I was so pleased to be invited to write an essay to be included in What Folklorists Do: Professional Possibilities in Folklore Studies. This wonderful book compiled by Tim Lloyd includes essays from over six dozen folklorists, and presents a compelling argument for an education in folklore studies – and the humanities more broadly. The book was released in fall 2021 and I couldn’t be more excited to finally read it. Just look at this enticing blurb:
“What Folklorists Do examines a wide range of professionals―both within and outside the academy, at the beginning of their careers or holding senior management positions―to demonstrate the many ways that folklore studies can shape and support the activities of those trained in it. As one of the oldest academic professions in the United States and grounded in ethnographic fieldwork, folklore has always been concerned with public service and engagement beyond the academy. Consequently, as this book demonstrates, the career applications of a training in folklore are many―advocating for local and national causes; shaping public policy; directing and serving in museums; working as journalists, publishers, textbook writers, or journal editors; directing national government programs or being involved in historic preservation; teaching undergraduate and graduate students; producing music festivals; pursuing a career in politics; or even becoming a stand-up comedian.
“A comprehensive guide to the range of good work carried out by today’s folklorists, What Folklorists Do is essential reading for folklore students and professionals and those in positions to hire them.”
I would recommend this book to anyone who is considering a graduate degree in folklore studies, of course, but it is also an incredible resource for those interested in related fields like oral history, sociology, anthropology, journalism, English, cultural studies, museum studies, craft studies, or even art or art history. If you’re a high school guidance counselor, a college advisor in the humanities or gen ed, a career counselor, or have any other job where you regularly advise students about possible careers after receiving a degree in the humanities, keep a copy of this book on your shelf and loan it out often! I wish that as a young adult I had known the vast number of career paths open to someone with an interest in human nature, art, and communication.
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