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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2009 15:54:28 GMT
Hi everybody, As a recent graduate with a degree in history, I am looking for a job. Yes, even in this terrible economy. So obviously I have to be open to a lot of different areas in order to expand my options, but I would really love to find something involving swords. This could mean anything from a place that makes them to a place that just sells them. My question is how do you find something like that? I mean, it's impossible to even do a yellowpages search because it just doesn't find places like that. Either that or I'm no good at searching for them. It also seems to be impossible to find on job search sites. I've looked and come to the conclusion that maybe getting somewhere you want really is about who you know and what they know. So does anyone know of any places around northern Illinois that fit this description? I've contacted good old Kult of Athena and they're not in a position to hire. I've considered Albion in New Glarus but that would involve moving up there so I think that option is outside of what I'm willing to do. Finally, I've halfway considered doing some kind of renaissance faire work. Obviously, that would be temporary, though, plus, you probably have to work for a specific vendor. Again, where do I even start with an idea like that? As you can all probably see, I'm really just throwing a lot of ideas around, here. I'm sure there are things I haven't thought of. That's why I'm wanting to pick everyone's brain. I may have a college degree but I can't think of everything! ;D
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Marc Ridgeway
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Post by Marc Ridgeway on May 13, 2009 16:34:51 GMT
Wish i could be of help to you.... if you figure it out, tell me...
About the only way to work with swords, aside for working for a company like you mentioned, is to be an independent retailer , importer or craftsperson...
These can be difficult ways to make a living...
Being a history major, it would great if you could maybe get into a Arms and Armor dept. of a Museum....
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ecovolo
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Post by ecovolo on May 13, 2009 16:42:07 GMT
Possible jobs:
--Like Marc said, there's museum work, --Movie stunts, but you might have to go to school again for that, --Auction house appraiser, --Apprentice at a forge,
. . . and there's always retailing, maybe for an up-and-coming forge that hasn't been discovered yet :-).
--Edward
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2009 17:08:33 GMT
We really don't have any major sword manufacturers around here, just the occasional retail shop. If your looking for a permanent job in the sword industry you may very well have to move to get one.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2009 17:16:55 GMT
Thanks for the replies so far. This is a tough one, isn't it? James, I am definitely willing to consider retail, at least for now. But like I said, I don't know how to find those types of businesses. Like Marc and Edward said, a museum is an obvious place to look, too. I know they had some nice arms and armor displays at the Chicago Art Institute but I thought I'd heard recently that they're downsizing or eliminating their collection? Now being an independent retailler is something I would love to do. I think there's an awful lot involved, though. It's a big risk, especially nowadays, and I expect it would take a lot of funds to get something like that up and running. Anyway, keep the ideas coming!
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2009 17:24:51 GMT
Move to Israel and become an importer, i gaurentee you you'll hit a major jackpot. lol. Now seriously, with a degree in history, i'd try to get a job as an auction house appraiser, or a job in a museum, like marc said. Those 2 jobs are some of the most interesting things i can think of, there's a good chance of getting some historical pieces under your hand, and getting them at a good price if you eventually get interested in them. About auction houses, i know one thing- They are ALWAYS hiring. That might be your best shot Good luck!
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2009 17:29:42 GMT
You could inquire about a spot on history channel shows Or if you're willing to lower your standards, deadliest warrior on spike.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2009 17:43:18 GMT
That's about it. I mean, when you boil it down, there's only 4 things you can do with swords:
1) Make them. 2) Sell them. 3) Display them. 4) Use them.
1) If you want to make them, you really need to apprentice yourself to someone who knows what they're doing. Some people make them as a hobby, but even the professionals do it moreso for fun and supplemental income; they have jobs on the side (often unrelated) for steady income. Though swords truly look popular, this forum is only a tiny fraction of the population. There isn't a good enough market to make a living solely on swordsmithing. It's hard enough to do for a knifemaker, and knives are something that will always be needed in society.
2) Selling is easy, if you want to sell crap. Look at pretty much every online retailer: they sell a few quality swords and a TON of garbage. It's the garbage that the general public wants, and without it you can't keep your business afloat. You have to appeal to as broad an audience as possible, and those who want functional swords just aren't enough. Every Tom, semprini, and Harry can start an online store. These idiots spam the sword group on MySpace now and then. "Hey, come look at my awesome swordz 4 sale!" and it's all wallhangers and belt buckles.
3) Museum work is getting harder and harder to find. I should know, I just graduated with my BA in Fine Arts in art history. With a BA and only a short internship for experience, the only work I would be able to find (if I'm lucky) would be local historical houses and small galleries. Museums that can afford a collection of antique swords can afford specialists to conserve them. If you want to go this route, get your ass to grad school and focus on object conservation. There's a lot of chemistry involved.
4) Film and martial-arts instruction would require an extensive background in martial arts. Unless you have that, it's really not an option.
