How to Be Museum Studies Professional - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 18, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Cause: An academic degree in museum studies gives professionals the skills and knowledge to work in a museum. Effect: This degree provides training in topics such as curation, exhibit design, research, conservation, education, and management. This allows professionals to acquire the necessary skills to understand the museum environment, develop effective strategies to effectively manage non-profit organizations, and create engaging exhibits and programs to engage the public. Additionally, museum studies professionals are able to use their knowledge to help preserve cultural heritage, promote diversity and inclusivity, and support community development initiatives.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a bachelors degree in museum studies, art history, or a related field. Many museum studies programs offer concentrations in areas such as collections management, archival science, and exhibit design.
Develop a portfolio of relevant work samples. Depending on the museum field you are interested in, your portfolio might include photographs of artwork, research papers, or exhibit designs.
Pursue an internship or volunteer experience with a museum. This will give you practical experience in the field, as well as valuable contacts.
Consider pursuing a masters degree in museum studies or a related field. This can be beneficial for positions that require more advanced skills and knowledge.
Become knowledgeable in the area of museum management, including fundraising, marketing, and public relations.
Network with professionals in the museum field by attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and participating in online discussion forums.
Research job openings and apply for positions that match your skills and experience. Many professional organizations, such as the American Alliance of Museums, list job openings on their websites.
Update your resume and cover letter with relevant information about your educational background, work experience, and skills.
Become familiar with museum regulations and guidelines regarding conservation, preservation, and security.
Remain current on trends in the museum field by attending lectures, reading professional publications, and taking continuing education courses.

The key to becoming an ideal and qualified Museum Studies professional is to have a combination of formal education, relevant experience, and specialized skills. Formal education can include a degree in Museum Studies or related field, such as Art History or Anthropology. Relevant experience can involve internships, volunteer work, or other on-the-job training.

Finally, specialized skills can be gained through courses or workshops that focus on topics such as curatorial work, exhibit design, grant writing, and digital media management. Having this trifecta of qualifications will help Museum Studies professionals stand out from the competition and demonstrate their expertise in the field.

You may want to check Museum Director, Historical Linguist, and Digital Preservationist for alternative.

Job Description

Museum Curator: Responsible for researching, acquiring, and preserving collections of artifacts and artwork for the museum.
Museum Registrar: Responsible for maintaining records and cataloging museum collections.
Museum Educator: Responsible for developing and implementing educational programs, activities, and materials for visitors.
Museum Exhibition Designer: Responsible for designing exhibitions, displays, and installations in the museum.
Museum Conservator: Responsible for preserving and restoring artifacts and artwork in the museum.
Museum Administrator: Responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the museum.
Museum Communications Specialist: Responsible for developing and implementing public relations and marketing strategies to promote the museum.
Museum Technician: Responsible for providing technical support, including maintenance and repair of equipment, systems, and displays in the museum.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of history, art, and culture
Expertise in museum practice, organization, and management
Understanding of museum collections, exhibitions, and preservation
Ability to research and analyze information
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Expertise in fundraising and grant writing
Understanding of museum policies and procedures
Knowledge of digital technologies and social media platforms
Expertise in educational programming and outreach
Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Museum studies professionals require a variety of skills to succeed in their field. One of the most important skills for them to possess is the ability to think critically. Critical thinking allows museum studies professionals to analyze and evaluate information, synthesize ideas, and reach informed conclusions.

This skill allows museum professionals to understand complex issues, form a plan of action, and be proactive in problem-solving. museum studies professionals must possess excellent communication skills to effectively communicate with visitors, staff, and other stakeholders. They must also be detail-oriented and organized in order to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Finally, museum studies professionals must have an in-depth knowledge of the history and culture of the artifacts they are preserving and displaying. Having this understanding is essential to properly curating exhibitions. All of these skills are vital to the success of museum studies professionals and must be honed in order to excel in the field.

