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 Phoebe Levert (she/her) and I’m the Volunteer and Events Coordinator.
What was your first museum role?
My first museum role was a Public Engagement Intern here at the Maritime Museum of B.C.
What is your biggest takeaway from your internship at MMBC?
Just how truly amazing this team is. This was my first job at a museum and in the GLAM sector, and everyone was so welcoming, supportive and kind. Lauren, my supervisor, is incredible. Her support throughout my internship was unparalleled, and I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her. My focus for my internship was on the development of Salty Sundays, where I developed three new programs. I loved meeting people through a drop-in workshop setting, and my biggest takeaway from that experience was giving people a reason to revisit making art for fun!
Did you find any degree or diploma programs useful for museum work?
Yes! I have a BA in Art History and Visual Studies, as well as a certificate in Media Studies. My degree gave me a general understanding of history, galleries, museums, and how people interact with historical information was helpful in ensuring that my museum work was engaging and easy to understand with the public. I also loved the connections I was able to make with my peers and professors from my program! It was incredibly helpful to work alongside people with similar aspirations, and to get advice from people working in my field of study led me to the job I have now.
Have you worked outside the GLAM sector, and has that contributed to your museum work?
Yes, majority of my work experience outside of the GLAM sector has been in customer service, whether that be retail, summer camps, and as a barista! Having public-facing jobs taught me a lot in terms of how to work as a team, adapt to situations quickly, and resolve conflict.
My previous job before my internship was at Pigeonhole Homestore. There, I was able to learn how important objects are in bringing life to a space, and how the curation and placement of these objects can tell a story and leave an impact on visitors.
Have you completed co-op or intern terms of work? Were they paid or unpaid?
I did a paid seven-month Young Canada Works internship here at the Maritime Museum of B.C.
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 was working full-time during my internship on a temporary seven-month contract.
Have you been mentored?
Yes, Lauren Jackson was my supervisor during my internship. She’s currently the interim School and Public Programs Manager and was an incredible mentor for me during my internship. She showed me amazing support in developing new programs for MMBC and
has helped me gain valuable skills that I’ll take with me in my career moving forward. I feel very lucky to continue to work alongside her and the entire MMBC team during my time here!
Carey, the owner of Pigeonhole Homestore, was also an incredible mentor to me and taught me so much about the design world, curation, how to run a shop, and how to be a boss! She was able to see my skills and made sure to celebrate them. I appreciate her support during my studies and my career endeavors. I’ll always be grateful for her unwavering support and kindness.
Why do you do museum and heritage work?
Museums have always been a safe place for me and provided a learning experience unique to anything else. I always found the ‘in between’ moments in history to be the most fascinating. Maybe I’m just nosey, but knowing what people wore, ate, where they lived made history more humane, and I believe museums can act as a bridge for visitors to experience history in new and exciting ways. I want to be a part of that bridge and aim to make museums a safe space for visitors, the same as it was for me.
Do you have any advice for your future colleagues in the GLAM sector?
Never brush off your personal interests and say yes to as much as you can. Diversify your skills as much as possible, because you never know where connections can lead you.
