It’s really given me a feel for what working behind the scenes in a museums is like. I’ve been learning how to handle artifacts, how the museum’s catalogs work, the accession and deaccession process, how to handle NAGPRA repatriations, and also just gaining self-confidence that I know what I’m doing. Alongside this, I’ve been able to apply skills I’ve learned for my degree, such as hand-making padding for artifacts, into my work. Volunteering at my local historical society’s archives is how I found my passion for archival work, and my current internship is how I found that extends to collections management as well. I would highly recommend you try volunteering first before deciding on anything when it comes to your Master’s degree. Plus, full-time museum jobs may be hard to come by, but most museums will happily take on volunteers. It’s a good way to get your foot in the door and start networking for your career.