Have you ever considered how your skillset and experiences could translate into heritage or museum work?
Everyone who works in the GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives & Museums) sector has a unique career pathway. However, with the ongoing incredible financial pressures on this industry, and seeing fellow organizations we know and love in Victoria recently closing, we recognize that it can be difficult to see yourself beginning a heritage or museum career.
There is no blueprint for a career, but in this #MeetMMBC series of blog posts, staff at the Maritime Museum of BC want to share how they got into their field of museum work, and what industries, skills, and contacts helped them along the way.
What is your name and what do you do?
My name is Lauren Jackson (she/her) and I am the interim School and Public Programs Manager.
What was your first museum role?
My first museum role was as a Volunteer at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax.
Did you find any degree or diploma programs useful for museum work?
Yes! I have an undergraduate degree in History and Biology from Dalhousie University. This fun mix of art and science has been very valuable in the museum and GLAM world. In my previous position at UBC Botanical Garden, I drew from my biology degree, and I am excited to dive back into history at MMBC. I would encourage everyone to diversify their education and keep their options open throughout their schooling. It has served me well!
I also completed the Museum Management and Curatorship post-graduate certificate from Fleming College in Ontario. This diploma was so valuable as it bridged the academic world of museums with the very practical. I was able to explore the diversity of roles available in a museum career, learn and try a variety of skills, and decide how I wanted to move forward in my own career.
Have you worked outside the GLAM sector, and has that contributed to your museum work?
Yes, I have. I worked for 8 summers as a staff at an all-girls summer camp in Ontario. This camp holds such a special place in my heart for many reasons, but as I have moved on in my career, I am so grateful for the opportunities it provided me to be a leader at such an early age. Overseeing the health and wellbeing of up to 20 staff and 50 campers taught me soft skills that I carry with me into museum work, such as adaptability, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and so much more. I truly would not be the person I am today without the experiences and skills I gained from my time at camp, and it has provided me with such a deep love of place and spaces that bring people together.
I have also done lots of customer service jobs in my time, which I believe are incredibly valuable for museum work, especially any position that regularly interacts with the public. These positions teach you how to be cool in conflict, multitask and communicate effectively.
Have you completed co-op or intern terms of work? Were they paid or unpaid?
Yes – I completed an internship at the end of my Museum Management and Curatorship program at UBC Botanical Garden. At the time, all internships within the program had to be unpaid to qualify as a course credit, but I know this has since changed. It was an incredibly valuable opportunity, and ultimately led to a full-time position at the Gardens.
In the GLAM sector, what has been your breakdown of full-time vs. part-time or casual work, and permanent vs. temporary contract work?
I have been very lucky to have full-time work for the majority of my time in the GLAM sector. My internship at UBC Botanical Gardens was full-time (although not paid), which then lead to a full-time permanent position at the Gardens after my internship was completed.
Have you been mentored?
Absolutely! I have had the privilege of having some incredible mentors in my life. My time at camp surrounded me with incredible, strong, resilient women who taught me so much about myself and how to be a leader. I also had the privilege of working with the wonderful Dr. Tara Moreau at UBC Botanical Garden. Tara might be one of the busiest and most dedicated people I know, but what I valued so much about her was her ability to always make time for everyone. She is caring, empathetic, and always works to uplift those around her. Working with her meant I was brought on to many exciting projects, such as the development of new interpretive signage for the Garden, that challenged me in the best way. These opportunities would not have been available to me without her unwavering support and incredible ability to see the strengths of others.
Why do you do museum and heritage work?
I love doing museum work because I selfishly love learning. At museums, you have the incredible opportunity to be surrounded by people who know so much and are so passionate about a wide diversity of topics. Whether it is staff, volunteers, or visitors, I learn something new every day.
One of the other aspects of museum work that I love is creating spaces that bring people together and encourage wonder, learning and excitement. It is so rewarding to see the joy on people’s faces, young and old, as they learn something new or have an impressionable experience, and to know you helped facilitate that experience.
Do you have any advice for your future colleagues in the GLAM sector?
There are so many career paths and routes to take within the GLAM sector. I believe there truly is something for everyone. This also means you likely have skills from previous work experience that are transferable to the GLAM sector. I believe evaluating and understanding how your previous work can be applied in a new setting is the most valuable way to communicate to future employers the value and experience you could bring to an organization.
I do appreciate that it can be hard to know what career paths are available, so volunteering or chatting with staff at your local gallery, library, archive, or museum is the best way to understand what options are available to you!