Heritage Preservation Specialist, Antiquities Curator, and Historical Preservation Consultant are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in museum studies?
What experience do you have in developing, implementing, and evaluating museum programming?
What strategies have you used to develop relationships with donors and sponsors?
How do you ensure that museum exhibits are engaging and educational?
How do you stay current on museum trends and best practices?
Describe a time when you had to manage a difficult situation with a visitor or stakeholder.
What challenges have you faced in developing, administering, and curating museum collections?
How do you ensure that the museums mission and vision are reflected in all aspects of the organization?
What strategies do you use to engage and educate diverse audiences?
How do you collaborate with other cultural institutions to develop new exhibitions and experiences?

Common Tools in Industry

Content Management Systems (CMS). A software application used to create, manage, and publish content on websites and other digital platforms. (e. g. WordPress)
Digital Asset Management (DAM). A system used to store, organize, and share digital media assets such as images, videos, and audio files. (e. g. Adobe Experience Manager)
Social Media Management Tools. Platforms used to manage, monitor, and analyze social media interaction for businesses. (e. g. Hootsuite)
Data Analysis Tools. Software used to collect, analyze, and visualize data. (e. g. Tableau)
Museum Database/Collection Management Software. Platforms used to organize and store museum collections and related information. (e. g. The Museum System)
Museum Exhibition Design Software. Programs used to create interactive exhibits for museums. (e. g. EON Reality)
Video Conferencing. Online communication tools used for virtual meetings and presentations. (e. g. Zoom)
Collaboration Tools. Software platforms used to facilitate collaboration among teams and departments within an organization. (e. g. Slack)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Alliance of Museums A professional organization for museums and museum professionals in the US and abroad.
International Council of Museums A global organization for museums and museum professionals worldwide.
American Association for State and Local History A professional organization for those working in state and local history museums.
Association of African American Museums An organization for African American museums and museum professionals.
International Committee of Museums (ICOM) A global organization of museum professionals.
Association of Art Museum Directors An organization for art museum directors and their staffs.
National Association for Museum Exhibition An organization for museum exhibition professionals.
Society of American Archivists An organization for archivists and related professionals.
Museum Computer Network A professional organization for museum computer professionals.
International Council on Monuments and Sites An organization dedicated to the preservation of historic sites and monuments around the world.

We also have Museum Registrar, Archival Technician, and Historic Real Estate Appraiser jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Artifact. An object made or shaped by human hands, or a work of art or an object of archaeological, historical, or scientific interest.
Curatorial Practices. The practices and procedures used in the management and care of museum collections.
Exhibitions. The presentation of objects from a museum or other cultural institution for public viewing.
Conservation. The preservation and restoration of cultural artifacts for their long-term preservation and protection.
Museum Education. The use of museum collections, exhibitions, and other educational materials to inform and engage the public in meaningful ways.
Museum Marketing. The promotion and marketing of museum collections, exhibitions, and other programs to attract and engage the public.
Collections Management. The organization and management of museum collections and related material, including acquisition, cataloging, accessioning, storage, security, and disposal.
Grant Writing. The process of preparing and submitting grant applications to fund museum projects and programs.
Museum Studies. A field of study that examines museums, their collections, exhibitions, and programs with the aim of understanding their purpose and impact on society.
Cultural Heritage Management. The management of cultural heritage resources in order to protect, preserve, and promote them for the benefit of present and future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Museum Studies?

Museum Studies is an interdisciplinary field focusing on the history, philosophy, and practice of museums and galleries. It examines the role of museums in society and culture, as well as the processes and strategies for collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting artifacts and collections.

What type of degree do I need to pursue a career in Museum Studies?

Most professional positions in Museum Studies require at least a master's degree in museum studies, history, anthropology, or related fields. Many museum professionals also have doctorates in their field.

What type of jobs can I pursue with a Museum Studies degree?

With a degree in Museum Studies, you can pursue a variety of positions in museums and galleries. These include curatorial positions such as museum director, curator, conservator, registrar, educator, exhibit designer, and researcher.

What types of skills are important for a successful career in Museum Studies?

In addition to specialized knowledge in your field, successful museum professionals need excellent communication, organizational, and research skills. They must also be able to work both independently and collaboratively.

What organizations are available to support my career in Museum Studies?

Professional organizations such as the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the Canadian Museums Association (CMA), and the International Council of Museums (ICOM) provide resources and networking opportunities for museum professionals. They also offer continuing education programs and advocacy for the field.