I am currently completing a Master of Art in Museum Studies at the 
University of Leicester (UK). 
Here is a short report about my experience with professional museum 
organisations.
During the registration week, in September, a package from the British 
Museums Association (MA) has been included in the welcome pack, with the 
last issue of the Museums Journal, the code of ethics published by the MA 
and a leaflet to join the MA with concession rates. A MA representative 
also delivered a course about continuing professional development and the 
possibilities offered by the MA for CPD.
We have been told about the ICOM during the introductory lectures to give 
us the big picture of the professional museum world. We have been 
encouraged to browse the ICOM website to find interesting resources. And a 
teaching staff member told us about the ICOM conference in Korea because 
she took part in.
Some students have subscribed to the MA. I don't know if any of us has 
subscribed to the ICOM. 

Probably we don't see the objectives and aims of the ICOM or they may seem 
too far from day-to-day concerns while still studying and afterwards, when 
beginning in a museum position.

The way young members could interact is also crucial: international 
conferences may not be affordable for museum professionals, and especially 
for young museum professionals.

While the British national agenda stresses the importance of the Internet 
to reach the widest audience possible, it seems it could play a 
significant role to involve - new - young ICOM members in the 
organisation's life.

To conclude this little report - hopefully useful, the creation of ICOM 
youth groups sounds very relevant, to develop reflection, good practice 
and foster interpersonal professional relationships and networks, right 
from the beginning of a career.

Best regards.

Guillaume Evrard
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