Empowering Future Museum Professionals: Langson IMCA’s Student Museum Immersion Program

January 27, 2025

At Langson IMCA, we are committed to fostering the next generation of museum professionals. Our Langson IMCA Student Museum Immersion Program (SMIP) provides UC Irvine undergraduate and graduate students with an  immersive experience  combining hands-on museum work with invaluable professional development opportunities. Developed and administered by UC Irvine’s art museum, this program is at the heart of our mission, creating pathways for students to build both the technical and soft skills necessary to thrive in the arts and culture field.

A Foundation for Growth and Learning

The program is designed to offer students a flexible and supportive work environment, balancing their academic commitments with practical museum experience. Students work closely with our professional staff, taking on a range of tasks and often focusing on specific projects that align with their interests and career goals. While providing general support for day-to-day museum operations, students are exposed to the broad spectrum of museum work, from curating exhibitions to managing collections, guest services, and beyond.

Chanelle Mandell, associate museum registrar at Langson IMCA, shares, “During the academic year, the program offers students a valuable overview of museum operations, especially in the Collections department. It connects them to professionals in the field, giving them exposure to various museum careers. It’s an opportunity that benefits both our small but mighty staff and the students, as we get to mentor and provide guidance while they contribute to the Museum’s day-to-day work.”

Bridging Campus and Career: A Supportive Environment for All

With a focus on inclusivity and innovation, our program welcomes students from all backgrounds, fostering a supportive community where they can grow professionally and personally. By strengthening the bond between UC Irvine and Langson IMCA, we not only enhance the Museum’s role as a hub of educational and cultural exploration but also help students transition smoothly from campus life to their future careers in the museum world and related occupations.

The program’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. Students gain real-world experience, often participating in various museum functions that enhance their understanding of museum operations and career possibilities. The skills they develop at Langson IMCA provide them with a solid foundation for success, both in the museum field and in other related industries.

A Student’s Journey: From Visitor Services to Curation

For Bernice Li [class of 202X], a student worker who started in fall 2023, it has been a transformative experience. "Langson IMCA was my first real exposure to the inner workings of an art museum, and it sparked my interest in museum work," Bernice reflects. Before joining the Museum, she had worked as a gallery attendant on campus and her time at Langson IMCA introduced her to the more technical aspects of museum operations.

As she worked alongside Chanelle in Collections, Bernice learned how exhibitions and collections are managed, gaining insight into the diverse roles that make museum operations run smoothly. This experience, she says, ignited her passion for curation. "My experience at Langson IMCA inspired me to apply for a position at the Huntington Library, Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, where I am able to deepen my knowledge and expand my work in this field. None of this would have been possible without the foundation I gained at Langson IMCA!"

From Langson IMCA to the Huntington: A Journey of Growth and Professional Discovery

Bernice now works in visitor and membership services at The Huntington, where she greets guests, guides them through exhibitions, and ensures they have a positive, tailored experience throughout their visit to the 207-acre property.

Now a senior double majoring in Art and Psychological Science at UC Irvine, Bernice plans to apply for an internship in the Education department at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. Her story exemplifies the powerful impact of Langson IMCA’s SMIP—empowering students to take the first steps toward careers in the arts.

Cultivating Professional Connections and Teamwork

One of the key benefits of the program is the opportunity for students to work collaboratively with professionals in the field. Bernice notes, "This was my first time working with a team and learning how to collaborate effectively. I gained insight into the operations behind the scenes, which helped me build a network of professionals in the museum world."

As Langson IMCA continues to expand its Student Museum Immersion Program, stories like Bernice’s highlight the program’s profound impact on students’ professional growth. Whether they’re interested in curation, education, visitor services, marketing, or collections management, our student workers are gaining the skills, knowledge, and connections they need to succeed while enhancing their UC Irvine experience.

Langson IMCA provides a variety of opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students to contribute to the museum, drawing on a wide range of disciplines. UC Irvine students interested in working with Langson IMCA during the academic year or over the summer are encouraged to join our email list at the bottom of the page and follow us on Instagram to stay updated on the latest opportunities.

Bernice Li
Bernice Li

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