MLitt Museum Studies, 2022
From Aberdeen to Celebrating Scottish History
Your Time at Aberdeen
Why did you choose to study at Aberdeen?
I chose to study at Aberdeen because of the strong reputation of its Museum Studies course, one of a handful of places in the UK that offer this qualification. I was especially drawn to the smaller class sizes and the beautiful Old Aberdeen campus. Having previously lived and worked in big cities in Australia and Germany, I was ready for something smaller with all the culture and connections I am used to, minus the traffic and stress!
Why did you choose your particular course?
I chose this course as I had been working in museums and heritage since completing my undergraduate degrees in 2013 and felt I had gone as far as I could go without further training. This industry is incredibly competitive, and I was keen to take the next step in my career both for my own professional development and so I can make a meaningful contribution to how people experience museums and their collections.
What did you most enjoy about your time at Aberdeen? Did you have any particularly memorable student experiences?
I really enjoyed being able to throw myself into learning! My professors were all incredibly supportive and always had time to answer my questions. I loved studying at The Sir Duncan Rice Library - sitting at the window on the highest floor overlooking the sea as night draws in is lovely!
If while at Aberdeen you benefited from a scholarship, what was the scholarship and what difference did it make to your time at Aberdeen?
I was the recipient of the Development Trust Student Support Fund and the Santander Student Mobility Award. The former allowed me to fund a research trip to Edinburgh and the latter enabled me to travel to Germany and spend a week at the Technical University of Dresden, looking at digitisation in museums. These two trips allowed me to conduct in-person field work and build industry connections that would not have been possible otherwise. This scholarship-funded research contributed to my achieving an A1 grade on both related courses.
If you were involved in any clubs and societies as a student, what did you enjoy most about them and what benefit do you think they have for students?
I was a member of the University of Aberdeen Concert Band (and I still am, you can remain a member even after you graduate!). For me, it was a nice break from a fairly hectic schedule of full time study and full time work. The end of year concert was a lot of fun and being able to perform in front of my partner and friends was a definite highlight!
If talking to a group of prospective students, what advice would you give them to help them make the most of their time at the University of Aberdeen?
My advice would be to make the most of every chance you have to get involved in university life and enhance your learning experience. Scholarship opportunity? Apply for it. Professional development mini-course? Do it. Informal feedback session with professors? Have your say. There is so much more to university (especially postgraduate study) than just showing up for lectures.
Did you undertake any co-curricular activities while at Aberdeen, e.g. Aberdeen Internships, Career Mentoring, STAR Award?
Yes, I did the Career Mentoring programme, the Aberdeen Employability Boost Award, and the Scottish Innovative Student Award. Through my mentor, I was able to gain valuable insights into the cultural sector here in Scotland, meet with a number of industry professionals and go behind the scenes in places like the Aberdeen City Archives. I still regularly meet with my mentor and she provides me with all sorts of helpful guidance and advice.
Your Time After Aberdeen
What was your first job after graduating from Aberdeen?
Library Assistant at Aberdeen Central Library.
What did your first role involve?
Helping people find books and information.
What is your current job?
Collections Care Supervisor at the National Trust for Scotland.
What is your current role?
I am responsible for the management and care of the museum collections and archives at Drum Castle. This involves conservation, interpretation, and research, working closely with the regional Conservator and Curator to tell stories through the collections for visitors, now and into the future. I also manage the castle 2 days a week, which means being flexible to the many and varied challenges a heritage site can throw at you!
Please briefly describe the journey from your first job after graduating to where you are now.
I had already lined up my job at the library before I graduated, which for me was a stepping stone until I could find a role in heritage or museums. I had worked for the National Trust for Scotland previously and a former colleague advised me to go for the Drum Castle job. Initially advertised as a part time role, I was able to negotiate with the manager for a full time role that combined my experience in both collections and people management. Now we make a great team!
Was your degree at Aberdeen essential for getting to where you are now? If so, in what way?
Yes, without this degree I would not have been able to set myself apart in an incredibly competitive industry, nor build the professional connections I rely upon now, both in Scotland and beyond. More importantly, I would not have had the practical skills nor understanding of the latest innovations in interpretation and curation to confidently carry out my current role with the National Trust for Scotland.
One Top Tip
Stay open to different professional opportunities. Your career path may not always be linear or look exactly like you had envisioned it, but you will always come away with a useful skill or new knowledge if you stay flexible.
