Victoria Stopar, Grants Officer, The British Museum

Course: MA Art Gallery and Museum Studies, Full Time, 2018-19

I started the MA in Art Gallery and Museum Studies wanting to apply my interest in business to a career in the cultural sector, but I was unsure exactly what this would look like. The evening lectures conducted by a variety of industry professionals and the work placement module were key in shifting my focus towards a career in museum development.

My interest in development sparked in the second semester, and I was able to let this newfound curiosity inform the direction for my MA dissertation. At the same time, I was undertaking a development placement at the Whitworth Art Gallery under the supervision of the most knowledgeable and kind mentor I could have asked for. As an international student, I was unfamiliar with the structure of the UK cultural sector; the guidance I received from both my dissertation and placement supervisor allowed me to quickly become comfortable engaging with the topic. 

The practical skills I gained during my placement, specifically grant writing, directly translated to the start of my career in development at the British Museum. The knowledge and support I received throughout my MA made me excited for a career within museums and gave me the skills I needed to succeed.