Seeking advice

Posted by Jaimee Edwards on August 30, 2018 at 1:08pm

Hi, I am hoping to get some advice about degrees in archives. I am 40 and looking for a career change and am really interested in museum and archive work. I already have a HECS debt and am apprehensive about adding to it with a post graduate degree that isn't going to lead to a job.

I was looking at the Charles Sturt Master in Information Studies with a specialisation in Archives. Is anyone doing this?

What are the job prospects like in this sector? 

Any advice would be really appreciated.

Thank you,

Jaimee

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Replies

  • Jaimee Edwards September 6, 2018 at 4:51pm

    Hi Mary,

    Thanks for your response. I am very interested in the museum sector too. In fact am wondering if a Museum Studies degree would be ore useful?

    What has been your experience volunteering in museums?

    Best,

    Jaimee

  • Mary Joy Quisumbing September 4, 2018 at 6:20pm

    Hi Jamiee,

    I am currently also doing the bachelor degree at Charles Sturt, specialising in records and archives management. On average I take up 2-3 units, whilst working part-time. I'd say the core units are more time-consuming compared to the electives, so I won't take up more than 1 core unit per semester. Finding jobs in the archive space is quite limited here in Sydney, however there is an abundance of records roles. Most record work that I have found via seek, are advertised in either the local or state government, on a contract basis. I'd say to be promoted will be dependant on the client's need on your skills as they may just require you on a project basis. 

    I would invest in short courses related to records/archive management or other courses related to the general information management sphere. Take on volunteer roles to increase the chance of getting your foot into the sector and/or being promoted. My volunteer roles are museum based, and though not archives or records management, there are skills and knowledge that can be gained and interchangeably applied.

  • Jaimee Edwards September 4, 2018 at 2:26pm

    Hi everyone,

    Sorry for the late response.

    Thank you for the input.

    It seems that doing a Library degree or masters is the way to go.

    I am also looking to study online as i work full time and a single mother etc.

    For those of you who have done the qualifications online - how manageable is the workload?

    Thank you so much.

    Jaimee

    • Dorothy Carroll > Jaimee Edwards September 4, 2018 at 3:49pm

      Hi Jaimee,

      Every course is different - I am currently studying through Charles Sturt doing the MIS course and I live in Brisbane and juggle study with family commitments that have become complicated due to a family member becoming extremely ill. I also volunteer at the Commisariat one day a week as part of the Research group and I re-enact which is a terrific hobby. I am a committee member of the ASA Qld branch which fortunately is not onerous. Currently I am only studying one subject per semester but others with full time work commitments have done two per semester and I have a friend who did three just to finish things off and it was in the smallest  - shortest semester , she does not recommend anyone doing that. We have a closed Fb page where people can ask about various courses / subjects once they are enrolled at CSU 

    • Jaimee Edwards > Dorothy Carroll September 4, 2018 at 4:39pm

      Hi Dorothy,

      Thank you for this feedback.

      it seems that this course is doable online.

      I am still unsure of what the job prospects are and how much growth there is in the sector.

      I have been in hospitality for a while and you hit the ceiling in terms of earning potential very quickly.

      How are people finding the experience of finding, keeping and being promoted in this sector?

      Best,

      Jaimee

  • Michelle Page-Cook September 4, 2018 at 8:15am

    Thanks, Alice, I appreciate your response.

  • Alice Kullrich August 31, 2018 at 12:53pm
    Hi Jaimee
    I have only just completed BA Librarianship & Corporate Info Mgmt at Curtin (fully online). Most of the focus is on libraries and records with some forays into archival practice/theory. Curtin have a Masters degree in Records/archives. I'm more than satisfied with Curtin.
    Currently I am volunteering to gain on-the-job experience, and keeping a lookout for job ads around the traps.
    I cant speak for CSU but I've heard good things.
    Good luck whatever you decide.
    Regards, Alice.
    • Michelle Page-Cook > Alice Kullrich August 31, 2018 at 1:34pm

      Hi Alice

      I was looking at this BA just this morning and I would also be undertaking it fully online. It sounds like you had a good experience.

      How long did it take you and did you study full-time or part-time. I work full-time so it's going to take me a while I think!

      Regards

      Michelle

    • Alice Kullrich > Michelle Page-Cook September 3, 2018 at 6:00pm

      Hi Michelle,

      Yes definitely if you work full-time, part-time study for this degree would be best. If you already work in the industry you can get credit for your compulsory practicum placement/s yr1 & yr3, or part thereof. You will have to attend a number of invigilated exams too, but mostly assignment assessments.

      It took me 4 years to do a 3yr UG BA degree course, but of course like everyone lots of other irons in the fire, raising kids etc.

      Good luck with it all. Alice.

  • Penny Cook August 31, 2018 at 11:44am

    I'm sorry I can't answer your question, but I am also interested in the CSU masters and I'd like to see what other people say here.

    Before I commit to the course, I'd really like some more details of how the subjects are delivered and assessed, but I can't find anyone at CSU who can answer my questions.

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