INPUT ARTICLE: Article: There are as many types of curators as there are types of museums - art museums, history museums, children's museums, science museums, and a vast range of specializations in between. You will need to choose what sort of museum you want to work for in order to pursue the appropriate education. Consider what experiences have influenced your desire to be a museum curator. Were you inspired by an Aztec history exhibit you saw on a school field trip? Do you dream of working in a place like the Metropolitan Museum of Art? Be as specific as possible. If you know you want to work in a science museum, think about what aspects of science interest you the most. Chemistry? Physics? Astronomy? The more specific your choice, the more extensively you can educate yourself in it. Many colleges offer Bachelor's degrees in museology, or museum studies, but it's not absolutely necessary that you choose this as your major. Museums will look for candidates with extensive education and experience in a field that is relevant to what they're curating, such as art or history, as well as knowledge of business administration, marketing, and fundraising. Bachelor's degrees typically take 4 years to complete, although it may take more if you choose a double major. By this time, you should have some idea of what subject you want to focus on. If you became particularly interested in African art while getting your Bachelor's in art history, look for Master's programs that have a focus in African art. Look at the faculty of graduate departments as well as the programs. Who you work with can have a great impact on your education, as well as your career. Many curators find jobs through the recommendations of professors in their field, so building a good relationship with faculty is a must. Graduate programs typically take between 1.5 and 3 years to complete. Many lower-level curatorial positions only require a Master's, but if you want to become curator at a national museum, you'll need a PhD. This should be in the field you wish to specialize in. Because of the competitive nature of this field, a specialized degree is increasingly necessary. You want to demonstrate as much expertise in whatever you hope to curate as possible. When you choose a subject for your thesis, it's ideal to find something unique that will stand out from other research in your field. Educate yourself on what research has already been done and aim to make a distinctive contribution. PhD programs typically take at least 5 years (the average length, however, is 8.2 years).

SUMMARY: Choose your interest area. Get your Bachelor's degree. Get a Master's in the field you wish to specialize in. Get a PhD if you want to increase your career options.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Investors often determine a required yield, or the minimum return they want to get on a bond, before purchasing. Calculating the yield to maturity can inform you about whether a specific bond purchase will meet an investors expectations. These expectations may vary from investor to investor. However, the calculation gives investors concrete data with which to compare the value of different bonds. Bond issuers may not choose to allow a bond to grow until maturity. These actions decrease the yield on a bond. They may call a bond, which means redeeming it before it matures. Or, they may put it, which means that the issuer repurchases the bond before its maturity date. Yield to call (YTC) calculates the yield rate between the present and the call date of a bond. Yield to put (YTP) calculates the yield rate until the issuer puts the bond. The YTM does not account for taxes or for purchasing or selling costs. These effectively lower the yield on a bond. Also, investors must remember that these calculations are estimates only. Fluctuations in the market can have significant effects on the bond yield.

SUMMARY: Use it to evaluate whether or not a bond is a good investment. Learn the variations of yield to maturity. Understand the limitations of yield to maturity.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Look at a ski size chart to see what size you should get ahead of time. You can also stand the skis on their end and pick ones that are about 13cm (5 inches) shorter than you. Shorter skis are easily to learn on than long skis. The longer the skis are that you choose are, the more finesse it will take to slow down and turn because you have more ski to move. Try ski boots on while wearing ski socks, as these are thicker than normal socks. When you first put your boots on, your toes may feel crunched, but this is normal and it will go away. Once the boots are strapped up, you should be able to barely wiggle your toes but your whole foot should be secure. Ski boots should be tight but not to such a point that your feet are uncomfortable. There is a fine line between the perfect fit and boots that are too small. Ski boot sizes are not directly related to sneaker sizes. You should ask an employee at the ski park to assist you with choosing the right boots. Make sure you can walk around in the boots without your calves feeling pinched. Ski poles are used to help you balance and turn. Choose a set of poles that come roughly to your ribs or chest. Find poles that have grips you are comfortable with. Skis.com has a chart for pole length depending on skier height Note that most ski resorts teach kids to ski without poles. They aren't necessary for beginners, and are an awkward accessory when beginning to ski. That being said, it may help to get used to them sooner, but they can be easily lost. Wear layers but avoid clothes that are too bulky. You are still exercising, so you will probably sweat. The exact amount or type of clothes is personal preference. Wear a tight polyester t-shirt that is breathable as your base layer. Wear a fleece or polyester mid-layer that will keep you warm. Your top layer should be a waterproof jacket, if possible, but not a bulky one that restricts movement. For pants, you might wear long underwear with waterproof snow pants on top. Wear warm, wool socks that are comfortable on your feet. Skiing can make you cold for two reasons. The temperature on ski slopes tends to be low anyway given the fact that there is snow on the ground. You are also racing through the air at high speeds which makes you colder. Choose a helmet and gloves that fit snug on your head and hands. Wear waterproof gloves if you can because you might fall and get snow on them. Wear a balaclava that completely covers your head and fits well. Wear a helmet over the balaclava to protect your skull from things you might run into. Some ski places may offer helmet rentals. You may also choose to wear a hat, but some ski resorts may require helmets for terrain parks. Hats are generally not as popular as they used to be, because of the increased awareness for head injuries. Wear goggles to protect your eyes from wind burn and to protect your eyes from sunburn. A whole day of wind blowing in your eyes can cause harm to them. Despite the cold, it is possible that you'll get sunburn from the glare off of the snow. Wear sunscreen to protect your face. Helmets are also a good idea to protect your head in case you fall.

SUMMARY:
Pick skis that are shorter than you. Make sure the boots are tight and do not slip around. Grab a set of poles. Choose warm but breathable clothes. Wear a helmet and gloves. Protect yourself.