Malavika
Malavika is studying for MA International Heritage Management and Consultancy at the Penryn Campus in Cornwall
Why did you choose Exeter?
The course and curriculum were my main motivation to apply to the course. Also, I received an immediate reply from the course conveyor answering all my queries.
Tell us a bit about the course
I am currently on a work placement. I am working for the Carclew Estate, Truro. The main part of my role is to help the clients in understanding the heritage stock they have on the site and look for options on the conservation and maintenance of the property and the ruins located on the site. This role requires me to use my skills as a conservation architect and heritage manager to envision a sustainable future for the site.
Having work experience has definitely proved beneficial in finding a work life balance as my previous job involved a lot of multitasking. But as a student fresh out of an undergraduate course, my main advice would be to take it slow and weigh out the workload you have for each week before committing to external activities, sports or a part time job. I do volunteer at the Pendennis Castle and at the Trelissik Garden as a conservation assistant, this I do once or twice a week over the weekend. Besides this, I also work part time with the university as a Unibuddy and a social media ambassador, these roles are pretty flexible and I can dedicate my time as and when is suitable to me.
How does the course help with your career prospects?
The course definitely has a large focus on getting you career ready and provides you with ample opportunity to pursue higher studies as well. The numerous fieldtrips are one of the ways in which we get to learn industry practice by interacting with practitioners and property managers. There are also a few networking events - the one we have this term is the Cornwall Council and UoE collaboration.
Have you any advice to potential Exeter students?
One piece of advice would be to come with an open mind, apply for any or all opportunities that come your way and take up volunteering or working part time with any of the heritage sites around Cornwall to gain a broader experience of the field.
