Get to know Master’s Program alumni in our new series Life After Graduate School. In this week’s feature, meet Rita Walaszek, a Master’s program alumna currently working in the museum collections of the Minnesota Historical Society.
Why St. Thomas?
Having done my undergrad at the University of Minnesota, I still wanted to stay close to home but have a change. Colleagues at the U told me more information about the program at St. Thomas. (Also, no GRE requirement).
What was your favorite moment while a student at St. Thomas?
Besides graduation, my favorite part was taking a class with Dr. Julie Risser, who was working with the Asmat collection at the time. Being able to curate an exhibit while working directly with objects was an entirely different experience than other seminars. Being able to see the objects I was studying in person is always a joy.
What are you up to these days?
I currently work in Museum Collections at the Minnesota Historical Society, specializing in the Native American collections, helping Native artists research collections and doing outreach within the Native community.
After working with the Native community in education for a few years, I started volunteering at the Minnesota Historical Society. A few positions opened in the collections department where I was volunteering and I became an employee.
How has the time you spent in our graduate program influenced your career and life?
The graduate program ignited my critical thinking regarding museums and their roles as institutions. Now I cannot visit a museum or gallery without thinking about the objects, the space they are in and the interpretation and context provided. As a museum employee, these critiques are always in the back of my mind when working on projects both big and small.
Advice for new and current graduate students?
Get to know individuals in the field you want to work in to see if they have advice. Make sure to volunteer and intern as much as you can, those relationships go a long way. Many small museums and galleries need volunteers consistently. This will also help you see how different places are run.
