Professional development provides an important framework for furthering a deeper and more personal understanding of the processes of curating and institutions ranging in scale function . This non-credited but essential requirement of the Curatorial Practice curriculum helps students pursue diverse strategies to extend their knowledge and expertise—through lived experiences—serving in the field of contemporary art and curating. Fulfillment of this requirement include pursuits as diverse as independent research into an artist's processes and practices, short-term work placements/internships, development of international networks and dialogues, discussions and interviews with arts professionals and research into cultural resources and spaces .