Case studies
Jennifer Carding graduated with a history of art degree and she shares her career path since leaving the university.
Jennifer Carding, Picture Library Sales Executive, Tate
What is your current role and what does it involve?
As a picture library sales executive at Tate, I work with a wide range of clients in the exhibition and publishing sectors, supplying images for reproduction.
I also collaborate with internal Tate teams on merchandise and exhibition projects. A key part of my role involves advising on copyright, both in relation to artworks and images where Tate holds the rights.
How did your Nottingham degree support your career ambitions?
My history of art degree from Nottingham provided a strong foundation for my role at Tate.
It developed my critical thinking and visual analysis skills, which are essential when working with artworks and image licensing. The course also gave me a deep understanding of art history and context, which I draw on regularly when liaising with clients and advising on copyright.
Studying something I was passionate about helped shape my ambition to work in the arts sector and ultimately led me to a career at Tate.
What knowledge or skills from your degree to you use in your current job?
My degree gave me a solid understanding of visual culture and art historical context, which is invaluable when working with Tate’s image library. I regularly draw on my research and analytical skills when identifying artworks and advising clients.
The degree also helped me develop strong written communication skills, which I use when liaising with clients, writing image captions, and advising on copyright issues.