Careers guide | How did you get your role in museums?

A cartoon-style drawing of a museum facade with dinosaur skeletons and a flying reptile inside, overseen by a smiling person’s head above the roof. The scene uses blue and black lines for contrast. — *Illustration by Rory Walker*

Jack Reilly, head of visitor experience, V&A Dundee

A man with short light brown hair and a beard, wearing a black sweater over a collared shirt, stands indoors smiling, with modern wooden and teal wall panels and green furniture in the background.

I manage the visitor experience at V&A Dundee, which includes working in collaboration with curatorial colleagues and developing commercial opportunities, as well as responding to visitor feedback
and working to enhance the experience we offer.

Working as a manager in a live music venue and bar provided a solid foundation in good customer service, staff management and team leadership. A range of operational positions within museums, such as retail supervisor and duty manager, has given me a good understanding of how museums function daily.

I genuinely love what I do. It constantly encourages me to improve as an individual, so I can better support the museum and its mission.

I advise newcomers to ensure they get involved and to ask questions. Rather than just a career-building task, networking is an exciting way to connect with like-minded people, which will help you to grow both professionally and personally.

Geoff Belknap, keeper of science and technology, National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

A man in a suit and tie with glasses and a beard stands indoors, smiling slightly. The background shows a bright, elegant interior with white columns and arches.

I manage a team that takes care of collections related to science and technology. No two days are the same and can range from doing research and managing risks around collections to working with patrons and sponsors to acquire new objects.

Following a PhD, I undertook postdoctoral projects that expanded my area of expertise. I was hired as a curator of photography and photographic technology, and then moved into senior management.

Every day it’s a privilege to work with colleagues and volunteers who bring a diverse range of skillsets to make sure our collections reach as many people as possible.

There is no one way to get into museum work, so find the path that works for you.

Helen Atkinson, young people's marketing manager, British Museum, London

I communicate the museum’s events, opportunities and collections to young people through social media, ticket offers and other marketing initiatives. It is a great blend of developing audiences while also getting to be creative every day.

After graduating in Egyptology and classical studies, I spent four years with a young people’s charity in Wales, where I gained experience in managing social media accounts and communicating with young people.

I then moved into museums and studied part time for an MA in socially engaged practice in museums and galleries.

Collaborating with teams from across the museum opens up opportunities to think creatively. One highlight is working with our youth collective – they always come up with fun ideas that allow us to try different styles of content on Instagram.

When looking for work, think about the skills you want to develop, rather than focusing on job titles or organisations.

Yuting Yen, visitor experience duty manager, Japan House, London

A woman with long dark hair, wearing a sleeveless black top and beige skirt, stands in front of a plain white background, smiling with her arms crossed.

I manage a team to make sure we offer an excellent visitor experience to all. We oversee daily operations such as staff rostering, supporting events and workshops, and gallery exhibition maintenance.

Working across different departments at Japan House has allowed me to understand the venue from multiple perspectives.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of my role is talking to visitors and accompanying them as they explore our exhibitions, events and workshops.

I would advise picking up skills while doing an entry-level role, then finding a job that resonates with your core values. Above all, have fun and enjoy the journey.

Melissa Perry, experiences and partnership curator, National Trust

A woman with light brown hair and wavy curls, wearing a sleeveless light blue top and silver drop earrings, smiles at the camera in a bright indoor setting.

I support teams across a variety of places and communities to deliver audience-led experiences.

I volunteered during my degree and MA in heritage management, alongside part-time work in the hospitality sector. Working for different heritage and visitor organisations has allowed me to take on a variety of projects to keep improving my skills and expertise.

My job is all about supporting people. No two days are the same, and I am continually blown away by the passion, commitment, skills and generosity of the people I meet.

I would advise someone wishing to follow a similar career path not to underestimate continual professional development. Don’t wait for a new job to come up; begin developing those skills now and ask for opportunities.

Emily Larsen, front-of-house and marketing manager, Clifton Suspension Bridge Museum, Bristol

I’m responsible for anything to do with the visitor experience – all retail, volunteers and tour scheduling. Many marketing activities also fall under my remit.

I have a master’s in history with a public history specialism, but it was my time in high-street retail management that gave me experience in managing budgets, visual merchandising and managing staff – all of which are core responsibilities in my current role. 

You don’t have to have worked in a museum to have the skills and experience that make you the ideal candidate for a job in the sector.

The best thing about the job is tracking response to change – I love driving income generation through data-informed choices.