Hi everyone,
I’m thinking about changing careers to work in archives and would love some advice from people actually doing this work. I’ve been in tech for about a decade, mostly doing system admin stuff and database work with tools like MySQL and Python scripting. While I can handle the technical side, I’m not really a hardcore developer. High pressure coding projects and crazy deadlines just drain me completely.
What I really enjoy is taking messy digital systems and organizing them properly. I like working independently to fix broken processes and create order from chaos. The idea of digital archiving really appeals to me, especially working with museums or research organizations to preserve important materials.
I’ve been looking at library science programs, particularly focusing on digital preservation tracks. Since I’m in New Jersey, Rutgers seems like an obvious choice with their online options. But I’m also wondering if going to a place like Simmons might give better networking opportunities since I don’t know anyone in this field yet.
My main goals are to work on preserving digital collections, maybe support research teams, and focus on protecting materials that might otherwise be lost. I really want to avoid the corporate drama and performance pressure that made me want to leave tech in the first place.
For those working in archives or library science:
- Does this seem like a good career match based on what I’ve described?
- How crucial is networking for getting started in this field?
- Any thoughts on program choice and building connections?
Thanks for any insights you can share about making this transition work.
Your tech background puts you in a great spot for this switch. Don’t just think traditional archives though - universities, government agencies, and consulting firms all need people who get both the technical side and preservation standards.
For picking programs, yeah networking helps, but focus on curriculum and faculty first. Find ones with hands-on training in preservation tools like Samvera, Fedora, or digital asset management systems. Some programs have internships that turn into job offers.
You’ll love how much independent problem-solving this field needs. Digital collections throw weird challenges at you that need creative fixes - way less micromanaging than corporate life. Just heads up: institutions move slower and budgets are tighter than what you’re used to. But honestly? The satisfaction of preserving cultural stuff and helping researchers usually makes up for those headaches, especially with what you’re looking for.
Your tech background is perfect for digital archives! Museums desperately need people who get both systems and organization. The collaborative environment will be refreshing after corporate pressure. Go for it!
Made the same jump from corporate IT 3 years ago - best decision I’ve ever made. The pace is way more humane. You’re still solving technical problems, but you actually have time to think through solutions instead of rushing to the next fire.
One heads up though: grant funding makes job security sketchy, especially at smaller places. But the work? Incredibly satisfying. I digitize historical documents and build metadata systems that researchers will use for decades. Way more meaningful than helping some company squeeze out more profit.
rutgers online is a solid choice for u. don’t worry about networking - it’s overrated. ur tech skills will do the talking when job hunting. most archives are dying to find someone who actually knows databases and can fix systems without constantly bugging IT.