Careers

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Places such as museums, galleries and historic houses can help individuals explore and make sense of the world. They can generate curiosity, inspire self-confidence and give visitors a real sense of achievement. It’s of no surprise then that they offer the perfect setting for both formal and informal learning.

Many of our museums and heritage organisations offer high quality and dynamic programmes of learning and participation and employ museum educators to deliver these. From a single education officer or a freelancer education specialist  to a whole team of learning professionals, these programmes are delivered in a variety of ways by a variety of people.

If you’re thinking that working in museum and heritage learning might be for you, then take a look at the types of roles that exist and find out a little about what it’s like to work in the sector by reading our career case studies.

If you work in the sector and would like to contribute a case study of your career, then please do get in touch with the GEM office.

How can GEM help my career?

  • GEM offers Continuing Professional Development (CPD) where you can assess yourself against our competency framework and then find the training that is relevant to you.
  • Our training is offered at three levels – foundation (if you’re new to the sector), intermediate (if you’re mid-career) and advanced/leadership level.
  • GEM offers the opportunity to network with other heritage learning professionals. By joining GEM as a member you receive discounts on all our training courses, events and annual conference, our regular monthly newsletter (containing the latest GEM news, sector news, training, events and jobs), and receive our print publications (JEM & Case Studies).
  • If you’re on the look for a new job, you can search through all the latest heritage learning jobs and opportunities here on our website.

Who else can help?

Museum Development Officers – contact your nearest MDO, they’ll be well connected in their area and have up-to-date professional development advice at their fingertips.
Engage – offer support and training to art and gallery educators.
Museums Association
AIM – Association of Independent Museums
Creative & Cultural Skills
Culture 24 – brings arts and heritage organisations closer to online audiences.

Join GEM