Emily W.
About me
| Emily W. | |
| Archaeology | |
| Archaeology | |
| Undergraduate | |
| 2010 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Visitor Service Assistant | |
| National Portrait Gallery | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Library, museum and information services | |
| 2011 | |
| £18000 | |
| £18000 |
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A day in the life of a Visitor Service Assistant in the United Kingdom
My career history
September 2010 - January 2011
Administrative Assistant for Grosvenor: Worked in a busy office carrying out administrative, payroll and HR tasks including:
First point of contact for in-coming telephone calls (reception); opening and distribution of all mail; customer services – answering e-mails and faxed queries using my own initiative; data input using Excel spreadsheets; HR database management dealing with confidential information; ensuring supplies of stationery; upkeep of paper filing system.
February 2011 - October 2011
Visitor Service Assistant and Membership Recruiter for National Trust; Ham House and Gardens:
• First point of call for all visitors. Provide information about current events at the House, explain the layout of the grounds, explain the history of the site and help them with any other enquiries.
• Responsible for the Visitor Service area, ensuring kept clean and tidy at all times with availability of current literature.
• Process visitors to site, including handling cash and card transactions
• Promote National Trust membership and other fund raising schemes
Where I hope to be in 5 years
I would like to move into the 'behind the scenes' areas.
My advice to students considering work
My advice is to volunteer as much as possible with organisations and business you would like to eventually work for. Job hunt well in advance of graduation.
What I do
To proactively welcome visitors to the Gallery and to answer any queries raised, referring visitors to the appropriate place if the information is not known; to ensure that the Gallery rules are observed at all times, dealing with any contravention politely and tactfully; to look after gallery rooms ensuring that the collection is secure and to report any problems to the Visitor Services Management team; to complete a visual check of portraits whilst in a room, reporting any changes or omissions; to assist with the visitor flow into the Gallery and its buildings; to ensure that everyone has left the Gallery at the end of the day, and in an emergency to act promptly without causing alarm; ensure that income for the Gallery is maximised through the promotion of gift aid and membership.
Skills I use and how I developed them
My previous employment and volunteering history is all visitor service based.
Degree skills:
CMy course helped me develop confidence in public speaking. Historic knowledge.
What I like most
I enjoy speaking to the public and working with a varied team.
What I like least
What would I change? I want to be able to get into a role, either paid or voluntary, directly linked to artefacts.