For Colin, graduating amid a pandemic was a challenge that he took in his stride securing a position as Director of Collections and Exhibits at the Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Sciences. 

While at ECA, alongside his own studies, Colin tutored undergraduate History of Art students and took on the role as internship coordinator between the museum studies program and the Scottish National Galleries. His time at ECA was busy but the experiences he gained throughout his studies set him up for his career after university.

Why I chose to study History of Art - PhD

I chose to study at Edinburgh in large part because of my supervisor. Our conversations prior to my applying for the program had me really excited to work with her. The enthusiasm she shared in my topic made me feel like it would be a great fit for my research. Combined with this was the obvious bastion of resources the university could provide in the pursuit of my endeavour.

My time at ECA

While a student, I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to act as an internship coordinator between the museum studies program and the Scottish National Galleries. Having come from a museum background before beginning my PhD, the ability to continue on in this sector while working on my research helped me to balance my workload and keep me on a tight schedule. The people I was able to connect with during this period have helped strengthen my connections post-degree as well.

At the same time, I, like many of my colleagues, took on the role of undergrad tutor. I participated in this position for nearly the entirety of my academic career at Edinburgh and enjoyed every minute of my time. The students were bright, passionate and eager to learn, which made being around them all the more enjoyable.

I do not think there is anything I would have changed on my path. I worked on publications, taught, helped students enjoy a field I care for so much and all of this happened while meeting what will surely be friends for life.

My experiences since graduating

Since graduating I have gone on to take the position of Director of Collections and Exhibits at the Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Sciences. The road to get here has been long, but such are the challenges of exiting academia in the middle of a pandemic. I am excited to be back in a museum setting and am looking forward to all the challenges it will bring in the years to come.

It was not easy to leave a city, university and company of friends when things everywhere are so uncertain. Reality had a different plan and so you put your head down and grind away. You have to make your own opportunities and I credit my planning and time with my supervisors as a means to get over the post-student bump. Through it all I received support from friends and faculty. Words of encouragement were never far away and while they cannot solve all of your problems, they certainly gave me hope.

My advice to new and current students

I think most students entering into the arts know that there will be challenges ahead of them while studying and following the completion of their degree. What makes us stronger as a field is our reliance on one another to push things forward. Help your friends setup small shows, intern for free at every opportunity, take small positions in galleries and museums. Every minute you spend around the material you are passionate about will only make you a stronger candidate for jobs, degrees and whatever it is you want to pursue in life.