Host - Chloe

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Fine Art (MA Hons), Class of 2006

Chloe currently works in New York City in the GLAM sector - Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums.

Why did you want to get involved with the Insights programme?

I discovered arts project management as a career option only after I graduated from the Fine Arts programme at The University of Edinburgh. I’m passionate about increasing awareness of the varied career opportunities available in museums, especially for those who come from diverse backgrounds.

As a proud Scot now living and working in New York, I was particularly excited to host students from my alma mater.

What experiences did you offer students?

During the students' visit, I shared my personal career journey and organised tailored meetings with colleagues that aligned with their fields of study and interests.

As one of the students was studying photography, I arranged a tour of the museum’s imaging department where they had the opportunity to speak with a post-production artist working on a 3-D imaging project, as well as  photographers imaging art in their studios.

For those studying English or interested in related fields, I arranged an exhibition tour with one of the museum’s editors, where they learned about the process of developing and designing text for an exhibition.

To top it off, we explored the museum’s extensive permanent collection galleries on a day the museum was closed to the public.

Was being an Insights host what you expected?

I didn’t know what to expect but the students asked my colleagues insightful questions drawing from their own experience and interests.

I also didn’t anticipate having the opportunity to meet the other hosts. It was wonderful to meet fellow Scottish alumni living and working in New York and hear about their journeys. (This was during the Insights Programme networking event that was arranged by the programme team and hosted by the local alumni club for the student participants and local alumni.)

What impact has being a host had on you?

The Insights Programme has helped me advance my goal of raising awareness of arts project management as a career path and highlighting the diversity of roles available within museums. In addition to hosting the students, after sharing the experience on LinkedIn, I received  messages from individuals seeking advice on how to pursue careers in this field.

Top tip for alumni considering applying to be a host

When planning your visit, tailor your visit to align with the students’ academic backgrounds and career and personal interests to create an engaging and impactful experience.​​​​

Don’t shy away from sharing the twists and turns of your own career journey.