Siyan Zhang

I graduated from MA Events & Experience Management in 2018. The programme was the best choice to start my academic journey at Goldsmiths.

The course blended theoretical research and practical projects. In the first term, under the supervision of our course leader, Dr Sarah Linden, we did a project at the National Gallery with their Events Team. From looking at the floor plan to pitching our ideas at the National Gallery, we quickly gained first-handed events planning experience.

This course also supported us to attend social networking events such as a conference held at the National Gallery, which invited many directors from a diverse set of museums. These events gave us the platform and opportunities to build connections with experts in the arts and culture industry.

For my optional module, I chose Education, Interpretation and Communication in the Art Museum led by Dr Sylvia Lahav. We visited different museums each week, including Tate, V&A, Museum of London; we also had various workshops at different museums. It was a truly valuable experience to touch on what it looks like from the inside of art museums. I learned so much from each module.

Inspired by my studies at Goldsmiths, I volunteered at the Freud Museum London, working with the Education department and Events department. I enjoyed my working time with my dear colleagues at the Freud Museum, I always think they have the most creative team for a small museum.

The Institute for Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship allowed me to explore my enthusiasm for arts and culture, question what I wanted to learn, and how I wanted to learn. The staff are always supportive and encourage you to explore your ideas, get in touch with professionals in various institutions and give you the freedom to chase your dreams. We also held our own branding events while we were studying.

I now work in London as an Events Manager for an educational charity specialising in psychodynamic psychotherapy.