BA in Art History
Milo Pilgrim, 2019
Do you have a particular standout course or professor from your time as an undergraduate student?
Two classes in particular stand out to me:
Dr. Bauman's Introduction to Architecture was my first art history course, when I began as a minor in ARTH. Her enthusiasm for the topic and constant opportunities to creatively engage with the material led me to declare it my major by the end of the semester. She laid the foundation of my art historical knowledge that I recall every day in Italy.
Dr. Greet's Mexican Muralism seminar, Spring 2018. Our spring break trip to Mexico City was an unforgettable immersive experience. After studying the material in the classroom for several months, it was incredible to see the murals in context and to witness the vibrance of CDMX. The historical layers and rich identities captured in physical form inspired me to pursue study abroad twice while at Mason, and then my graduate studies abroad. The intimate nature of our seminar meant we could have meaningful conversations and I made many good friends in that class. It also taught me the importance of engaging with material beyond my narrow focus of Mediterranean art--in such an interconnected world, it is imperative to understand as many artistic legacies as possible.
What activities were you involved in during your time at Mason that impacted you the most?
I was part of the Honors College which provided many opportunities to present research projects to the public. This public speaking experience bolstered my confidence and forced me to interact with students from all majors. It is one thing to discuss architecture with an art historian; it is a greater challenge to explain the nuances of the Alhambra to someone who has never studied art. This experience prepared me for my time as a tour guide, and I hope it will make me a more compassionate and interdisciplinary professor one day.
Reflecting on your time at Mason, what is one piece of advice you would give a student who is just starting off on their Mason journey?
Look for unconventional approaches and interdisciplinary pairings. I arrived at GMU as a Global Affairs major with a passion for cultural identity and the environment. I switched to Art History in pursuit of my question, "Why and how do people identify with spaces?" I didn't realize initially that I had a research question, but I followed my passion to new sources of information and ended up in art history. Your path will change from what you imagine, and you should explore your possibilities. Put yourself out there-- apply to OSCAR research grants, make a poster to present, take a class that interests you but doesn't seem to connect to anything else you're doing. Be sure to give yourself space to enjoy your passion without academic pressure.
What was your career path after graduation?
Upon graduation, I explored several fields and saved up before pursuing graduate study. I mainly worked as a public library clerk and got a certificate in geographic information systems (GIS). In the fall of 2021 I set off to Berlin, Germany for a postgraduate year of heritage management studies. From there, I applied to a 2-year Masters program in Archaeological Sciences at the University of Padova, Italy. The program provided extensive material science training and archaeological fieldwork opportunities. My Master's thesis studies local Roman concrete samples and proposes the provenance of construction materials through chemical and mineralogical analyses. It's been a challenging path: new languages, different academic systems, climbing into a hole only to realize it is much harder to climb out (metaphorically and literally). I excavated in Bulgaria and on the island of Sardinia, putting my GIS and material science skills to the test. I am scheduled to begin my PhD in Art History at UT Austin in Fall 2024; with many more years of research ahead of me, I hope to become a professor and teach topics regarding ancient Mediterranean material cultures and technologies.
How do you think being an art history major at Mason prepared you for your career?
The wide array of topics offered in ARTH classes ensured I had a good general knowledge of the field from a historical and artistic perspective. Often, my historical background equipped me to understand the context of the sites we study. I am a more confident writer and public speaker than my peers with more scientific backgrounds. I recognize patterns quickly and can apply my analysis to a wide range of contexts. My time as an ARTH major opened the doors to the sheer vastness of material culture and the many facets of the cultural heritage industry in the US and beyond.
Any advice to give to current Mason students?
Develop a good work-life balance and seek out opportunities that surprise you. Just because you aren't a conventional candidate doesn't mean you won't excel in your task. Use all the resources at your disposal and ask for advice from students, professors, and any inspiring professionals you meet. I applied to dozens of internships and jobs, but the ones that brought me the most growth were the ones I thought would be my least likely callbacks. Seek all of your options out and apply in advance; reach out to people who do the job you think you'd want to do and see what specialized skills they need.