17. Museum Grad School Series. Part 1 of 3: Should You Go?

This is one of the most common questions in the museum field: Should I go to grad school?And the honest answer is… it’s complicated.In this first episode of a three-part series, Elin Filbey and Alli Schell break down what actually goes into that decision... beyond the default advice to “just get the degree.”Drawing from their own experiences (both GW grads), insights from the Museum Pros subreddit, LinkedIn conversations, and years of working with clients, they unpack:why this question is so emotionally loadedwhat museum grad school can offer (and what it can’t)the reality of salaries, competition, and job marketshow much of grad school is really about access and networkswhere programs often fall short (hint: career prep and real-world skills)and the biggest question you should be asking yourself before applyingThey also talk candidly about:the pressure to “do the right thing”the financial reality (and tradeoffs) of grad schooland why a master’s degree does not guarantee a jobThis episode isn’t here to tell you yes or no.It’s here to help you make a smarter, more informed decision.👉 Part 2 will cover how to evaluate grad programs👉 Part 3 will explore alternatives to grad school🔑 Key TakeawaysMuseum grad school is often presented as the default path but the reality is far more complexA degree does not guarantee a job, especially in a competitive, low-salary fieldWhat you’re really paying for is often access, networks, and opportunities, not just knowledgeMany programs are too theoretical and don’t adequately prepare students for the job marketHands-on experience (internships, projects, portfolios) is critical early in your career, when pivoting, or when trying to move up in the fieldThe financial ROI of grad school is often unclear or limitedYour location and target job market can influence whether a degree is necessaryThe most important question isn’t “Should I go?”→ It’s: “What am I trying to get out of this?”⏱ Chapters00:00 DC food nostalgia + intro06:40 Why this became a 3-part series08:00 Why “Should I go to grad school?” is everywhere10:30 Why this question is so complicated14:00 The reality of museum jobs (salary, competition, structure)17:00 What grad school doesn’t prepare you for18:30 Alli’s experience: expectations vs reality22:30 Elin’s path to grad school29:00 Alli’s path + pressure to pursue a master’s33:30 What you actually get from grad school36:00 The power of networks + “GW mafia”40:00 Hands-on skills vs theory44:00 When grad school is necessary (specific roles)48:00 Where programs fall short52:00 Real-world skills you actually need54:30 Financial reality + ROI59:00 Location, access, and strategy1:01:00 The question you should actually be asking1:02:30 Preview of Part 2🔍 Keywordsmuseum grad schoolmuseum studies degreemuseum careersmuseum jobsshould I go to grad schoolmuseum professionalscareer transitions museumsmuseum education careersgraduate school decisionarts careersGLAM careersmuseum job market