An advanced degree in a relevant field is a useful first step in becoming an archivestuary.Some degree programs may prove useful for archivists who have degrees in history and library science.Gain certification, join a professional archival science organization, and attend conferences to develop your skills.If you have a degree and relevant skills, you should check the job boards.If you can't find a job right away, volunteer at your local museum to get some experience.
Step 1: A master's degree in library science is needed.
The most common requirement for becoming an archivist is an MLIS.A curriculum enriched by courses in record keeping, archival administration, and born-digital documents can help you understand archival processes and practice.Training will be offered in both libraries and archives.Most MLIS programs focus more on libraries than on archives.You will learn how to use the controlled vocabularies of your national library classification system, as well as prepare you to organize and retrieve information.To get into a graduate program in history, you will need an undergraduate degree, but MLIS students tend to come from a wide range of undergraduate background.An undergraduate degree in history or museum studies can help if you're interested in general archival work.If you want to work with electronic archives, you need a degree in computer science or digital technology.
Step 2: There is a degree in history.
An advanced degree in history can provide you with a route into archival work.This is true when you want to work in an archive or field of archival science.If you want to work at an archive specializing in early American history, you would have a better chance of finding work if you have done graduate-level academic work there.You need an undergraduate degree in a related field to get into a graduate program in history.It depends on the school you're applying to.If you want to enter and succeed in a graduate-level history program, you should get an undergrad degree in history, political science, or sociology.Several years of seminar courses are required for a graduate program in history.The thesis for a master's degree is usually based on historical research.A PhD requires a longer and more intense research process.PhD candidates are expected to pass a series of comprehensive exams that test their general knowledge of broad historical themes.
Step 3: You should get an archival science degree.
More and more schools are offering degrees in archival science.These programs are not as common as those in history or library science, but they are still a great way to prepare for a career in archival work.You will be able to learn about provenance, archival theory, arrangement, and description of archival materials in this program.Longer master's degree programs often require the production of a thesis that closely examines a relevant topic.If you can't get an advanced degree in archival science, you may be able to complete a shorter certificate program that focuses on archival studies.In two or three semesters, certification programs can be completed.
Step 4: Another specialized degree is required.
In pursuit of archival work, several other advanced educational degrees might prove useful.The degrees include public administration, political science, museum studies, and public history.Obtaining work in a legal archive can be done with a law degree.Writing and research can be emphasized in English and other liberal arts courses.The needs of the institution determine the applicability of a particular degree.
Step 5: Improve your writing and research skills.
Since historians, sociologists, journalists, lawyers, and political scientists are the primary archival users, understanding the research process and knowing what sort of sources could be useful can make you a more effective archivist.If you want to develop strong research and writing skills, a degree in history, English, sociology, or another major is the best way to go.If you're interested in a topic but don't know much about it, you can publish a blog on it.Since it can be difficult to objectively evaluate the quality of your own research and writing, show your work to strong writers and ask for feedback.You can connect with others who can help you develop strong research and writing abilities by joining a writing club.The guides that let archival users know what the archive contains can be drafted with strong research and writing skills.
Step 6: There is a specialization to choose from.
You can be more attractive to archival institutions if you have a special area of knowledge.There are two types of specializations: format-based and topical.Advanced knowledge of a particular collections area such as labor, Asian-American history, modern British culture, ecology, and so on are included in the specializations.Familiarity with a particular type of archival material, including photographs, digital records, cassette tapes, and so on, is a format-based archival specialization.Since each archival institution has different collections policies and needs, it's not possible to gauge the utility of a particular specialization.
Step 7: Professional certification is required to be a professional.
It is possible to get work as an archivist without professional certification.Depending on the certifying organization, the particular process by which you obtain certification can be different.You will need to pay an application fee if you want to take the exam.Depending on the organization, the specific areas of archival science are different.Online study guides can be used to identify the topics of the exam.Sample exams are a good way to get a feel for the sorts of questions you will encounter.It's possible that professional certification isn't offered year round.Contact the certifying organization to find out when and where you can take the exam.
Step 8: If you want to learn a foreign language, learn it.
There are documents in foreign languages in the archives.If you know that you want to work in an archive that deals mostly with foreign-language documents, you should learn to read that language.
Step 9: Become a member of a professional organization.
There are national and local archives in most countries.For people like you who are trying to get their foot in the door, these organizations can be important sources of information.They host conferences where you can learn about current trends in archival practice.Some professional organizations offer mentor programs that will help you achieve your career goals.
Step 10: You can volunteer at an archive.
Local history museums need volunteers.You can gain hands-on experience in processing, arrangement, description, and digitization as an archival volunteer.When you are looking for a job as an archivist, this volunteer experience looks great on your resume.Students in archival science programs have to do a practicum as part of their degree requirements.The volunteer experience can be used for professional development.If you can, volunteer or do your internship at an institution that is similar to one where you want to work as an archivist.If you want to specialize in labor archives, you can either volunteer at a museum that deals with labor issues or request to work on a collection related to labor.
Step 11: You can find a job in an archive.
You should check job boards for archival work once you have met the educational requirements.In order to find work opportunities, you need to take advantage of your network.In the job hunt, former classmates, professors, and mentors can be of great help.You should apply to as many jobs as you can.You should consider getting an additional degree if you are having a hard time finding jobs that are relevant to your skill set.If your history degree seems to be insufficient in helping you get a job as an archiver, consider going back to school for an MLIS degree or a certificate in archival administration.
Step 12: Write a cover letter and resume.
Depending on the archive you're applying to, the process of writing a cover letter and resume will vary.Tailor your resume and cover letter to the job you're applying to.If the archive is looking for someone skilled with born-digital documents, highlight any experience you've had working with such materials.Emphasize how your education, volunteer experiences, and relevant personality traits would make you a strong asset to the archive.
Step 13: You have to apply for the job.
You're ready to send it in with your resume and cover letter.You will be asked to send an email with your cover letter and resume.You can copy and paste the cover letter into your email.If you apply through an online portal, you'll have to submit your resume and cover letter.You should call the archive after a few days to follow up on your application.This will show you are interested in the job.Do you have a chance to look over my resume yet?I'd like to know how my skill set could contribute to the success of your archive.