Amy Wegerhoff
Many of Amy Wegerhoff’s friends and fellow students assumed that studying English and History meant Amy wanted to teach after graduation. Far from it – Amy is now an assistant museum curator in Warwickshire, and has her eyes on a possible move to Australia.
Inspiration for Amy's career came from one of her English A Level projects, "The Roots of English", in which she designed a museum exhibit. It was then that she became fascinated by the art of museum display - but first she decided to go to UWE to study English and History.
"I chose UWE because, when I went there for my interview, it felt like a really pleasant environment," says Amy, "and the history modules covered periods that really interested me."
Thinking back
During her time at UWE, Amy remembered her A Level inspiration and decided to study for a Masters in Museum Studies, which she completed in 2006. Shortly after that, she got a job at the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon, Warwickshire, helping recover museum exhibits and archives from a flood.
A trip Down Under
While helping at the Heritage Motor Centre, Amy took some time out to travel, spending March and April 2007 in Australia. "I was surprised by the number of museums there," she laughs. "I guess most people wouldn't notice that kind of thing, but I did!"
Maybe later...
Amy is quite keen on working in Australia as a museum curator one day, but for now she's happy in her current role as Assistant Curator at the Queen's Own Hussars Regimental Museum in Warwick. Amy started working there in May 2008. "Because the curator isn't based here," she says, "I'm basically in charge, so there's a real variety to my work."
Taking the right steps
For Amy, the obvious next step is to become a curator herself, but only if the right job comes along. "I'm very happy here, learning all aspects of running a museum," she says, "but I'll keep my eyes peeled for the right job, either here or in Australia."
Combining knowledge and experience
For anyone considering a similar career to Amy's, experience is crucial. "You need to have a Masters," Amy says, "but you really need some experience, too, or you end up in the Catch 22 situation of not being able to gain experience unless you already have some. So even volunteering while you study can help you find work."
Page last updated 1 November 2011