Work experience at GWL

Hi there! I’m Anna (she/her), I’m 17 and I did my work experience placement at Glasgow Women’s Library, my experience there was really important to me as it has given me a great starting point to learn more about the experience of women all around the UK. So, I would definitely encourage other young women with any interests to get involved and check GWL out!

When I applied to GWL I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I had found out about them through their heritage walks (which are very detailed and intriguing accounts of the history of women around Glasgow) so I was slightly worried I wasn’t going to fit in because of a lack of knowledge on women’s history. However, I was proved wrong as soon as I arrived. I was met with a warm welcome and I discovered almost immediately that GWL wasn’t intimidating at all, but instead a warm environment where curiosity is met with great enthusiasm.

On my first day, I met Ren at the front desk and they gave me a detailed and exciting tour around the library in the morning. I got to see all the exhibitions and I even got to check out the archive room. And in the afternoon I had the opportunity to sit in on a podcast recording about the story of GWL. The second day, I attended the team meeting reflecting on all the events from the spring program and planning for the autumn program. I was pleasantly surprised by the huge variety of events that GWL organise and host, there is almost certainly an event on for any interest. My third and fourth day at GWL I was writing this blog while sitting in the office, I really valued this experience as it gave me better insight into what an office style job is like and I really enjoyed seeing how GWL staff work as a team in order to support each other. Overall, my experience at GWL has been a great learning experience for me to have some better insight into how different types of offices and workplaces collaborate.

GWL is a great space for people to gain more knowledge and understanding of the history and culture around of women not just in Glasgow but all over the UK regardless of their backgrounds. This is why it’s so important for young women to get involved in GWL because it’s a space that nurtures learning and helps people grow in confidence through their conversation cafes and various other events. Thanks for reading!