Ruaraidh Hunter, BA History of Art 2005, is about to follow up his undergraduate studies here with an MA in History of Art (focusing on the History of Costume and Dress). This July he began an internship with the Courtauld’s Development Office, where he has been working three days a week.
“This summer I’ve been working on some exciting projects with Sarah Wilson (Marketing and Events Manager) and with Oliver Davey (Development Database Manager) and learning about marketing in the art world, which I think will stand me in good stead in years to come,” explains Ruaraidh.

“I’ve also been able to attend events at the Courtauld, for instance the Münter exhibition opening, where I was able to meet alumni and friends of the Courtauld in an informal environment. I’ve learned that this job is a lot of fun but not an easy option. A lot of painstaking work and professional behaviour goes into making an event like that run smoothly and it’s been fascinating to get an insider’s view.”

The Development Office at the Courtauld aims to attract students each year with a mix of voluntary and paid opportunities. The chance to learn more about the workings of the Institute and to become involved in the Courtauld community of alumni and friends is something that both Ruaraidh and former Courtauld student Bea Tadros, BA 2005 are keen to promote. Bea, who has recently taken up the sabbatical post of student representative for 2005/06, will have an office next to the Development team’s new home in the heart of the Institute. Development Director Emma Davidson is looking forward to getting to know more of the current students. “To have a good understanding of the needs and interests of students at the Courtauld is a very important part of our work. The volunteer and internship schemes help us get to know people like Ruaraidh, and go some way to showing them work that goes on behind the scenes at their institute.”

Ruaraidh adds “From a student’s perspective this work is also very useful in gaining experience of the wider art world and certainly will be helpful in the future.”

David Whitaker
Alumni Relations Manager