Shelly (Yi-Hsuan) Feng

MA in Art Gallery and Museum Studies, University of Leeds

Current Role: Volunteer Programme Officer, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture
I’m a Volunteer Programme Officer at Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. In this role, I’m the first point of contact for over 1,750 volunteers, providing support and coordination. With my background in museum education, I specialize in developing and facilitating volunteer training plans. I also manage the CRM system and oversee data collection to ensure efficient volunteer engagement and program evaluation. Additionally, I act as the bridge between internal and external partners for events, supervising volunteers across the district and coordinating with producers to ensure smooth operations.

What specific barriers did you face as a member of (insert minority group), and how did you navigate these challenges?
As a former international student working in the cultural sector, I consider it a blessing in many ways. The sector is often ahead in terms of diversity and inclusion, providing opportunities to engage with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. Compared to other industries, there is generally a greater awareness of the value that diverse voices bring, and a commitment—at least in principle—to making spaces more accessible and representative. This has allowed me to contribute my own experiences and perspectives meaningfully, rather than feeling like I have to fit into a rigid mould.

However, despite these advantages, the realities of workplace culture can still be challenging. The fast-paced nature of the industry, especially in a major project like Bradford 2025, means that time is always a priority. People move quickly, decisions happen in real time, and there’s little room for slowing down. No one waits to ensure you’re keeping up, which can be overwhelming—especially when adjusting to the expectations of a new professional environment.

Language has been another challenge. While I am fluent in English, cultural nuances, regional accents, and industry-specific jargon can sometimes make it difficult to follow conversations at the speed they happen. There have been moments where I’ve hesitated to ask for clarification, not wanting to interrupt or slow down discussions.

To navigate these challenges, I’ve developed strategies like seeking clarification outside of high-pressure moments, taking detailed notes, and building relationships with colleagues who can offer insights when needed. At the same time, I’ve learned to lean into my strengths—such as my multicultural perspective, ability to engage diverse audiences, and structured approach to training and volunteer coordination. Rather than seeing my background as something I need to overcome, I’ve embraced it as an asset that helps bridge gaps in communication and understanding.

The cultural sector, for all its progress in diversity and inclusion, is still evolving. My experience has shown me that true inclusivity isn’t just about representation—it’s also about ensuring that different perspectives are actively heard and supported. Working in this space has been both a challenge and a privilege, and I continue to find ways to contribute while carving out my own space within it.

What were the most critical steps you took to enter the creative industry after graduation?
Breaking into the cultural sector was not an easy journey, especially as an international graduate navigating a new country with different cultural values and industry expectations. Despite my strong academic background and prior experience, I had to start from very entry-level roles—often in positions where I was technically overqualified.

The reality is that the cultural sector is highly competitive, and without direct experience in the UK, securing a job was challenging. I took on various volunteer roles, event-based positions, and short-term contracts to gain local experience and demonstrate my commitment to the field. Whether it was fundraising at the Royal Armouries, working on the Monopoly Leeds Takeover project, or volunteering at the Museums Association’s annual conference, each opportunity helped me build relevant skills, expand my professional network, and gain a deeper understanding of the sector’s working culture.

I also had to adapt to different professional norms, from communication styles to expectations in workplace culture. There were moments of frustration, especially when I felt my past experience wasn’t fully recognized. However, I remained persistent, continuously developing my skills in areas like visitor engagement, CRM system management, and volunteer training.

Over time, my efforts paid off. Each role—no matter how small—added to my experience, eventually leading to my current position at Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. Looking back, I realize that starting from the ground up was not just about proving my capabilities but also about understanding how to navigate and contribute meaningfully to the sector in this new context.

Can you describe a portfolio piece or project that significantly helped you land your current job?
One of the most significant projects that helped me land my current role at Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture was my involvement in the Monopoly Leeds Takeover project with Leeds BID. As part of this large-scale public engagement initiative, I worked directly with visitors, facilitated interactive experiences, and ensured smooth event operations across the city. This project not only demonstrated my ability to manage large-scale cultural events but also showcased my skills in audience engagement, teamwork, and adaptability—key qualities for a role centered on volunteer coordination and public-facing cultural programs.

This experience became particularly valuable after an interview for a Museum Learning Coordinator role, where I was told that I would have been a perfect candidate if I could provide more evidence of managing large-scale events. At the time, I already had experience handling events with around 500 participants, but the Monopoly Leeds Takeover project took that experience to a city-wide scale. Being able to reference this project in future applications significantly strengthened my profile, ultimately helping me secure my current role at Bradford 2025.

What specific skills did you find most valuable in your early career, and how did you develop them?
- Adaptability – Working across different cultural institutions and event-based roles taught me to quickly adjust to new environments, audiences, and expectations.
- Public Engagement – Volunteering in museums and large-scale events like the Monopoly Leeds Takeover helped me develop strong communication and audience interaction skills.
- Event Coordination – Managing logistics for public programs and cultural events, even on a small scale, built my confidence in handling larger projects later on.
- Networking & Relationship Building – Attending industry events, volunteering at the Museums Association conference, and connecting with professionals helped open doors to new opportunities.
- Project & Volunteer Management – My experience in museum education and later in volunteer coordination gave me the skills to train, supervise, and support volunteers effectively.
What networking methods did you find most effective when building connections in your industry?
The most effective networking methods I found were LinkedIn and face-to-face conversations.

On LinkedIn, I actively connected with professionals, engaged in discussions, and followed relevant groups and organizations. This helped me stay updated on industry trends and find potential mentors or collaborators.

However, in-person interactions, especially at industry events or conferences, were invaluable. These face-to-face conversations allowed me to build deeper connections, share experiences, and create lasting professional relationships. Combining both online and offline networking has been key to expanding my career opportunities.

How did you find mentors or advisors in your field, and what role did they play in your career progression?
I found mentors and advisors by making good friends who understood the industry better than I did when I was new and clueless. Peers were often more approachable, friendly, and willing to share their experiences, which helped me gain insights and navigate the field. Mentors, while rarer, played an important role by pushing me forward—sometimes sharing opportunities or introducing me to new connections in their networks. Though mentors can be difficult to find, their guidance often came through organic relationships built on trust and shared interests.