Questions

Which experiences from your degree programme stand out as influential in your career development?

The most beneficial aspect was the reading lists provided by various course instructors. During the courses, I didn’t fully grasp their significance, but it was after entering the workforce that these reading lists transformed into my repository for overcoming challenges. Whenever a project requires opening up new perspectives or seeking practical examples, I often turn back to them to find inspiration.

What's the most unexpected skill or talent you developed during your studies that turned out to be surprisingly useful in your career?

Debating with my mentors has been the most unexpectedly useful skill I acquired. This skill has allowed me to adeptly navigate relationships with various stakeholders in my professional life, bringing about increased profits for the industry through effective negotiation and bargaining.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to follow in your career footsteps?

Firstly, dedicate more time to practical experiences – engage in internships, take on projects, actively seek employers, and spend time connecting with professionals already working in the industry to understand its actual operations. On the other hand, allocate more time to reading exemplary case studies. In the early stages of your career, being aware of outstanding cases that others may not know about can capture an employer’s attention more quickly than possessing profound theoretical knowledge. This can, in turn, help you secure your ideal job.

What was the best thing about studying at Birmingham?

Having a global network of connections provides us with more potential opportunities to engage in cross-cultural international collaborations. Such cultural exchanges are crucial for the cultural heritage industry.