Mentorship matters: the value of graduate internships
Resource type
Journal article
Date published
September 2, 2021
Abstract
n this article, three recent graduates in book and paper conservation report on the value of graduate internships and advocate for more opportunities. They reflect on their personal experiences of internships at the British Library, Chester Beatty and Getty Research Institute. Results from a survey and questionnaire on graduate internships in the UK and Ireland between 2010 and 2020 are shared and discussed. In particular, the authors note a lack of longer-term recurring internship programmes. Four main aspects shared across the graduate internship experience are highlighted: projects, mentorship, continued professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration. Conscious integration of these elements within an internship structure increases learning potential. The authors conclude that there is an ongoing need for paid graduate internships as they are a key entry route for emerging conservators joining the profession and offer significant benefits to host institutions.
Journal title
Journal of the Institute of Conservation
Volume
44
Issue
3
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
ISSN
1945-5224
eISSN
1945-5232
Date accepted
August 16, 2021
Official URL
Rights statement
In Copyright