Laura Crean on the myths of working in museums and the value of authenticity
UofG Degree: MA History (2010)
Job: Assistant Director, Strategy and Governance at Imperial War Museums
Laura’s passion for working in the museum sector shines through in this episode, from the importance of creating an inclusive environment and bringing diversity of thought and representation, to the ways museums can affect change and make a difference to people's lives.
You’ll hear about the enormous value that Laura places on authenticity and how she encourages her team to bring their personality to work. Laura shares her inside knowledge on the breadth of opportunities in the museum sector and explains how museums and the cultural sector need people with a diverse range of skills and experiences, from retail, IT and cyber security, to community engagement and education. She encourages listeners to be open to new ideas and to take time to reflect on their own skills and interests throughout their career.
Laura also explores some of the current challenges facing the museum sector, including adjusting to a post-covid landscape and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
With years of recruitment experience, Laura shares what she looks for in candidates, including passion, curiosity, initiative and integrity. She shares her unique advice for making the most of networking opportunities (even when you feel out of place) and busts some myths around working in museums.
Take your next steps
Find out about opportunities with the British Association of American Studies
Watch the UofG Careers Museums & Cultural Institutions Panel Talk
Look for jobs on: museumjobs.com, museumsassociation.org, Museums Galleries Scotland
