OT: Smithsonian wants a beer historian
I thought this might be right up some MGoUser's alley - the Smithsonian Museum of American History is hiring a brew taster/historian to travel the country for three years. This guy (or gal) will taste local craft brews and write reports about them. From the story:
No, you don’t have to document beer from the dawn of time. This position is part of the Smithsonian’s food history initiative. The beer industry was all but extinct after Prohibition. It took years for not only the industry, but American beer consumption to rebound to what it was prior to 1919. For this position, the candidate will focus the American brewing industry from the 1960’s forward.
Sadly, its not just taste testing. The Smithsonian being a museum, and all, they will want you to actually provide museum quality content, I suppose... But its a 3-yr gig at ~$60K/yr, maybe some newly minted PhD could use a job? Here's the job app...
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Have you ever looked at something and said to yourself "damn, I missed my calling"?
As a guy with a history degree, let me assure you that this would be an awesome gig. But a key part of the job is getting people to open up to you about specific and proprietary topics.
Sure, it's easy to get people to talk when you're drinking together, but I guarantee that this researcher will hear more stories about the brewer's health problems or opinions about the government than they hear about beer. Have to be able to direct the conversation. They need Chris Hansen.
$60,000 salary for a History major is on the top end of their salary potential. Jus sayin
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Not only that, but you need to be incredibly versed in Beer and beer history. I am currently studying for the BJCP Beer Judge Certification and it's quite difficult. For perspective, I passed the Board of Pharmacy law exams in Michigan, VIrginia and Florida and this exam is on that level. They need a person with the skills you mentioned that's also a nationally-recognized beer judge.
My family comes from a long line of beer drinkers. That SHOULD qualify me.
American business, brewing, food, cultural, or similar specialization within history are encouraged to apply."
The college I went to didn't offer any of those majors :(
Neither did mine. However, I am willing to do it for 50K if they want a discount.
I'm telling them I'll do it for $49,999.99.
Oh yeah? I'm telling them I'll do it for $49,999.95.
Make up the difference in your expense reports!
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Ahem....
I'll do it.
His friend has an EUTM!
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damn
For a lot less they could get some college kids a van and a map and get this done. Plus they could film it and make a reality tv show about it. They'd probably make money.
They are not interested in your "saving money" ideas. Absurd suggestion.
I was hoping my knowledge of Black Label and Schlitz would prove to be an asset here but I guess not. Oh well......
Coming back to Detroit soon, BTW!!
From the time of the first brew, mankind has liked beer. The world consumes alot of beer because they like it. The US once tried to ban beer. But it didn't work because the people liked beer. People still like beer. People will like beer in the future too.
Easy gig.
Truer words have never been spoken
and they want you to have an advanced degree? Wtf is wrong with these people?
That's kinda what I was thinking. Maybe it's a second job?
Resume job. How many people can point to a Smithsonian Museum exhibit they created?
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Define "exhibit." Otherwise you'll see someone going in there, taking a shit on the floor and calling it an "exhibit" to prove they can point to it. Ha ha.
Well if you are traveling the whole time you are probably getting a per diem, so you don't have to worry about buying food for three years. Plus most hotels have gyms, so you can save on gym membership. You won't need your car anymore, since your rentals will be paid for. And really, you can move all your stuff into a cheap storage unit and give up your apartment and just couch surf when you are back at home.
You can keep the car and drive from town to town. At $0.55 per mile, you could make a lot of money in three years.
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Well, people with history degrees are not exactly raking the cash in most places...
don't kid yourself about your chances here - this gig will go to a n'er-do-well scion of a wealthy donor.
Sounds awesome. On a related note, I have been home brewing quite a bit lately, and have been meaning to start a thread in case others are into the hobby. Maybe I'll get a thread or two in before OT season ends.
Go for it! I know there are quite a few on here. I am one of them.
I would like to give it a try to see if it's something I'd like to maintain as a hobby. Some stories would really be of interest to me.
Go all-grain right off the bat! Brooklyn Brew Shop 1 gallon kit is how I started, and now on about batch #8 doing 3 gallons at a time.
Judging by your presence on these here forums, your avatar, and the contents of this post, you and I would get along.
I just got into brewing. My second 5 gallon batch is fermenting right now. I will be starting dry hopping on saturday.
Extract or all grain? Doing a hoppy IPA?
1.5 lb of grain. 9 lb of extract.
Yes, it will be a double IPA
My first was an amber ale, which everyone who tried very much enjoyed (most imprtantly: me).
Sounds like something I'd watch. It also sounds like an exhibit I would go to if I'm in DC.
I would love to do this. However, I would only be able to write "this one tastes good", "this one is nasty" and "meh".
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They should recruit Germany like Beilein.
Many Germans have a strong bias against American beer.
Someone's gotta do it ....