Hosted by the Philadelphia Museum of Art
This summer, we will be featuring blog posts written by PhD students who participated in Career Services’ Career Exploration Fellowship (CEF), a program that helps doctoral candidates explore their career interests through networking opportunities with advanced degree professionals. Click here to learn more about CEF.
Describe your experience working with your host.
Doing a Career Exploration Fellowship with the Philadelphia Museum of Art was an incredibly rewarding experience. My host, Bree Midavaine (Assistant Director of Library and Digital Strategies), created an open, supportive environment that allowed me to explore the intersection of libraries, archives, digital initiatives, and public access in a major cultural institution. She also introduced me to other folks at the museum who taught me about curation and the field of museum interpretation.
My conversations with Bree about the future of digital humanities, accessibility, and the unique challenges of stewarding cultural knowledge were eye-opening. Bree not only offered insight into the day-to-day operations of archival work at a major museum but also modeled what it means to lead with thoughtfulness and care in the cultural sector.
What did you learn from this opportunity (about yourself, potential career fields, the job search, etc.)?
This opportunity helped me see how my research interests and skills as a scholar and practicing artist can translate into diverse roles beyond the academy. I realized how much I value public-facing work that makes knowledge more accessible and equitable, particularly through exhibitions, digital collections, or programming. It furthered my commitment to storytelling and collaboration in the cultural sector and reminded me how much I enjoy spaces where intellectual inquiry and public engagement intersect. The experience reaffirmed that I thrive in environments that allow for flexibility, creativity, and interdisciplinary thinking.
How did your CEF experience influence your future career plans?
The CEF experience expanded my understanding of possible career paths within museums and culture work more broadly and helped me see how my skills as a researcher and artist could contribute to roles in these spaces. It also inspired me to consider hybrid roles where I can bridge scholarly work with community engagement and public programming. I’m now more confident in seeking opportunities that align with my values around knowledge accessibility, cultural preservation, and collaborative work.
What was the most valuable part of your CEF experience?
The most valuable part of my CEF experience was the chance to connect with professionals within a field I likely would not have otherwise had access to and gain insight into a field that often feels opaque to those in academia. The mentorship alongside the opportunity to reflect on my own skills and interests was transformative. It gave me a clearer sense of what kind of impact I want to have in my career.
Top reason PhD students should apply to the CEF program?
The CEF program gives PhD students a rare chance to explore career paths beyond academia in a low-pressure, supportive environment. It helps you see how your research, writing, and analytical skills can be valuable in a wide range of roles, and it provides the mentorship and structure needed to imagine your career in new ways. It’s an invaluable opportunity for self-reflection, skill-building, and expanding your sense of what’s possible!
