Graduate Profiles

What did you after graduating?

After three exciting and fascinating years, I graduated from the University of Sheffield with a degree in Archaeology and Prehistory. Throughout my ten-year career in heritage I have found that this qualification has opened doors for me in what is an extremely competitive industry.

I was so inspired by the broad and thorough grounding my degree gave me that on leaving Sheffield I was keen to find out what the heritage world had to offer, beyond archaeological excavation work.

What was your first step?

My first job at the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) as a Grants Assistant was ideal. I worked on a huge range of heritage projects across the country, from the redevelopment of Stonehenge to the purchase of a granite watering trough. The projects that inspired me most were the ones focusing on interpretation, making heritage accessible a diverse public, especially museum exhibitions. I decided to specialise in that area, so after two years at HLF I went back to university.

I gained a place on the popular Museum Studies MA course at UCL. During my interview, the board were impressed by my degree from Sheffield and I was offered one of the few over-subscribed places on the course.

What did you do after your MA?

After the MA I worked for a year as Research and Communications Manager at the National Museum Directors’ Conference (NMDC).

I then went to work at the Natural History Museum as a Senior Interpretation Developer, working with designers and scientists to create the content for exhibitions including the Vault – a new permanent exhibition of the NHM’s most precious minerals.

After three very enjoyable years at NHM I joined a small consultancy firm to carry out fascinating work creating a new visitor centre at a dessert park and archaeological site in Abu Dhabi.

What is your current role?

Last year, I joined English Heritage as an Interpretation Manager. With stiff competition for the role my Sheffield degree was an essential feature of my application. I’m based in London but I travel all over the country working with historians and designers to develop exhibitions. In spring this year I completed a new exhibition at a 17th century fort. I’m now working on two new exhibition projects at the Henrician fort in Portland and Kenwood House in London.

How has your degree helped you towards your career?

Throughout my career I have been impressed by the reputation of the University of Sheffield and, in particular, the Archaeology department. I love my job and I’ve had a fascinating career to date. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without my degree from the University of Sheffield.