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How do you transition your soft skills and knowledge from one profession to another? I plan on entering a Master's of Library Science program this year. I am coming from a general humanities background, and I am aiming for anything in the GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums) space. My current background and skills are most applicable to Archives and Libraries, since I have mostly been working in history and research. Libraries and Archives will also be my focus in grad school. I would like to gain skills in all these fields, what can I do to get more experience in Galleries/Museums and become more well-rounded?
Graduating Senior at John Jay College, BA in Humanities and Justice
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Ashish’s Answer
Transitioning your soft skills from one field to another is very possible, especially in the GLAM space. Your background in humanities, history, and research already gives you a strong foundation. Skills like critical thinking, writing, and analysis are useful in all GLAM careers. Communication skills help you work with teams, visitors, and researchers.
Organization and attention to detail are valuable in archives, libraries, and museums.
To become more well-rounded, start exploring museum and gallery work early. Look for internships or volunteer roles in local museums or art galleries. Even short-term or part-time roles can give you practical exposure. Try helping with exhibitions, cataloging, or visitor engagement programs. Take online courses related to museum studies or art curation.
Learn basic digital tools used in museums, like collection management systems. You can also build knowledge in visual culture and art history.
Attend workshops, webinars, or events in the GLAM field. Networking with professionals can open up opportunities and guidance. Talk to people working in museums to understand their daily work.
In your Master’s program, choose electives related to museums or galleries if possible. Work on projects that connect archives with exhibitions or public history. Try to create a small portfolio of your work or projects.
Overall, keep learning, stay curious, and gain hands-on experience wherever you can. Your existing skills already matter—you just need to apply them in new settings.
Organization and attention to detail are valuable in archives, libraries, and museums.
To become more well-rounded, start exploring museum and gallery work early. Look for internships or volunteer roles in local museums or art galleries. Even short-term or part-time roles can give you practical exposure. Try helping with exhibitions, cataloging, or visitor engagement programs. Take online courses related to museum studies or art curation.
Learn basic digital tools used in museums, like collection management systems. You can also build knowledge in visual culture and art history.
Attend workshops, webinars, or events in the GLAM field. Networking with professionals can open up opportunities and guidance. Talk to people working in museums to understand their daily work.
In your Master’s program, choose electives related to museums or galleries if possible. Work on projects that connect archives with exhibitions or public history. Try to create a small portfolio of your work or projects.
Overall, keep learning, stay curious, and gain hands-on experience wherever you can. Your existing skills already matter—you just need to apply them in new settings.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Ariel
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
First, I would give serious consideration to the other answers, they have a good deal of information to offer.
As for myself, this is, frankly, out of my field of experience.
However, I note that you live in New York,
I would get over to Fifth Avenue whenever you can, and start talking to administrators in the galleries that begin with the MET and move on north. There are several. I would think that these individuals can answer your pertinent questions, and perhaps, if you make a serious impression upon them, you may be able to meet with members of staff that have experience with your concerns.
And then there are the privateers galleries which are all over the city. But if you are along Fifth Ave, you could also take a walk along 79th street, south side, and start with the art galleries located there. There is also one on 78th, between Madison and Park, north side, but you may have to look closely to find it. Regardless, that would just be a tiny start of the private galleries within the city.
And one more: auction houses. Southeby's and Cristies. And my experiences at these two are that there are many on staff that would be more than happy to discuss your concerns with you.
And, in my opinion, you have a big plus in your favor: How many other young and eager students come into the establishments above seeking answers to questions such as yours.
As for myself, this is, frankly, out of my field of experience.
However, I note that you live in New York,
I would get over to Fifth Avenue whenever you can, and start talking to administrators in the galleries that begin with the MET and move on north. There are several. I would think that these individuals can answer your pertinent questions, and perhaps, if you make a serious impression upon them, you may be able to meet with members of staff that have experience with your concerns.
And then there are the privateers galleries which are all over the city. But if you are along Fifth Ave, you could also take a walk along 79th street, south side, and start with the art galleries located there. There is also one on 78th, between Madison and Park, north side, but you may have to look closely to find it. Regardless, that would just be a tiny start of the private galleries within the city.
And one more: auction houses. Southeby's and Cristies. And my experiences at these two are that there are many on staff that would be more than happy to discuss your concerns with you.
And, in my opinion, you have a big plus in your favor: How many other young and eager students come into the establishments above seeking answers to questions such as yours.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Ariel
Updated
Maya’s Answer
I have worked in a variety of fields throughout my career, and I feel that it is actually my soft skills that have helped me make these transitions smoother. For myself, I have focused on which soft skills I feel strongest in and looked at how these might apply to the key activities and responsibilities of the industries/careers that I am interested. Where is there a common thread beneath the "hard skills" required? For instance for myself, it was working with customers/clients, my communications and interpersonal skills. In your fields, are there skills such as writing, research, organization, something else? And if there are skills you feel you'd like to learn, see where you can find workshops or coursework, or perhaps a volunteer or intern opportunity where you can learn hands on.
Thank you for the advice.
Ariel