Hi Colin;
In my humble opinion, I think you ought to reconsider that choice.
An MFA from Cranbrook in metals is a very prestigious degree.
There's a lot of competition for those openings. I wouldn't wait. I
finished undergrad and grad degrees in metals, and those where the
most enjoyable times in my life. I've spend nearly 30 years working
at the bench in the "trade". It'll always be there (I think . . .),
and it's a long climb, unless you get lucky, to get to the point
where you can enjoy the work and be paid what you're worth.
Sometimes you don't get either of those things. I never did, so now
I'm independent. Apart from the discipline and practice you get
from working 40 hours a week doing this, I don't have much to
recommend the retail jewelry trade. But if you're determined to sit
at a bench, keep your eye out for a position working with a studio
goldsmith. You're more likely to get to do challenging work, learn
from somebody who's creative and more likely to share the rewards of
success. Best of luck in whatever you choose.
David L. Huffman
