5.9 Kirsty Hassard on knowing your value and shining in the competitive museum sector

UofG Degree: MA History (2010), MLitt Art History: Dress and Textile Histories (2014) 

Job title:  Curator, V&A Dundee 

Kirsty takes us on her journey from UofG history student to working at the V&A, where she’s been involved in exhibitions ranging from nightclubs to robotics, and now Tartan, the first exhibition to be curated solely by V&A Dundee.  

You’ll get an insight into the day-to-day work of a curator, from researching and choosing objects, to speaking to press, shaping learning programmes, installing exhibitions and ultimately feeling an enormous sense of pride when a new show opens its doors. No week is the same in this hugely varied job! 

Kirsty landed her first job at V&A after a string of rejections, and she shares her sound advice on how to shine in the competitive museum sector. Kirsty shares how to get the most out of volunteering and work experience to ensure you build your expertise and don’t feel exploited.  

Kirsty’s passion for curating and telling stories through objects shines through in this episode! Plus, take a look at Kirsty's Spotlight feature for a sneak peak at Tartan!

 

Take your next steps:

Look for Museum jobs on: museumjobs.commuseumsassociation.orgMuseums Galleries Scotland

Find out more and visit the Tartan exhibition at the V&A Dundee