Before I finished my bachelor’s degree I knew I wanted to get master’s degree.   I applied for graduate school during the first semester of my senior year in college. I was accepted to both programs I applied to.   One was a public history program and the other was a library science program.   The public history program won me over by allowing me to take classes for my master’s program, while still an undergraduate. Within 6 years of graduating high school I had my bachelors and master’s degrees and I was working in my chosen career path. I was satisfied. However after several years in the career world, I began thinking about getting another degree. At first I leaned towards a PhD in history. Then I leaned towards getting a teaching certificate, then towards to a master’s in education.   I never could decide which direction was best, so I just kept working. Then my career taken off in another direction and I started thinking about getting MBA or master’s in information science or even programing.   Before did however, I studied and received various IT certifications.   I felt I was on the right path and could see myself committing to masters in information science, but then something happened. I some how happened to get my dream job which led to opportunities to teach at the college level and get back into the academic world, with research and publications. Once again my outlook and direction towards a third degree changed once again.   For the first time a PhD made sense.   I applied and was put on the waiting list for program of my choice. Then I moved across country. I got an even better job, now I am questioning what the next step is. I feel like my current options are a Master’s in library and information science possibility followed by PhD in library science or history. But when I think about it, I think my ultimate dream would be to get a Master’s in Library and Information Science followed by a PhD in History or American Studies.

Today I attended my first professional gathering in the Cincinnati area. It made me think a lot about my future and where I really want to be with my career.

I want to be an archivist who is considered a leader in the field of digital archives and digitization practices. I want to help preserve history, promote historical knowledge and an understanding of historical events. I want to be able to help commemorative historic event and people who have made an impact.  And I want to do this with the help of technology.

Will an MLIS degree and or PhD in history help me get to the point I want to be?   How do you become a leader in field and respected by others?   What do I need to be doing to better myself?

What can these degrees do for me?   Both are keys to the club so to speak or right of passage.   Both a MLIS and a PhD opens the doors for more career opportunities. As one of my mentors told me having both or one of these degrees makes you an elite in the field and gives you the seal of an expert, so to speak.

What is stopping me … time and fear. I am nervous about the commitment it will take, what I will have give up, what I will have to miss out on.   Both programs will require time to study, to do research and projects. Recommitting myself to months of study is a hard for enjoy my life without having to study, do school work, research and write papers.  I am fearful that I don’t have what it takes to make it through the programs or that I will fail.

I don’t think there is an easy answer, this is something that will require a lot of thinking… but in time I think I will have my answer!