How to get a job in a museum

To get a job in a museum, use this guide:

Research museum jobs

The first step is to determine what type of position you want. In most museums, there are many different kinds of jobs. Curators tailor a museum's collection and select art, artifacts, historical documents, or other relevant materials for a museum's display.

There are also many research jobs in museums. This holds particularly true for science-related museums where different kinds of scientists may be employed, but also for art museums.

Art museums often have art historians and art conservators, who restore, repair, and preserve works of art. The same goes for history museums, as they typically employ a staff of historians and other professionals that can preserve historical documents and artifacts.

Get a college degree

If you want to eventually get a high-ranking position in a museum, such as a curator, you need to obtain the proper education.

Furthermore, depending on the exact role you want to obtain, you may want to consider a master's or even a Ph.D. in a specific field.

Get an internship at a museum

Many museums have internship programs that represent valuable opportunities for professional experience and networking.

If you are an exceptional intern, the museum may consider hiring you if there is an appropriate position available.

Get in on the ground floor

Individuals even boasting multiple degrees and stellar academic records often have to start in entry-level positions in museums. Most high-level positions are held by professionals that have been in museum works their whole careers.

This means these positions do not become available often and are highly competitive. That's all the more reason you need to start in an entry-level role in a museum and work your way up the ladder. It may take a long time, but if you are knowledgeable in your field and dedicated, you can make it happen.