Eilish Calnan
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Cornwall Council
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
I have continued my career in the cultural sector, specifically in museums and heritage. I have worked with Cornwall Museums Partnership as a project officer and continued voluntary roles as a trustee at the Museum of Cornish Life and Kids in Museums.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
I chose this career out of a love for museums and heritage, a desire to do a public good and serve my community. I value museums and culture and believe everyone should have access to cultural provision. I enjoy most interacting with cultural organisations and supporting their important work to their communities.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
I ran Sostena Theatre and was a committee member for the History Society
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
I enjoyed most the ability and support to do work experience within my chosen sector, I also enjoyed the specificity of my degree; I was able to specialise in public history and Celtic history, both of which have served my career.
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
The variety of my course content, studying in Kernow and living and studying on a small campus in a beautiful setting
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
The course content; I knew I wanted to work in museums and I was able to focus my degree on museums
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
Everything I picked up through work experience, at Glasnevin Cemetery Museum and Penryn Archives. I learnt valuable research and written skills
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Do as much work experience and volunteering as possible, in this sector it is a lot about who you know, get out and meet people in the sector. Tangible experience is so valuable. You also don’t need a MA to succeed!
What are your plans for the future?
To continue working in the cultural and creative sector in Kernow, and continue my voluntary work with cultural organisations. To enjoy my life in Kernow!
