Elizabeth Spencer, Pickford's House Museum
What motivated you to become a mentor?
Elizabeth Spencer
Principal Keeper
Pickford's House Museum
I became a mentor in 2008 when I was approached by the Scheme Co-ordinator on behalf of a student who was looking for unpaid summer work experience and mentoring in a museum setting.
What activities did you organise for your mentee?
I was very lucky to have a mentee who was really well suited to a placement in museums and the relationship was very much two-way. I was keen for my student to have some real experience of working in a museum, which included working with objects, recording damage and repacking items after a flood, listing history file information electronically, helping with public events and being part of public enquiries. My mentee had a particular specialism in lace and was able to bring to her role a whole new dimension.
What did you find most enjoyable?
I think the perspective that the mentee was able to bring was really refreshing. I thoroughly enjoyed working alongside her. I was very interested in following my mentee's progress and watching her career evolve.
What were the outcomes for you/your organisation?
We have established a relationship which I hope will be enduring in the sense that my mentee has been back since to help advise on lace.
Would you do it again?
Yes!
What advice would you give to potential mentors?
I think it's a really valuable thing to do, both for the student and the organisation. I would say go with what the mentee wants and enjoy finding ways of fulfilling what the mentee needs.
