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  CHOICE - Dr Evelyn Silber, Director, Hunterian Museum and Art GalleryImage of Dr Evelyn Silber
 
  

As the director of an important museum, Evelyn recognises that the team needs IT, communication and business skills - as well as academic ones. Creative & Cultural Skills will give industry recognition to those courses that are relevant to the industry's needs and ensure that learners have informed choice. This is Evelyn's story as an employer.

What I do

I'm responsible for the museum's staff and collections that include art, archaeology, ethnography and the natural sciences.

Balancing academic requirements, public expectations and the need to generate income and raise funds are the key challenges.

Getting the right skills today

People coming into the museum business should try shadowing and volunteering to make sure the work is for them.

A postgraduate qualification is indispensable, especially for a senior position. But highly qualified academics often lack other vital skills - including IT, communication and business and management.

Our staff should also be able to develop their skills by accessing credible qualifications at NVQ and SVQ level which are properly monitored, assessed and recognised around the UK.

I would have liked a mentor and to attend a leadership course in an international setting but costs were always an issue. It's important to think internationally and with good language skills, European museums can offer excellent opportunities.

Once I would have said that gender issues and typecasting were the career blockers - now maybe it will be ageism!







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“

HIGHLY QUALIFIED ACADEMICS OFTEN LACK OTHER VITAL SKILLS...”
Dr Evelyn Silber in Museum

How Creative & Cultural Skills could help employers help their staff:

  • advice on relevant courses through our unique Creative web portal;
  • a national kite-marking scheme that is recognised across the country;
  • where to hone financial, management and IT skills;
  • help to make sure that everyone has access to the creative and cultural industries regardless of ethnic background, gender or age;
  • a mentoring programme;
  • advice on finance, and possible support.