I'll echo what Jennifer said.  The director of my program retired half way thru my degree. While I didn't think much of that at the time, it was a distinct disadvantage for me, because I couldn't use the retired director as a reference, and after all, she was a primary reason I was
admitted to the school in the first place. The program gave the reason that she needed not to be continuously contacted by the students.  That's perfectly understandable, but left me in the lurch.

And ask, BIG TIME, how the program goes about helping you find a job.  It's taken me nearly two years to recover my enthusiasm for job hunting [I graduated in 98, started in 95 - worked full time while in school].  There was not a good system in place while I was there.  There is
now, and it has been of great help to me, especially the list serve later developed.  Part of the previous situation was due to no or little net savvy.  The school and professors aren't to be blamed for that, it was just the situation.  I was not totally aware of the importance and
necessity for a strong net presence.

Ann Odette


Jennifer Holt wrote:

> Speaking from experience, make sure the director of the program isn't going
> into semi-retirement immediately after you get there. If s/he is, get all
> paperwork done early (program plans etc.). If they already have a new
> director in mind, meet the person to make sure you "click" (this may sound
> silly, but personality conflicts can ruin your time at grad school, and the
> beginnings of your career). Also, make absolutely sure the program can
> support your specific field of interest. Don't take the catalog's word for
> it...find out from the department secretary what classes are going to be
> taught in the next year or so and who is teaching them. Make sure that when
> the university says you can have necessary coursework done in a certain
> amount of time that's true. Find out what each faculty memeber's area of
> expertise is. Talk to them if you can about their interests. Just because the
> catalog says they have someone who is interested in the same thing you are,
> doesn't mean that person is actually going to be teaching classes while you
> are there.
>
> Above all, remember that it's your life, your career, your decision and your
> money. I can assure you that there isn't a question out there professors,
> directors and secretarys haven't heard before. Don't be afraid to ask...a lot
> is riding on you choosing the right program.
>
> Good luck!!
>
> =========================================================
> Important Subscriber Information:
>
> The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).
>
> If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).