Practical work done in parallel with theoretical studying and research clearly has benefits; it helps students develop and acquire transferrable skills, thereby making them more employable and giving them critical thinking abilities which they will undoubtedly use in their professional and personal life.
But for students who have already been practising what they’re studying, university life takes a slightly different tinge. Rather than finding direction, it’s about mastering soft skills, making professional contacts, integrating theory with experience to leverage one’s competitiveness, or simply personal development.
Newspoint chats with Tony Cassar, who has just concluded his MA thesis on researching digital tools for enhancing experiences in museums.
Tony’s university life kicked off 22 years ago, when he read for a B.Com (Hons) with a specialisation in management and marketing. His first degree led him down the path of setting up his own multimedia company, with offices in Malta and Hungary.
Around 8 years ago, his company, Cyberspace.mt, was doing well enough to allow him to diversify into multimedia systems for Cultural Heritage. He took the opportunity head-on, and pursued all the work, trials and tribulations that came with this exciting area of specialisation.
Little did he know how useful this connection between work and his studies would become against the background of a global pandemic which would change the way people consume art as we know it.
“It’s an experience I would recommend to anyone – learning at any age helps you grow not just academically, but as an artist or professional”, Tony concluded.