Reflection on my Internship at M+

Before the early summer of 2024, I could never have anticipated that I would embark on a remarkable journey into the world of art—one that would not only cap off my one-year study in MALCS with a flourish but also become a highlight of my academic career.

After completing all my coursework, I decided to explore the industry before diving into my final dissertation. When I received an email from MALCS announcing an opportunity for student assistants at the Asian Avant-Garde Film Festival (AAGFF) to be held at the M+ Museum, I submitted my application immediately. Following a successful interview, I was selected as part of a ten-member team responsible for a range of editorial tasks, including conducting background research on artists, conducting interviews, and creating posts for publication and promotional materials. We were also charged with curatorial responsibilities, guiding visitors, and introducing the exhibits.

[The Internship] provided me with the invaluable opportunity to apply the knowledge I gained in class, allowing me to take my first steps outside the tower of ivory before officially graduating.

Although the internship lasted only half a month, the work was highly demanding. Under the supervision of Jean, all our tasks were conducted in English, with each draft requiring two rounds of reviews and translation sessions before publication. In other words, we also had to proofread and translate our colleagues’ articles in addition to focusing on our own interviews. Among all my experiences, the most unforgettable was my interview with Ruby Yang and Lambert Yam. To participate in the AAGFF, they brought documentaries filmed with a 16mm lens during their university days. Engaging in a deep discussion with these two artists enabled me to encapsulate their interpretations of "Avant-Garde Film" and the stories behind their work in my article titled "Experimenting with 16mm".

Reflecting on the internship, I find it to be incredibly fruitful. It provided me with the invaluable opportunity to apply the knowledge I gained in class, allowing me to take my first steps outside the tower of ivory before officially graduating. Additionally, it significantly benefited my job hunting in Hong Kong. The skills I acquired in interviewing and engaging with employers are lessons not found in textbooks.