Exhibit Coordinator Designer - Science Museum
"As an exhibit designer I really like making things and seeing how ideas can come to life. I am responsible for creating displays that are meant to capture attention and direct focus; for example, as an exhibit designer working for a science museum, I may create an environment that helps a person understand how something works. I must stay up to date with relevant trends and techniques, as well as have a good understanding of how people learn things. At times, I may collaborate in meetings with peers and work with colleagues to share ideas. I may also work with consultants."
Salary Range:
$60,000 - $85,000
The Tip
Build a portfolio of diverse credentials. Together, these will make you both unique and valuable.
Priority Knowledge & Skills
Management Skills
-
Manage the design process
-
Manage multiple workflows
-
Develop and implement program schedules
-
Manage budget and financial issues
-
Act in a responsible manner with regard to the needs of people, their communities, and society as a whole
Research & Insights Skills
-
Formulate focused and practical research questions
-
Develop and execute qualitative research including observation, interviews and text analysis
-
Develop and execute quantitative research including large data-set statistical analysis
-
Apply a deep knowledge of human behaviour to understand usability
Communication Skills
-
Translate content into meaningful information
-
Apply content management strategy
-
Conduct user testing
-
Use specialized software to prepare, edit and distribute content across multiple platforms
Design Skills
-
Build prototypes out of variety of materials
-
Critique and improve design artifacts.
-
Use current digital design tools
Additional Job-Specific Skills
-
Lead and manage exhibit design projects utilizing information design theories, practices and methods
Core Transferable Skills
Be an expert at all core transferable skills:
-
Thinking skills
-
Communications skills
-
Organizational skills
-
Interpersonal skills
-
Technical literacy
Building Block Experiences
Education & Learning:
-
Bachelor of Communications (information design) with a minor in anthropology
-
Professional Project Management certification via the Project Management Institute
My love of science and engaging spaces made me think about the people who make those exhibits for a living. When I realized I could create these learning spaces, I started looking for the education I’d need to do it.
Employment Experiences:
-
Summer job with tourism bureau while in university
-
Did my work term with TELUS Spark science museum
-
Recruited to lead all content curation at large science museum.
I needed to understand how stories are sourced and told, so I leveraged university to learn how to curate content to drive engagement. I then sought jobs in organizations to allow me to apply my skills in experience design, user experience and wayfinding. What I do every day is the intersection of what I’m good at, what I love to do and making a living. My test for a job is simple—would I do what I do every day for free?
Community Experiences:
-
I’m involved in the university and program alumni associations at my alma mater. I organized our 10-year reunion and post news from my graduating class on our Facebook page.
Learn by rolling up your sleeves and doing. You’ll make a lot of mistakes. Value the mistakes as much as you value your successes.
Contextual Experiences:
-
In university I took part in an exchange program in Austria. I learned loads doing display work and learning in a new cultural context.
It’s rewarding to be able to do something I love and help people learn new things in an engaging environment.
Relationships:
-
I seek mentors who are community leaders and have unique experiences; often very different than mine.
Value those who are different. The magic and learning is at the intersection of this diversity.