No. 3.3: WHAT DO I WANT TO DO?

So what is it that I want to do? Well I am still figuring that part out. I know but I don’t know. I know my options however I kind of want to do it all.

Community Planner

Preservationist

Architect

Archivist

Curator

I want to do all of the above. At some point. Not all at once though. I am starting where I am at now. I am currently conducting planning charrettes as a part of my daily 9 to 5 duties. This is where I have the opportunity to plan building assessments, write project feasibility reports and work on at least one preservation project. Although I am not exactly where I want to be, I am making the most of the resources I have at the present time. I recently came across an article written by Jeremy C. Wells, Ph. D called “A Guide to Becoming an Historic Preservation Professional: The Work You Can Do, What Employers Want, and Educational Considerations”. The article defined what is historic preservation work and the many ways one can work in this specialty. This is a helpful document as it lays out the areas of practice in historic preservation which includes regulatory compliance, architecture and construction, historic sites and museums, preservation advocacy and lastly downtown revitalization. In addition to this, the article provides details on the skills that are required to work in these areas of practice. The information Dr. Wells provided is useful if one is looking to explore the field of historic preservation. I definitely will be updating my resume based on his guidance.

That's what it's about. Utilize the resources and opportunities you have now to build a foundation for where you want to be later. Start where you are at. There is a wealth of resources that has completed the research for you.