What do you want to be when you grow up?
Blogging science to life
Fri 16 December 2011, Written by: Bonnie
Bonnie Buckley is currently doing an MsC in Science Communication in UWE and volunteers in At-Bristol in her spare time. Recently she met up with Goéry Delacôte, CEO of At-Bristol to discuss the practicalities of running a science centre and achieving your dreams.
One of the very first questions often asked of us when younger is, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” and discovering the answer to this question is quite exciting. However, once you know the answer, you are then faced with the next question, “how do I achieve my career goal?”
My career aspirations are to one day lead a science centre. To complement my educational pursuit of a Science Communication MSc, I began volunteering at At-Bristol in October. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Goéry Delacôte, At-Bristol’s Chief Executive Officer, to discuss his view on some of the abilities and talent needed to successfully lead a science centre.
Following our discussion, I have gained knowledge toward further developments to focus on as I continue to learn and expand my experience in the field. Some of the highlights were:
- It is important to always have a strategy and be passionate and intelligent.
- Know the needs of your audiences in relation to your mission and travel to those that are unable to come to you.
- When building a network, create the need for a network, making it advantageous for all involved.
- Be an enabler for the people you work with, highlighting the strengths of individuals to produce a successful product as a team.
The remainder of my day was spent helping visitors create Christmas toys and ornaments in Santa's Invention workshop in Live Lab. While cutting felt and tying ribbon, I felt a sense of excitement over the prospect of the many future experiences, projects, visitor interactions, and programmes that I will continue to learn from on my adventure to one day leading a science centre.
My recent discussion with Goéry Delacôte will remain as a prominent moment of learning. His insight, wisdom, and advice have added to my motivation and passion for my chosen career goal. The question that now resonates in my mind, a question I was asked during our conversation, is “are you determined?”
Find more information about the At-Bristol volunteering scheme here
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