UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD, PITT RIVERS MUSEUM- LEARNING DEPARTMENT

First Year Postgraduate, MPhil in Modern South Asian Studies, A mixture of inperson and remote working

Work Projects

I worked on object identification and research on

objects to help build a narrative for the

Decolonising the Curriculum project of the Pitt

Rivers Museum's Learning Department. I also

learnt how to catalogue objects, object

photography, and preventative conservation. The

organisation was very flexible in where I worked. They were also very supportive in

introducing me to as many members of the museum to enhance my learning and network.

Daily Life

When working in-person, I was able to walk or take the bus into town from Cowley to

Queen's Lane and walk to the staff entrance of the Pitt Rivers Museum. I would settle in at a

desk in the Learning department's offices and start working after chatting with and giving

updates to my supervisor, and discussing the plan for the day. I interacted with the other

interns, part of the same and different internships, as well as other museum staff,

particularly during the lunch breaks.

Lasting Impressions

I believe this internship has strengthened my desire to work in museums. I really enjoyed

this experience and do believe that it has improved my CV for future roles in this field.

Abigail Branford, Jesus College, Final Year Student, DPhil Education, A mixture of in-person and remote internship

Work Projects

I did background research on objects in the museum, worked with an anthropologist on a

lesson plan to be carried out on her research by the museum staff, and made teachers notes

and worksheets for students in collaboration with an artist who was creating an art trail for

students through the museum.

Daily Life

I was introduced to all the relevant staff in the building which was really useful as well as all

the covid protocols, I hung out with staff in the tea room, and had briefings with my line

manager.

Lasting Impressions

I loved it. I learnt how to navigate external partners and how to be clear about what can and

can't be delivered - a masterclass in managing expectations!

What practical advice would you give to future interns?

If you can, really try to clear away any of your other work for that period so you can be fully

mentally present.

Third Year Undergraduate, MBiol in Biology, In person internship

Work Projects

I applied to the Public Engagement internship

as I had never worked in a museum setting

before, and I was especially drawn to the

opportunity to help young people explore

their interests in natural history through

family activities. My internship was split into

three parts: working with the Learning Team for an outreach event; audience evaluation on

an exhibition; and mentoring young people on a museum placement. For the outreach Play

Day, I prepared a table centred around insects - Colourful and Camouflaged - involving

museum specimens. I chose the theme, researched the topic and specimens, wrote handling

notes with support from colleagues of the Learning Team, and put together props & extra

pictures for the table.

At the event, I spoke to lots of children, families and other members of the community, and

they enjoyed looking at the iridescent and camouflaged specimens up close. I collected

audience feedback for the exhibition of 2020: The Sphere That Changed The World by

Angela Palmer, a 3D glass engraving of the coronavirus particle. Members of the public

could fill in anonymous comment cards or share their impressions and thoughts through a

face-to-face survey. Rachel from Exhibitions helped to organise the feedback cards and

design the survey, which was valuable for me to successfully carry out different approaches

to audience evaluation.

The Natural Science and Heritage Scheme

brought four Sixth Form students together

to learn about the museums engagement

work and take part in delivering family

activities. As a mentor, I supported

discussions between the students, planning

the activities and preparing an outreach day

with the insects table I had previously made. This was led by Sarah who is experienced with

children and young people. We spent many afternoons out in the museum court doing

object handling, which was very popular.

Daily Life

My first week at the museum included inductions, for health & safety purposes and covid-19

safety, and I met my supervisor and colleagues who were really friendly and welcoming

from the very beginning. I had my picture taken for the staff noticeboard and a slot on the

in-out board which was a small detail that made me feel included! I met up with the other

interns (around 10 in total) at our coffee and lunch breaks - we were a lively bunch! We met

a few times over the summer outside of the museum as well for a stroll or drinks.

I especially enjoyed my brisk morning walks to the museum, although sometimes they were

in more of a hurry than I'd like.... My supervisor Sarah gave me flexibility for arriving and as most of the Public Engagement Team finished work at 4.30/5pm, I was never expected to

stay late. On occasion, I did some work in the evenings, such as to prepare decorations for

the outreach events the night before, but this was my choice and infrequent.

Outside of work, I would meet with friends, do exercise, cooking or baking (which I love! and

my colleagues loved too) and generally unwind, especially after doing family activities as

those were very energetic days! I also had the chance to take 3 holidays and 1 in lieu day

and this was a good break & chance to get away just a little. I thoroughly enjoyed working

with others at the Museum and meeting colleagues from different departments - research,

front of house, conservation - and bumping into them around the city!

Lasting Impressions

This was a fantastic experience, from the

work itself with young people, children and

families at the museum, to the positive

working environment and welcoming

atmosphere. Although I have considered

teaching and science communication as possible jobs/career paths, I hadn't got much specific experience in them and I hadn't

considered museum work as a serious option for me. This internship has really informed my

thinking and given me a great opportunity to develop the skills that will be very valuable in

my future job searches.

I improved my public speaking, through greeting and talking to families, communication

more generally, teamwork by collaborating with the placement sixth form students to

deliver family activities, and organisational skills in the process of developing activities and

planning my own activities table. I was shown and included in a positive and flourishing

work environment, with utmost professionalism and consideration for my needs and

support.

This summer has nudged me towards combining teaching with science communication,

outside of the classroom environment and incorporating key and pressing themes like insect

conservation and appreciating our natural habitats. In the months ahead, I hope to return to

the museum for voluntary work and to expand my job searches to find similar enriching

opportunities that will enhance my personal and professional development.