Daniela earned an internship with the Powell-Cotton Museum based inside Quex Park, just outside of Birchington-On-Sea through EP last year! We asked her a few questions about her time at the Powell-Cotton and she came back with some fantastic answers. It sounds like she had a fantastic time working with them! With her studying an MA in History and Philosophy of Art, this sounded like a perfect fit. She told us about what she did to earn her Employability Points, what she thought of the scheme and how she used it to improve her employability.
Read what she had to say about the opportunity below!
How have you found the Powell-Cotton Museum?
I am pleased to say that my experience of working for this company has been a positive one. I have been responsible for a range of research, conservation, object care, curatorial and documentation tasks within the collections department of the museum.
The staff have consistently demonstrated a willingness to provide guidance and address my queries in a cordial and professional manner.
Furthermore, I have been presented with learning opportunities, including the chance to attend courses that have broadened my understanding of the museum sector. I have also received regular training to ensure I am fully equipped to fulfil my duties, with tasks assigned that allow me to apply the knowledge gained in the workplace and university course.
What have you been doing in this role?
My role at the museum is to provide assistance to the conservation team in the cleaning, care and preservation of sites and objects. This encompasses the packaging of the objects, a preliminary examination of the objects, and a series of investigations into the ethical treatment of the objects. Moreover, I have assisted with the digital preservation of conservation processes, creating photographic portfolios that enable researchers to correctly pack the museum’s available materials.
Moreover, I have conducted curatorial work to support research on a range of cultures, objects, locations and practices. This has facilitated the preservation of the object in question, as well as the care of the historical and cultural heritage of diverse peoples and cultures in Africa and Asia.
In the area of documentation, I have carried out tasks such as recording accession numbers, organising storage spaces and re-labelling storage spaces to provide proper storage for the objects in the collection.
Is there anything new you have learnt whilst in this role?
I have gained insight into the management and care of collections and historical places, the work involved in the dissemination of knowledge, the importance of documenting a collection, and the impact that a museum has on the communities with which it interacts.
In addition, I have had the chance to gain first-hand experience of how museums operate, and to gain an insight into the ways in which objects and history are kept.
What has been the impact of this role on you?
This experience has had a significant impact on my professional development, enabling me to explore novel fields of action that diverge from my previous career trajectory. It has afforded me the chance to expand my general knowledge about the history of diverse cultures and locations, as well as to cultivate new areas of interest within my professional sphere.
Have you found anything surprising about the role?
I have had the privilege of engaging with the cultural sector, gaining insights into the operational aspects of museums and historical sites. Furthermore, I have had the opportunity to gain insight into the structure and management of museum networks in the UK, as well as their commitment to preserving local and international historical narratives.
I have acquired a substantial knowledge base regarding the geography and history of Africa and Asia, as well as the significant movement of cultural artefacts during the 20th century. Additionally, the emergence of new methodologies enables a reframing of these movements from alternative vantages, underscoring the significance of the people of origin and the cultural worth of the acquired objects.
What are you most proud of from the work you’ve performed?
I am gratified by the research I have conducted thus far in the field of curatorial development. I have successfully sourced the requisite information for the development of the exhibitions, which may prove invaluable in facilitating the museum’s transition towards decolonisation practices and reframing the collection’s significance.
What did you do to earn your Employability Points?
To gain employability points, I attended several events held by the university, including PG talks. These events enabled me to gain a broader understanding of various fields of knowledge and to interact with other postgraduate students. Furthermore, I attended workshops organised by SLAS, where I acquired knowledge regarding global culture, academic writing and reading, essay preparation, and other related topics. I sought counsel from the Careers and Employability Service on numerous occasions, requesting guidance on matters pertaining to career development, curriculum vitae preparation, and job interviews. They were instrumental in helping and enabling me to accrue points on the scheme.
What was the most impactful thing you did when you earnt Employability Points?
The most impressive thing for me was to look back and realise that the path I had taken to obtain them had been very beneficial, that the whole process had been worthwhile and that the enrichment I had gained from attending all the lectures, workshops and consultations had allowed me to develop new skills for my personal and professional life.
How would you summarise the EP Scheme to you?
The Employability Scheme has proved an invaluable experience, offering the chance to develop both academically and professionally. The opportunities provided have enabled me to apply the knowledge gained in workshops, talks and counselling, opening a new vocational path and facilitating continuous growth and learning.
How has the scheme enhanced your employability?
The scheme has equipped me with a range of tools that have proved invaluable in my job search, as well as in my applications to vacancies, communication skills development in job interviews, psychotechnical tests applications and professional path focus. Furthermore, the programme enables me to integrate my academic studies with professional practice, thereby facilitating my transition into the UK labour market and offering invaluable insights into the cultural sector.
What is your dream role?
My objective is to pursue a career in the cultural and educational sector, with a particular interest in curatorship roles within museums and galleries. This would facilitate the dissemination of cultural and artistic knowledge to a large audience, thereby enabling the continuous learning of local and global history. Similarly, it is my intention to disseminate the knowledge I have acquired through practical experience in the cultural and artistic domain at the university level.