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Addison Marsengill, WIU Museum Studies graduate.
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Just Hired: Addison Marsengill

May 22, 2025

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Just Hired! Through the experiences of local, regional, national and international students, Western Illinois University has some incredible alumni who are changing the world in the workforce. This series will feature students from all over the world who are hired post-graduation.

MACOMB, IL - - Meet Addison Marsengill, a Western Illinois University Museum Studies graduate, who has been hired by the Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (IUMAA) as the Collections Manager: Ethnography.

"I would be joining an institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting archaeological and ethnographic collections from around the world," Marsengill said. "IUMAA is a university-affiliated museum that builds on the legacy of the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology and the Mathers Museum of World Cultures."

To land this position, Marsengill prepared strategically to highlight his expertise.

"I approached my application with a strategic focus, tailoring my resume and cover letter to highlight my experience in collections management, digitization and community engagement," Marsengill said. "During the interview, I emphasized my hands-on archaeological and museum collections experience, demonstrating how my skills aligned with IUMAA's mission."

For Marsengill, attending WIU provided invaluable preparation for a museum career and equipped him with the skills necessary to succeed.

"During my time at WIU, I gained a strong foundation in collections management, exhibition development and museum ethics, which directly prepared me for my career in museums," Marsengill said. "The program emphasized hands-on experience, allowing me to develop skills in artifact care, digitization and public engagement. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was how to navigate the interdisciplinary nature of museums, working with curators, archivists and researchers to manage and interpret collections."

As an alumnus, Marsengill plans to stay connected to WIU by engaging with the community, supporting the museum's program and sharing his experience with those who want to follow the same path.

"I plan to stay involved with WIU's Museum Studies program by engaging with current students and supporting the program that helped shape my career," Marsengill said. "If opportunities arise, I'd be happy to participate in guest lectures, career panels or networking events to share my experiences working in museum collections and archaeology."

To share your hiring story with WIU, visit go.wiu.edu/4eVgEuw.

To learn more about the WIU M.A. in Museum Studies program, visit wiu.edu/cofac/qc/museumstudies/.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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