Exotic museum careers like entomology, archaeology and botany aren't just for people who come from privileged backgrounds, they are possible for everyone.
Exotic museum careers like entomology, archaeology and botany aren't just for people who come from privileged backgrounds, they are possible for everyone.
This was the message of Albany Museum Education Officer Nozipho Madinda who organised the museum careers day this week.
Grade 10 and 11 pupils from local schools go to learn about exotic jobs in the museum industry on Wednesday 30 October.
The day was themed around careers that are often neglected or considered 'privileged'.
Madinda explained, "these careers are very challenging and for now mostly dominated by white people. I would like that to change so black pupils would also consider becoming archaeologists, entomologists, botanists or historians.
"We want to open doors for everyone because museum careers are accessible to everyone."
One of the day's guest speakers, archaeologist Dr Celeste Booth, said it was great bring out staff from different departments to show the pupils what goes on in the museum.
"I think it's very important to explain to kids that there are different ways to study and how to go about it," Booth said, "and that these careers are for everyone, even for the poor, but they have to study hard and do well in school."
Siyamthanda Matiwane, Grade 10 pupil from Mary Waters High School, said she is now interested in pursuing a career in entomology.
"I was confused before about whether to study medicine, but now I know what I want and I will definitely consider entomology as a career."
Graeme College Grade 11 pupil David Jackson said the careers workshop was very useful and he's now more clued up about what he wants to study.
"I have a better idea of what archaeology is and where it can take me," Jackson said.
"There are so many different careers that are in my reach, the sky is the limit."
