally it can be a powerful way to develop leadership, explore new fields, and expand your network. In this episode, we’re joined by Angela Williamson, CVA, a Certified Volunteer Administrator and volunteer engagement consultant. Together we unpack how volunteer roles can help you build skills, expand your network, and explore new career directions, whether you’re trying to advance within your field or transition into something new. We also tackle some of the biggest misconceptions around volunteering, including the idea that it’s “not real experience,” and share practical advice for making volunteer roles work for your career goals. In this conversation we discuss: How volunteering can help you build new skills and leadership experienceThe right way to approach organizations when you want to volunteer strategicallyWhy volunteer work absolutely belongs on your resumeHow nonprofits can design better volunteer opportunitiesThe importance of leaving volunteer roles well (and why ghosting hurts everyone)Why volunteer engagement should be seen as a strategic asset, not free labor Whether you're exploring a career shift, trying to gain management experience, or simply looking for meaningful ways to contribute to your community, this episode will help you think about volunteering in a whole new way. GuestAngela Williamson, CVA Volunteer Community Relations Specialist, Blood Bank of Delmarva Founder, Volunteer Engagement Accelerator Angela helps nonprofits design stronger volunteer programs that attract, retain, and empower volunteers through intentional engagement strategies. 🔗 Connect with Angela LinkedIn: Angela Williamson Website: AngelaWilliamsonCVA.com Key TakeawaysVolunteer work can be strategic career development Volunteering can help you: Gain leadership experienceBuild new skillsExplore new career directionsExpand your professional networkStrengthen your resume You can volunteer outside your field If you're trying to develop a specific skill (like management or budgeting) you can often find opportunities in nonprofits outside your current industry. Ask for what you want to learn Instead of waiting for the perfect opportunity, you can approach organizations and say: “I’m hoping to build experience in ___. Are there opportunities where I could contribute while learning that skill?” Volunteer experience absolutely belongs on your resume If a volunteer role helps demonstrate a skill relevant to the job you're pursuing, it can appear alongside professional experience, not buried at the bottom. Leave volunteer roles professionally If you need to move on: Communicate clearlyProvide a transitionDocument your work Leaving well protects your reputation and keeps the relationship strong.

    58 min

  6. FEB 25

    10. Stretch, Match, or Mismatch? Applying Strategically in a Tough Market

    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 roles You’ll learn the three categories every job application falls into: 1️⃣ Anchor Roles – where you should be competitive 2️⃣ Strategic Stretch Roles – growth opportunities (without attachment to outcome) 3️⃣ Mismatch Roles – the energy drains that erode confidence If 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 hit This 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 Anymore 05:19 – Why Applying Isn’t Free (Protecting Your Energy & Confidence) 10:13 – The Three Types of Applications 12:24 – Anchor Roles: Where You Should Be Competitive 15:26 – Trusting the Process (Don’t Overcorrect Too Soon) 17:47 – Strategic Stretch Roles: Growth Without Emotional Gambling 20:39 – Be a Goldfish: Detaching From Outcomes 24:22 – Title Mismatch & Making Your Case 27:16 – Mismatch Roles: Energy Drains to Eliminate 33:29 – Dream Titles & Hard Truths 36:06 – The Self-Assessment Walkthrough 37:45 – Led vs Assisted: Duties vs Exposure 38:50 – Scope vs Skill (Scale Matters) 40:59 – What Do You Actually Want From This Role? 43:09 – Why We Oversell and Undersell 47:13 – A Real Client Example 48:25 – Strategy as Self-Compassion Keywords museum careers job search strategy career coaching museum professionals career transition stretch roles job application advice years of experience requirements overselling yourself underselling yourself career pivot hiring manager perspective museum job market professional growth strategic job search

    44 min

  7. FEB 18

    9. Mail Bag #2

    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/m41nnxPS4TKXQ1i89 Takeaways Advocacy 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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Mailbag Overview 01:20 Museum Advocacy & Accessibility Rant 09:10 Navigating Career Paths in Museums 25:01 Guilt, Identity & Career Transitions 31:31 Organizational Challenges & Boundaries 33:28 Job Market Barriers 44:00 Transitioning Back to Museums 51:00 Family Supporting Aspiring Museum Professionals Keywords: 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

    53 min

  8. FEB 11

    8. Leaving Museums Didn’t Mean Failing, It Meant Choosing Myself: Mary’s Career Pivot Story

    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 enough 01:47 – Mary’s museum career path 03:27 – Recognizing the need for change 05:48 – Job searching, offers, and hard decisions 08:09 – Transitioning into a new role 10:02 – What the pivot revealed 14:51 – Settling into something new 19:09 – Translating museum skills beyond the field 22:40 – Relationship-building and soft skills 24:27 – Imposter syndrome after a pivot 28:36 – Making peace with career uncertainty 31:37 – Prioritizing values and growth 35:06 – Finding your voice — and your next step Keywordsmuseum careers, career transitions, museum professionals, leaving museums, transferable skills, imposter syndrome, career pivot, work-life balance, financial stability, career coaching, personal growth

    38 min
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5
out of 5
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About

Curate Your Career is a podcast for museum pros who are staying, leaving, and everything in between. Hosted by Elin (Deaccessioned Career Coaching) and Alli (Your Museum Career Coach), we dig into the real, messy, hilarious, and hopeful parts of museum careers. From burnout and bad bosses to career pivots, salary jumps, and rediscovering what you actually want. 

Information

  • Creator
    Curate Your Career
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Curate Your Career

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