MA Digital and Public Humanities student Heather Maycock reflects on her 6 week placement with The Traverse.
What did your role entail?
I was in charge of making a digital archive and figuring out the best ways for the Traverse to preserve digital content. I was also given training in marketing and was given tasks such as putting together marketing emails, helping with the brochure, and writing social media posts.
Day-to-day, I would manage the inbox each morning, work on the archive in the afternoon as well as other duties such as marketing tasks. Some days I would also receive about an hour of training in the afternoon.
What did you gain from the experience?
I have become more confident and assured that I have something to offer in the professional world. The placement gave me some practical skills to add to what I have to give academically, making me more well-rounded. It was also a huge benefit to get some experience of working in a professional setting.
How has the placement affected you?
I feel with a humanities degree having some experience using your learning outside of an academic context is very desirable, so I am glad to have done it. I am glad I got to see candidly what working in the arts sector is like, and I am excited to see where my experience will take me next.
Top tip?
Don’t be intimidated working in an organisation that you admire. Your work placement is an opportunity to learn so work hard and communicate clearly so that you have the chance to make your placement a success.