For a long while I was very adamant about pursuing a Museum Studies MA. I still kind of am, to a degree. But perusing this sub has made me rethink what I even want to do, and now I am lost.

I keep reading conflicting things. Get experience to get your foot in the door. It can be entry level or volunteer work. But in order to get a higher level position, you need education. A PhD will help immensely. So I don’t know where to go or what to do now.

I am currently an Anthropology (concentration in archaeology) student in my final year; I already have many hours of volunteer work and internship roles in a variety of museums (archaeological, national heritage, natural history). I know I love the work. I believe I can get financial aid if I go to a US school, and can likely afford overseas schools, especially if they are one year programs.

I guess my question is: what should I prioritize after graduation, if I’m interested in curatorial positions? Experience or higher education (probably in Archaeology rather than Museum Studies)? Would education be a total waste of money?