The fact that you refuse to move makes it even harder on your situation. You can't demand a specialized job, and just assume you can do it locally. Your best bet is to find a job associated with your degree, and express your love of swords as a hobby.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2009 18:21:35 GMT
Bishop, I've watched about 5 minutes of Deadliest Warrior and had to turn it off! Manly Eater of Steaks, what you said in your post is the sort of tough reality I was hoping to find a way around, if there is one. You're probably exactly right, though. What're you going to do with your degree? Or are you going to go to grad school instead? I'm not completely unwilling to move; I just wanted to know if anyone knew what was available in my general area. I realize swords are not as popular as this forum makes them seem. It's a very specialized hobby that we're all involved in here, I know. But that is exactly why I also thought maybe there wasn't as much of a demand for jobs in this type of area,
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2009 18:52:18 GMT
What're you going to do with your degree? Or are you going to go to grad school instead? Not a clue. I'm glad to be out of school, so for the time being I just want to find a job and get a life. Maybe attend grad school for historic preservation in a few years.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2009 18:57:48 GMT
Find a job and get a life, yep, sounds like you've got the right idea.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2009 19:36:39 GMT
Find a job and get a life, yep, sounds like you've got the right idea. And we've inherited the best economy in which to do it.
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ecovolo
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Post by ecovolo on May 13, 2009 20:18:42 GMT
Maybe attend grad school for historic preservation in a few years. . . . sounds like a plan to me . To be honest, after looking at the current state of the economy and the availability of jobs --plus, considering the ratio of college degree = amount of $ in paycheck-- you'd do right to go back to school ASAP and get your Master's. I currently work in Financial Aid at a J.C. If you have any questions about affording school, PM me and I can help with answers. --Edward
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Post by stromloswordsusa on May 13, 2009 20:32:19 GMT
hi kristie, As another history major I hear you. I was lucky to get a govt weapon related job for a time which kept me going. I might be able to offer you some commision work in attracting businesses or re-enacter groups to buy my swords. I know not fame and fortune, but I am new to the US, and will need to start visiting places to show off the goods. Would take mostly time to visit sword sellers, fairs and similar so along the way some fun and maybe a better offer! You would need to buy a few swords as samples but as long as you don't smash them up I will buy them back. Have a look at www.stromloswords.com and if interested PM me about it. At least they are historical !!! Regards, Rob
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2009 21:08:43 GMT
I think if in selling you try to talk up decent swords as functional they can appeal to the people mostly wanting wallhangers, I mean why get a wallhanger to put on your wall ........ to look COOOOLLLL thats why, if you can hit hard on the angle that REAL is COOL then you can sell those better swords to idiots, maybe convert them into greater interest, and thus they join the fold of sword addicts .............. MWMWMAHAHAHAHHAHAAAAAA!!!!!!!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2009 22:02:29 GMT
That's about it. I mean, when you boil it down, there's only 4 things you can do with swords: 1) Make them. 2) Sell them. 3) Display them. 4) Use them. ..... 4) Film and martial-arts instruction would require an extensive background in martial arts. Unless you have that, it's really not an option. Unfortunately, most martial arts instructors need day jobs also.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2009 22:39:16 GMT
That's about it. I mean, when you boil it down, there's only 4 things you can do with swords: 1) Make them. 2) Sell them. 3) Display them. 4) Use them. ..... 4) Film and martial-arts instruction would require an extensive background in martial arts. Unless you have that, it's really not an option. Unfortunately, most martial arts instructors need day jobs also. Not always a bad thing. My fencing instructor used to work for the town as one of those guys that goes around cleaning up dead deer off the roads. He was also a Revolutionary War reenactor. Guess what he practiced bayoneting on.
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Post by brotherbanzai on May 13, 2009 23:24:18 GMT
Hey Kristie, what sort of "sword related experience" do you have at this point? Any sales experience?
Here's a new job type for you, how about a world wide custom sword rep. I'm thinking similar to what stromlo suggested. You could represent various small custom sword makers who don't yet have a market for their work. You locate buyers and put them together with makers and receive a commission. Like what a gallery does for an artist. You could set up a website showing the work of the various makers you represent. I know I'd be happy to have someone do that for me, maybe Brenno would like that too and I'm sure there are others.
My best suggestion would be to just get any halfway decent job and involve yourself with swords as a hobby and try to get that to eventually lead to something on the side.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2009 8:39:55 GMT
Unfortunately, most martial arts instructors need day jobs also. Not always a bad thing. My fencing instructor used to work for the town as one of those guys that goes around cleaning up dead deer off the roads. He was also a Revolutionary War reenactor. Guess what he practiced bayoneting on. No they day job is not always a bad thing. Keeps me busy and out of the house. Although having a job where I could train and teach sounds appealing, but my MA skills are not to that point yet. It's also one of the reasons I've been debating about going back to school for physical therapy so I could put my MA knowledge to better use, but I really don't have the option of continuing my education at the moment. But bayonet fencing is so much fun.... Back in HS in the **'s I had a friend into civil war reenactment we used to bayonet fence all the time. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2009 12:48:55 GMT
Wow, this topic is actually going farther than I expected. Thanks for your thoughts, everyone. It is appreciated. Rob - PM sent. Brissybeater - I like your real=cool idea. If I were to open a shop in my local area, it would have the potential of attracting a tourist sort of crowd. Maybe I can convince them! Brotherbanzai - Unfortunately, I don't have any sales experience. Not unless you count all the years I sold stuff for Girl Scouts and school fundraisers. As far as swords experience, it's just what I've learned as a collector for the past 8 or so years. I'm always doing research on sites like this and testing out new types of swords just for my own interest. Always ready and willing to learn more, though. I think it's a fascinating subject from both a historical viewpoint and one which has a focus on modern replicas. I like your worldwide sword rep job, too. It's certainly an idea to toss around. Another idea I had was the SCA. That's purely a recreational hobby sort of organization, though isn't it? I don't know much about it but it's probably not something that you can get paid for getting involved in, I'm thinking. Just fun on the side, like golf or something. ;D
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