Ellin Belton – MA English and Culture graduate

“…all experiences help to build who we are.”

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

I was already working in preventive conservation during my time of study, working for both the National Trust and Chatsworth House. Thus, after graduation, I continued in this line of work.

Has your career path changed since graduation?

I have moved up the career ladder and now work for English Heritage.

What is the most difficult thing which you have faced in your career?

There are very few roles in my chosen field; this often requires moving, across the country or abroad, for work. Financially, there are more lucrative career paths.

What is the best, most exciting or fun thing that you have done in your career?

The best thing that I have done so far in my career has to be working with some wonderful collections, and working in some beautiful buildings.

What, if anything, would you do differently if you could?

This is a difficult question to answer, but I would say that all experiences help to build who we are.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to get in to the same line of work?

Making sure that you get plenty of practice networking and volunteering alongside your studies, as this is the key to success.

How did studying at Plymouth help you?

Having completed my studies at Plymouth means that I have gained a valuable educational qualification; this has stood me in good stead in the job market.

What is your favourite memory of studying at Plymouth?

I really enjoyed the fact that there was a good breadth of visits to historic sites; such helped bring the teaching alive.