Get to know Master’s Program alumni in our series Life After Graduate School. In this month’s feature, meet Rachel Houck (MA, 2017), Executive Director at the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society.

Why St. Thomas?

I chose St. Thomas because of the competitive and collaborative environment. While looking into graduate schools, I was amazed at the number that were described as “cut-throat.” I wanted to find a graduate program that was competitive but didn’t feel like an episode of Survivor. I found that at St. Thomas my peers and faculty advisors inspired me to work harder, but also actively looked for research projects to collaborate.

What was your favorite moment while a student at St. Thomas?

My favorite moment was after I presented a paper at my first major conference. When I was finished, one of the experts in attendance told me that my work made him rethink his previous stance on Asmat tourist art. I think every researcher hopes to get that kind of feedback.

What are you up to these days? How did you get to where you are?

I am currently the Executive Director at the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society. The most important part of my job is developing plans that will have a positive impact on the future of our organization. I also manage and organize our archives, artifacts, programs, fundraisers, and volunteers.

I got to where I am by asking for opportunities to advance my skills and networking. I would have never known about this job if a friend hadn’t told me about it and I wouldn’t have been qualified in the first place if I didn’t keep educating myself on the field.

How has the time spent in our graduate program influenced your career and life?

I learned so much in the graduate program at St. Thomas, but I think what influenced me the most was the realization that education doesn’t end with graduation. Best practices are always being re-written, we are always learning new and better ways to preserve artifacts, interpretation is always evolving. I still seek out new research and methods so that I can stay up-to-date.

Advice for new and current graduate students?

Know your strengths, know your weaknesses, and look for opportunities to develop both. If you need experience grant writing, developing exhibits, researching or anything else ask for it — if you are turned down, ask someone else, but don’t stop until you have the skills you need for the job you want.