Job Description
I work in a museum teaching people who come in as well as school groups about Waterloo. Since we change our exhibits often I could be telling people about science, history, geography, our community or so much more!
Relevant School Subjects
- Arts
- Canadian and World Studies
- Social Sciences and Humanities
Areas of Expertise
- Education/Training
- Leisure/Sports/Tourism
Career Story
After high school I took a fifth year. I worked, saved money and visited various universities and colleges to see what they were like. If I didn't like the campus vibe, the school was out.
I ended up going to the University of Ottawa for 4 years. I volunteered in small museums while doing a BA in History and a minor in Classical Studies. I was part of school government which helped me to make some really awesome friends. I came home in the summers and worked full time in student positions at a museum while also working in restaurants in the evening.
Once I finished there, I applied to a college program for Museums. My transcripts from the university got lost and my application was put on hold--meaning I missed out on that year of the program.
I ended up getting student contract work at a museum and took night classes at Conestoga College to keep a student status with plans to try for museum school the following year. During this contact, a full time position opened up and since I had been gaining so much experience, I landed an interview but believe me, I studied pretty hard for the interview--and got the job.
I planned programs for students of all ages, seniors and worked with people from the community. I learned so much at my first museum job.
I worked there for 5 years before I applied to a supervisory administration job in the medical field. Thanks to my certificate from Conestoga College, I was qualified for this job and worked there for a year on a contract. I learned a lot about HR, public health and budgeting.
Then I headed back to the museum world. Here I developed new programs, assessed the community needs and worked to diversify the museum perspective.
Today, I work at the City of Waterloo Museum in Conestoga Mall. I run our public and education programs, marketing, volunteer program and so much more. Each job I had built on different skills and added new ones to my resume.