Sign up for our newsletter
Join our newsletter to receive the latest updates and insights in online education. Get exclusive access to in-depth articles, expert advice, and special offers tailored for your educational journey.
Join our newsletter to receive the latest updates and insights in online education. Get exclusive access to in-depth articles, expert advice, and special offers tailored for your educational journey.
This bar graph shows the annual salary for Curators.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Curators.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 14%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Develop and maintain an institution's registration, cataloging, and basic record-keeping systems, using computer databases.
Plan and conduct special research projects in area of interest or expertise.
Plan and organize the acquisition, storage, and exhibition of collections and related materials, including the selection of exhibition themes and designs, and develop or install exhibit materials.
Becoming a curator typically involves a blend of education, experience, and a deep passion for the subject matter you wish to curate. If you're looking to pursue a career in curation, here are steps that can help guide you through the process.
Curators are responsible for the collection, management, and exhibition of items within cultural institutions such as museums, galleries, and libraries. Their work includes:
Most curatorial positions require at least a master's degree in a related field. Here's what you should consider studying:
Some institutions might even require a Ph.D. or specific postgraduate qualifications depending on the complexity and focus of their collections.
Hands-on experience is crucial in the world of curation. Consider the following to gain relevant experience:
Curators need a diverse set of skills that include both scholarly aptitude and practical abilities. Focus on developing:
Networking can be pivotal in finding job opportunities and staying informed about the field. Ways to build your network include:
The curatorial field is always evolving with new practices and technologies. Stay up-to-date by:
Finally, actively search for job openings in institutions that align with your interests and expertise. You can find job listings through:
Remember that curatorial roles can be competitive, so don't be discouraged if it takes time to land your ideal position. Keep building your experience, skills, and network, and continue to apply for opportunities that align with your career goals.
Curators typically need at least a master's degree in art history, history, archaeology, or museum studies. Some positions may require a doctoral degree, especially in larger institutions where research is a significant part of the role. Relevant undergraduate degrees include:
Internships are incredibly valuable for gaining practical experience. They often provide opportunities to work under experienced curators and learn about collection management, exhibition design, and educational programming. Consider looking for internships at:
A successful curator possesses a mix of skills that include:
Experience can be gained through:
Career advancement can take several forms, such as:
Yes, professional organizations offer resources, networking opportunities, and continuing education. A few notable ones include:
Technology has broadened the scope of what curators can do, offering tools for:
The job outlook for curators is generally positive, with opportunities expected to grow as cultural institutions continue to provide educational and historical value. For the most current data on job growth projections, refer to authoritative sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Yes, with appropriate language skills and an understanding of different cultural contexts, curators can pursue careers internationally. Opportunities include:
Remember that each country may have different educational requirements or professional standards for curators.
Curators can find employment in a diverse range of museums, such as:
Each type of museum offers unique challenges and opportunities to specialize in different aspects of curation.
Feel free to explore these questions further to tailor your educational and professional development towards a successful career as a curator. With the right combination of education, experience, and passion for culture and history, you can build a fulfilling career in this dynamic field.