Qualifications: Integrated Heritage Resource Management Practice NQF level 6
What inspired you to make this career choice?
I started volunteering in Selmar Schonland Herbarium (inside the Albany Museum) in 2009 simply because no university wanted to take me in as I didn’t meet their minimum requirements. So I decided to volunteer at Albany Museum as opposed to sitting at home and doing nothing. I chose the herbarium because I wanted to learn more about plants. It was my first time even hearing about it and I was quite interested to find out what happens in a herbarium.
Give a brief description of what your job entails:
I mount new specimens; do Plant Identifications; encode specimens onto the BODATSA database and the Quality Control thereof. Packaging specimen loan parcels; filing mounted specimens and assisting clients that visit the Herbarium also form part of my responsibilities.
How does it contribute to Collections Management?
What I do ensures that our institution’s specimen info is available to other scientists internationally; that there is a paper and electronic record of the movement of our specimens inter-institutionally; that incoming specimens are identified correctly and mounted according to our standards.
What is the most exciting aspect of your job?
Plant Identifications and teaching students that visit the herbarium. Twelve years ago, I was in their shoes, marvelling at this new world I found myself in. I get to relive that moment each time I am with a visiting student group.
What advice would you give to young people considering a career within Scientific Collections Management?
Being a lawyer; accountant; doctor is not for everyone. Sometimes it is nice to step off the “beaten track” and do something different. These lesser-known careers, particularly in the sciences, do have permanent jobs, internships and contracts. It is those very same internships that open doors to better prospects. Also, rather than sitting at home doing nothing, consider volunteering, so that you can have experience, even if you don’t have qualifications.
What does Leadership mean to you?
Leadership means that you, me, anyone can also be a leader. You need to remain positive about your future, despite the challenges that will surely come. If you tell yourself that you can do it and put in the necessary work, then no matter what it takes, you WILL achieve your goals. In doing so, you will inspire others … and a Leader is someone who is inspirational.
Contact Fulu at fulufhelo@nscf.org.za to be profiled.