Interview with Ellie Hughes 2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduate

19 Dec 2024
Meet Ellie Hughes! The 2024 Vice Chancellor's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduate.

The UQ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduate Program offers opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates to develop and grow as professionals by gaining valuable experience in a professional position at UQ. 

Ellie Hughes worked with the RD Milns Antiquities Museum on a range of tasks relating to museum operations and was primarily focused on establishing and extending her skills as a material culture and provenance researcher. This involved in-depth research into the Museum’s collection archives, correspondence with antiquities dealers and other stakeholders, and archival and book research. The results of Ellie’s research are being reviewed by the Mediterranean Archaeology journal at the University of Sydney. 

Q1. Hi Ellie! Could you introduce yourself to us?

Hi! My name is Ellie Hughes, I am 23, and I received a Bachelor of Arts with an extended major in Ancient History in 2023. Prior to my degree at UQ I did a Diploma of Higher Education at JCU as I had not completed high school!

Q2. Why did you apply for the Vice Chancellor’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduate program?

Initially I applied for the graduate program to take a break from my studies before starting Honours. However, the more I got familiar with the museum space, the more I enjoyed the work and eventually I wanted to see where it might lead.

Q3. What was a highlight working with the RD Milns Antiquities Museum?

Being able gain practical experience in a professional workspace, handling and analysing artefacts, was really great and getting to work with the incredible staff of the Antiquities Museum was definitely a memorable experience. A particular highlight for me was going to the International Symposium on Archaeometry, a conference in Melbourne that I was able to attend due to the professional development nature of the program.

Q4. What relevant skills and knowledge did you develop in the program?

Over the course of the program, I was able to significantly develop my research skills as I looked into the Antiquities Museum’s Persian bronze collection. I was also able to develop my networking skills as I attended conferences and was introduced to many people by the museum team, growing my connections in industry.

Q5. How did your undergraduate training in Classics and Ancient History help to prepare you for other museum roles?

My undergraduate training really prepared me for other museum roles by helping develop research and writing skills, along with improving my critical thinking. The courses I took as an undergrad gave me a wide perspective on classics and ancient history and provided a substantial amount of background knowledge to move into a professional workspace.

Q6. If you could give one piece of advice to undergraduate students looking toward a career in Museum spaces, what would that be?

My advice would be to start making connections in industry and building a network. Museums are the kind of space where everyone knows everyone and getting to know people in industry can be really helpful for, not only job opportunities, but advice on industry or future studies as well.

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