We have recently had a discssuion on our alumni listserv ([log in to unmask]) about the difficulty of getting the first job after leaving the Masters Degree Museum Studies programs. Certainly, a number of UK ex-students have been unable to find employment in the first 12-18months after leaving the program, however, our students' overall success in gaining employment shows the real situation: The most recent employment survey (1997-2002) looking into the first destinations of recent graduates found the following: (Response rate for home students 84%, EU/International students 43%) Total number graduating = 325 Total number of respondents = 227 In employment = 205 (90%) Further training or study = 8 (4%) Not available for employment, training or study = 3 (1%) Seeking employment or training = 11 (5%) If those reading this listserv are concerned (rightly) that such programs should enhance their chances of getting a job, then I hope they are reassured by the actual results; 95% of graduates from the program seem to get what they want from the employment/training/study market. As I said at the beginning, all this applies to UK students. Plainly there are enhanced difficulties for those from outside the European Union, mainly the question of work permits. It is worthwhile following Trevor's advice and pointers on this matter. Finally, approximately 50% of our students this year are international (i.e. outside EU) so we believe we have a pretty universal acceptance in the profession. I hope this is still true. For more information on the various programs at University of Leicester, go to www.le.ac.uk/museumstudies. Sorry for the advert, but that's my job. Look out for coming announcement of The Leicester Study Series for Professional Development. Early next week! Jim Roberts Webmaster University Of Leicester Department of Museum Studies ========================================================= 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).