For the 2016-2017 academic year, I received a federal work study to help defray the cost of tuition here at my university. I was told to go onto the college's "jobs" page and apply for something that had "FWS, or Federal Work Study" in the title.
I came across a job as a store clerk for an art museum we have on campus. I decided to take a chance and apply, and I got an interview. I was nervous but kept my cool, and sure enough, I was hired to work for the entire year. Now, upon return after a nice summer break. I can tell you a few things I have learned from working at UF's beloved art museum.
1. If you're not passionate about art, you will be.
Coming into the museum I discovered that I had never walked through it in its entirety. Which was a shame since it's a beautiful building and has many interesting pieces strategically placed throughout the museum.
2. If you know nothing of a particular exhibit, that's okay- because you will learn at least its name.
Like the Frida Exhibit, or Aftermath: The Fallout of War. You learn little tidbits from the docents and from your own personal walkthrough of the exhibits.
3. You will get excited when the President of the University comes to the museum.
To be fair though, I think you'd get excited to see the President of the university no matter where they were.
4. If you're in the store (like me) you will get excited over the new products!
From handcrafted vegan, preservative free soap to locally done pottery and jewelry- there is a lot to be excited about in the museum store/gift shop
5. Customers are generally very nice.
Which is super convenient since sometimes you hear those customer service horror stories where the employee wants to curl up into a ball and die... yeah not here! Customers are usually super friendly and patient!
6. You get to share in customers' "little moments."
Like the other day, I was working and a husband and wife came in. The wife went to try something on and the husband quickly purchased a print of an art piece that was one of her favorites in the museum.
He told me to put it in a bag and wait till his wife came and bought the shirt she was trying on. I did as he instructed and when she bought the shirt I put it in the print bag and handed it to her. Her face was priceless and the husband just looked at her with so much love and affection. He even thanked me for keeping his little secret.
7. You have a lot of fun!
It's kinda cheesy, but working at our art museum has been eye opening and informative. I have truly had a blast while working here for a year and a half. Definitely looking forward to a great fall semester back with my art family. They even recognize me on campus and wave!
