Name of Student: Frederick
Pathway Programme: Pathways to Arts, Culture and Heritage (2024 cohort)
Internship role: Researcher
Internship Employer: Museum of Cornish Life
Summary of Organisation: The Museum houses one of the largest social and cultural history collections in the South West of Britain. The collections reflect the amazing stories of the ordinary and everyday. Highlights from the collection include archaeological evidence of the earliest humans on the Lizard Peninsula, finds from the Roman-era site of Magor Villa, a significant collection of zeolite minerals from Dean Quarry, a fully stocked 1950s kitchen, and a recreated serpentine turnerās workshop, and a critically curated Toyshop which addresses cultural stereotypes.
Please briefly outline the project/tasks/responsibilities you worked on during your Professional Pathways internship:
“I was tasked with researching part of the museum’s collection and writing a research report in the style of a news article that would be uploaded to the museum’s website. I liaised with the director of the museum and an assistant curator every day to assist me in the process. It was really interesting to research the history of the items and link it back to the history and culture of the local area that the museum was situated in.”
How has the Professional Pathways programme helped you in taking the next steps in your career? Please comment on both the training and internship element.
“It has allowed me to work out what I like and donāt like and likewise what I am interested in and not interested. The opportunity to gain this level of insight and access to information was crucial in helping me to work this out. The training was extremely high quality and full of useful information and advice from the local providers working in the sector. The work experience element of the internship gave me a glimpse of potential working life in the industry.”
How do you think this experience will impact on your employability as you enter the job market as a recent graduate?
“It shows and demonstrates an interest and commitment to finding out about an industry that you may be looking to explore. This demonstrates to an employer that you are serious about what you are doing and they will look upon this favourably, which will be beneficial.”
Why would you recommend the Professional Pathways programme to other students?
“It is a fantastic opportunity to learn new things, network with likeminded individuals, make new friends and grow as a person whilst getting paid to work on a fun and interesting project.”