Tomsk State University museums as student internship venues: opportunities for learning and professional development

The Tomsk State University (TSU) Museum Complex comprises the TSU History Museum, the Paleontological Museum, the Mineralogical Museum, the Museum of Archaeology, History, and Ethnography of Siberia, the Museum of the History of Physics, the Zoological Museum, and the Book Museum. Currently, museums serve as training grounds for students in various fields - museology, history, design, and journalism. Therefore, analyzing and presenting the lessons learned is essential; the results can be used in developing new curricula. A significant part of the educational process for students majoring in “Museology and Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites” (51.03.04) consists of practical training: Objectives of the introductory training: developing theoretical knowledge in the field of public policy in the sphere of culture; Introduction to museum activities (accounting and collection, scientific research, exhibition management, cultural and educational work); familiarization with modern information technologies used in museum work. Objectives of the project-based technology internship: application of theoretical knowledge of museum activities and museum pedagogy; development of museum communication skills, organization of cultural and educational work in the museum; acquisition of experience in developing tours and conducting interactive classes using IT technologies. Objectives of the collection-based internship include acquiring skills in organizing teamwork to create exhibition projects, including virtual ones; and improvement of skills in working with professional information systems. The museums of Tomsk State University preserve rich collections and conduct active educational work, making them a valuable resource for organizing internships. An internship at a museum allows students to gain experience applying knowledge gained in the following academic disciplines: “Organization of Mass Events”, “Excursion Work”, “Historical Local History”, “Scientific Design of Exhibits”, “Scientific Cataloging of Museum Collections”, “Fundamentals of Attribution and Expertise of Museum Objects” and others. During their internship, students gain new impetus for professional development and growth, developing understanding of the norms and values of social interaction and sociocultural creativity; the quality and diversity of museum programs and events for different population groups; and modern information technologies used in museum activities. The authors declare no conflicts of interests.

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