RIGHT WHERE YOU SHOULD BE: STUDENTS REFLECT ON MMST

Grad School Guide | Jaime Meier

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I learned about the MMSt program when one of my undergraduate classes required us to present on three school or job options we were interested in after convocation and how to achieve them. I was thrilled to get in to MMSt but had to make the big move from Saskatoon to Toronto. As the Museum Professionals of Colour team put it so eloquently in their grad school guide on imposter syndrome, it can be easy to feel like you don’t belong in a new program or place. I have thoroughly enjoyed the program so far but my experiences with MMSt are just one of many, so I surveyed MMSt and CDP students for feedback about their experiences. Even with COVID-19, it is my hope that the experiences discussed will still make new and continuing students excited for the year ahead. 

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With my degree and prior work experiences focusing on history and art history, I had expected a majority of the students in the program to be similar to myself but was pleasantly surprised to meet students whose backgrounds range from Environmental Studies in International Development to Sports Industry. As much as I love talking about art whenever possible, having classes with students who had knowledge far outside my scope only enhanced the experience. One student commented that they were initially nervous about not having specific museum experience but later realized the value in everyone having a different background that allows them to contribute unique skills and passions. It is important for incoming and continuing MMSt students to know that their opinions are valuable, and people usually want to hear them, so take a step outside your comfort zone and contribute in class — the professors always appreciate it.

While students come from different areas of study, we are connected by an interest in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. The students surveyed commented on how they wanted to make museums more interesting to locals, improve accessibility, and address the lack of diversity and inclusion. These interests can be embraced through conversations with fellow classmates and in class. Some of the favourite classes from the feedback survey were Interpretation and Meaning Making, Public Programming, and Museums and Indigenous Communities. Professors and their assignments often allow the flexibility to work in a current area of interest or explore something new. I learned so much through my personal research for assignments; it's a good opportunity to learn more about topics that you haven't yet had a chance to study. 

A few of the amazing people I've met! They've taught me about everything from archaeology to zoology. Photo courtesy of Chloé Houde. 

With classes in the fall guaranteed to be online,  COVID-19 will require us all to show up for each other digitally. The most common sentiment expressed in the survey was how people's experience in the MMSt program was enhanced by the camaraderie experienced between people in the cohort. To over come the possible isolation this coming year, make sure to check out the discussions and events happening via the Virtual Inforum on Acorn, as well as events put on by the Museum Studies Student Association (MUSSA) and Master of Information Student Council (MISC). Grad school will provide many moments to take your education into your own hands, so despite any road blocks put in place by the pandemic, make sure to make the most of it!

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in the feedback survey! We appreciate you so much.