Museums offer stimulating and creative work environments for individuals with diverse interests. Museum careers are a great way to merge passions for art, history, culture, and music into a rewarding career. However, in order to excel in a museum, you must have the education and training necessary to work in such a setting. An online degree in history can help you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in your field. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common jobs at museums.
As the Museum’s Director of Collections and Curatorial Affairs, you’ll oversee and provide leadership and strategic direction for the department’s daily operations. The position requires you to oversee 25 staff and be knowledgeable in museum collections management and best practices. Whether you’re interested in art history, the decorative arts, or historical art, you’ll have a diverse set of experiences and responsibilities in the role. You’ll be collaborating with colleagues across the Museum, including the Curator of Art and Director of Collections and Curatorial Affairs, and you’ll be responsible for the proper care of incoming and outgoing objects.
As the front-facing face of the museum, the Visitor Services Associate’s primary responsibilities are to process admissions, answer the main telephone line, and provide exemplary customer service. The job requires knowledge of the Museum’s exhibits and tours. Additionally, the job involves working the sales floor and engaging guests to increase sales. In addition to these primary duties, the position has additional responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, the position requires the ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
The job of a museum conservator varies, but most people need a master’s degree. Most graduate conservator programs last two to four years, and include internships. The field of museum conservation is competitive, and requires people who have a passion for the subject matter. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the five most common jobs at a museum are curator, archivist, tour guide, and outreach director. You can also work as a volunteer to support the organization’s mission by completing various projects.
There are many positions at museums that can help you advance your career. Many museums hire docents to assist their visitors on their tours. These guides have extensive knowledge of the museum’s collections and exhibitions, and are skilled at engaging large groups of people. Additionally, museum docents have good communication skills and are able to lead and teach children. Most museum tour guides have a high school diploma. You can also become a docent in the United States by working with museum organizations in your area.
Regardless of your professional interests, there are several positions for internships at museums. Volunteer Program Managers oversee a museum’s volunteer program and assist with day-to-day needs. As a volunteer, you’ll work closely with staff and other departments within the museum. You’ll get hands-on experience while learning about the museum’s mission and the different types of volunteer programs. If you are looking for a career in museum education, this is a great opportunity!