We are celebrating Heritage Careers Week 2024! We’re delighted to offer you a fascinating insight into the world of museum work through the eyes of our dedicated team. Join us for an engaging chat with Mónica Ramírez, our Youth and Community Engagement Officer at The Devil’s Porridge Museum. Discover her journey and the role she plays in connecting our community to our rich heritage!
Mónica Ramírez López, Youth and Community Engagement Officer
When did you decide that you wanted to work within the Creative and Cultural Industries and what influenced that decision?
My journey in the Creative and Cultural Industries really took off in Mexico, where I come from! My passion for education and communication led me to teach at various levels while working in communication and marketing. I discovered my true passion when I volunteered with a non-governmental organization focused on promoting heritage and the arts, That’s when I realized just how much I loved this field!
I got to work on many exciting projects, from creative educational initiatives to fun events. One of the highlights was securing funding to make my first project: a research and film documentary about youth identities. This experience opened my eyes to new ways of educating that go beyond the classic classroom setting, allowing me to make a positive impact in my community. It was then that I decided to dive into a career focused on heritage, collaborating with museums and galleries.
What did your career path look like?
After moving to the UK, I truly enjoyed immersing myself in the local community and discovering its history. I volunteered with charities, worked in education with children with special needs, and became a community champion at a local supermarket. This experience was incredibly fulfilling! One woman who followed my work on social media encouraged me to apply for a community engagement role at a local museum. Inspired by her support, I submitted my application, and I’m excited to share that it led to my job at The Devil’s Porridge Museum.
Describe a typical day in your working life:
No day is the same! Every day in my job is an adventure and I love that! There’s always something new on the agenda. Some days I attend school visits and take them on an exciting journey through the museum, where we explore the stories of munitions workers and the world wars through dynamic activities. On other days, I’m busy organizing community exhibitions, hosting Youth Council meetings, and planning events and workshops for young people and seniors. On some days, I work in the office, writing funding applications, reports, or projects to support inclusivity, integration, fight the climate change crisis, etc. I also enjoy meeting with local organizations to initiate and follow up on projects and partnerships.
What advice would you give someone interested in working in the industrial heritage sector?
I would advise them to visit museums and explore volunteer opportunities. This experience will help them gain valuable expertise, enhance their CV, and provide excellent networking opportunities. It’s the best way to showcase their talents and skills to potential employers. it’s a great journey to embark on!
What’s your favourite thing about your job?
My favourite part is knowing that my work positively impacts people’s lives. I enjoy listening to the questions and reflections from children and young adults during our history sessions because it shows we are achieving our goal of encouraging reflection. I love watching the confidence and creativity of the children in the arts and crafts club grow over time; It’s lovely to see their mums become friends and create a supportive community! It brings me joy to see seniors smile in our Cordite Club, and it’s wonderful to hear the fresh ideas from the Youth Council members and to witness their growing confidence and leadership skills as they navigate challenges, such as expressing their opinions at Board of Trustees meetings and participating in the events we organize. I believe that every small contribution can lead to a larger, meaningful change.
If you would be interested in gaining experience in the cultural heritage sector, why not take a look at our Museum Mentorship Programme? This is for 16 to 24 years old and provides hands on experience with support, guidance and training from an mentor! Find out more about the Museum Mentorship Programme by clicking here>
