AFSNews Careers Column April 1997

Careers

At the 1996 American Folklore Society annual meeting in Pittsburgh, Polly Adema presented a paper entitled "Non-Traditional Jobs for Folklorists: A Pragmatic Approach to Securing Employment." In the following column, she summarizes some of the tips she shared with her audience at AFS.

If you have suggestions for future columns, please contact me at Career Services, Lucina Hall, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306 (tel: 765/285-2430; fax: 765/285-3757; e-mail: 00jpgoodwin@bsuvc.bsu.edu).

For general information about career planning and conducting a job search, as well as a variety of other resources, visit Career Services' World Wide Web site at http://www.bsu.edu/careers/home.html.

Joseph P. Goodwin Ball State University

Nothing under "F": Tips for Interpreting the Classifieds

Folklorists who secure employment outside "traditional" positions (e.g. museums, state and local arts agencies, humanities councils) find ways to combine their specialized skills with their personal interests. This essay explores ways of interpreting wording typically used in classified advertisements to identify positions for which you, as a folklorist, are qualified and should apply. The unique combination of your folkloristic skills, combined with your interest in visual art, music production, architecture, dance, urban design, literature, communication, recreation, law, marketing, or development, can make you an attractive candidate for numerous positions within that industry.

As you commence your employment search, evaluate the skills you have developed as a folklorist: what skills do you have that distinguish you from other potential applicants? When considered individually, folklorists' skills are not that distinctive; but when considered together, our ability to conduct library and field research, write for a variety of audiences, interpret and present materials, and produce informative materials set us apart from many other candidates.

Following are examples of language to watch for as you read the newspaper's classifieds ads in search of opportunities within the public or private sector. Very few advertisements will specify an opening for a folklorist. The key to your success is keeping an open mind as you read the ads.

Consider these examples: "Qualifications: degree in journalism, PR or related field. Excellent written/verbal communication skills, media relations/special events experience. Computer skills: mature, flexible professional with strong initiative." Or "Ability to conduct complex projects in sensitive local political environments, ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and contractors."

Anyone who has chosen to be a folklorist and has worked in the public sector will have most, if not all, of the skills identified above. Do not be discouraged because an ad does not specify "folklore" under qualifications and does not seek someone with a degree in folklore. Use your writing and presentation skills to demonstrate your ability to interpret information and convince the prospective employer that what she or he really needs for the position is a folklorist.

Watch for words that describe what you have done--and are capable of doing--as a folklorist. For example: "Qualifications: experience developing teaching materials and curriculum; experience organizing exhibits; experience conducting workshops; experience planning and implementing public information programs; ability to work independently." Or "Demonstrated leadership in the organization and administration of educational programs, experience working with individuals of diverse backgrounds, ability to seek out and incorporate diversity."

Folklife fieldwork requires some degree of organization. The successful folklorist who has done fieldwork must be capable of setting and keeping a schedule, is often a "self-starter," has had to exercise time and fiscal management, has the ability to establish rapport quickly, has writing and speaking abilities, and is familiar with audio, video, and photographic technology. Depending on your particular background, you may also have knowledge of archival or museum methods and public speaking and presentation skills. If you are good at conducting field research, you could apply for a position seeking someone with "demonstrated strong organizational, writing , and oral communication skills, [who can] act as liaison, establish database."

Here is one final example of typical classified ad wording and a description of how you can rightfully interpret the qualifications as describing a folklorist: "Educational organization seeks dynamic, innovative person to coordinate education conferences, meetings and workshops. . . . Must possess excellent communication and negotiation skills, and have an affinity for details. . . . Previous experience in site selection, budgeting, conference logistics and food & beverage coordination highly desirable."

If you have worked with a board of directors, you have likely developed negotiation skills. If you have done folklife presenting (e.g. video, stage, articles, slide presentations, etc.) you have communication skills. If you are good at fieldwork documentation, and enjoy all aspects of it, you probably have developed an affinity for details. If you have worked under grant-funded projects you have experience working with budgets and fiscal accountability. If you have worked on a festival or conference, you probably have experience with logistics, food and beverage coordination, contracts, and personnel.

When you present yourself to a prospective employer, highlight those skills that are most appropriate for the position in question. Keep in mind that skills are more important than knowledge: you can learn about a particular subject after you are hired. What is most important to the employer is that you have the skills to interpret and present knowledge in a way appropriate for the company or institution.

As you browse the classified ads, remember the people writing them are using general terms that will appeal to a wide range of potential applicants. It is up to you to interpret them according to your skills and interests. And, it is up to you to convince prospective employers that your unique combination of skills make you uniquely qualified to produce high quality, informative work. Good Luck!

Pauline Adema University of Texas at Austin polly@uts.cc.utexas.edu