Professional Experience

Pre-requisites: ARST 510, ARST 515, ARST 516, ARST 520, and successful completion of 24 credits of studies in the MAS program. Courses directly relevant to the nature of a project will also be prerequisite or co-requisite, at the discretion of the Chair of the Archival Studies program.

Objectives: After completion of a Professional Experience project, the student will have developed the following:

1. Experience and skill in applying theory to a particular area of professional practice in a particular archive, organization, or information service.
2.  Experience in project planning and management, under supervision, but with considerable independence and initiative.
3. Skills in time management and priority planning.
4. Interpersonal skills needed to work professionally and effectively within an institution or organization.

Selection of Project and Supervisor: This course consists of a definable project, most often proposed by an archive, institution or organization, and approved by the Student Services Coordinator in conjunction with the Chair of the Archival Studies program as being appropriate for 3 credits. The Coordinator maintains a list of proposals from which students may choose a suitable project. If, however, there is no proposal for a project in an area of special interest to the student, the Coordinator will work with a student to arrange a project with a practicing professional. Students should speak with the Students Services Coordinator to discuss the procedures for applying for or arranging a project.

Scheduling: Students must be prepared to devote approximately 120 hours on the project. This amounts to an average of 10-11 hours per week for a project carried out over a 12 or 13 week term. However, if the student wishes to condense the 120 hours into a shorter time period, or to extend it to a longer time period, this can be arranged with the supervisor and the Student Services Coordinator. Registration: The Student Services Coordinator will register students for the course once the project has been approved by the School and arrangements confirmed with the project supervisor.