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Jump Start -- by Mark Sproxton
The job market for those interested in museum and heritage work opens
greatly as summer approaches.
"Jobs tend to be more seasonal," explained David Dusome, Museums Alberta
Executive Director. "That's one of the steps, get in the door seasonally,
try out a bunch of different aspects and see if something's there."
Summer jobs for positions such as interpreters, hosts, guides, docents and
people who dress in "period" costumes are, or soon will be, posted at
museum and heritage sites throughout the province.
Dusome said institutions tend to hire those who are studying in museum
related programs, such as history or anthropology. But those with an
interest in history who have good people skills and are able to work well
in teams also do well in summer positions, he added.
While many museums tend to hire summer students, working full-time in a
small museum, as opposed to a large museum, typically calls for different
skills and abilities, another museum worker explained. In large museums the
work is more specialized, whereas the smaller museums tend to look for
someone who can take on any number of roles including archiving, marketing,
education, exhibit design and construction. Larger museums usually ask for
higher educational qualifications too. Those from other cultures, or our
First Nations, may work as advisors -- typically elders -- as they have a wealth of traditional and cultural knowledge from life experience that simply can't be taught.
Volunteering is another route Dusome recommends to those considering a
career in museums and heritage. All institutions thrive on volunteer
support, and the experience gained by volunteering allows people to see
what aspect of a museum they may like best, he said.
With Alberta's 100 year anniversary approaching, additional provincial
funding has become available for museums and heritage institutions to
expand their facilities and/or develop new programs. This may soon lead to
more part-time and permanent opportunities in the industry, Dusome said.
For ideas on where to apply for jobs and internships, volunteer
opportunities, education and training programs and related industry
associations or groups read on:
Education and training
Several varied opportunities for education and training are available in
Calgary and Edmonton.
The
University of Alberta offers a graduate program in textile and
conservation science through its human ecology department.
Grant MacEwan Community College offers a 10-month course
in arts and cultural management that could lead to work in the museum
industry.
Bachelor degrees in art and art history are available at the University of Calgary through the art department which also offers a museum and heritage
minor.
Degrees from the University of Calgary are also available in archeology, paleontology, history and anthropology, while communication and culture degrees allow for opportunities in museum and heritage studies.
The Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD) offers a four-year diploma in visual arts as well as two four-year degrees in design and fine arts.
Volunteer
Jobs and/or internships
Associations
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