Public history and heritage
Jobs in public history and heritage are focused on preserving and recognising the past. This sector is suited to those who like to apply academic interest in their field to a practical educational or commercial environment.
Typical jobs in this sector include:
Key skills that are useful in this sector include:
- attention to detail
- ability to explain complex concepts to non-specialists
- an understanding of the commercial environment and context of your role
- research skills, including those that help facilitate access to materials
- a sincere interest in preserving material for future generations.
Contents
How to get a job
To prepare for a career in public history and heritage, you should research the sector carefully. You should also talk with people who are in the sector already.
Though academic achievement is crucial, work experience is an important requirement for gaining employment in this sector, and will help set you apart from other applicants. You can get this through volunteering and internships or placements.
The Institute of Conservation (ICON) offers helpful resources for students and emerging professionals who are interested in conservation.
Make a connection
To connect with people already working in the sector, consider joining Saint Connect, the University of St Andrews’ exclusive, global, online community for networking and career mentoring.
You could also consider joining the History Society, to connect with those with similar academic and career interests.
See more ideas for making a connection.
Volunteering
Voluntary work is a common route to gaining work experience in this sector, regardless of the size of the employer you would like to work for:
- Do it is a useful source for finding volunteering opportunities in general, as is the charity and voluntary work page.
- Historic Environment Scotland offers volunteering opportunities in Scotland, as does the National Trust for Scotland (the National Trust offers the same in England and Wales).
- For museums, consider volunteering with National Museums Scotland.
- In St Andrews, the St Andrews Heritage Museum and Garden offers year-round opportunities for volunteers interested in any aspect of museums and heritage, while other opportunities are available with the museums of the University of St Andrews.
- In Fife and Dundee, Fife Voluntary Action, Volunteer Scotland and Leisure and Culture Dundee advertise opportunities. In Dundee, you can consider the Dundee Heritage Trust, The McManus, and the Dundee Museum of Transport.
Internships and placements
Internships are less common in this sector than in others. However, there are some, often unpaid, internships with larger organisations:
- UNESCO offers internships in a wide variety of heritage and historical areas.
- The National Archives offers unpaid student placements and other kinds of work experience in their document services department.
Finding a job
Check out our job listings for vacancies or see the resources below for jobs in the public history and heritage sector.
Jobs in the UK
Jobs outside the UK
Applying for a job
When applying for jobs in this sector, you can expect to do at least some of the following:
- complete a CV and cover letter
- complete an online application form
- attend at least one interview.
In addition, for some applications, you can expect to take psychometric tests or attend an assessment centre.
The application process for public history and heritage jobs may vary according to which organisation you are applying to. Research the organisation to understand the skills, competencies and values they are looking for. Also check the organisation's website, as many provide details on their recruitment and selection processes.
If you would like personalised help on any aspect of applying for a job, you can book an appointment with a careers adviser.