I am planning to start LLM in IT Law and Telecommunications Law in the Strathclyde University Glasgow this year.
Trying to evaluate my career prospects I am thinking of the following:
- I already have MA in International economic relations / Translation dated 1998 (Ukrainian degree)
- I live in Ukraine and don't think there are many good opportunities for specialists in this field here so far
- Very often I see job announcements in various fields stating "no part-time students please", and so I think that considering local situation with "only developing" distance education many local employers will prefer to hire "full-time graduates" even though they won't have such a specialization (there is no local law degree with TMT/IT specialization)
- I don't think it will be easy for me to find a relevant job in another country, since I am not even an EU citizen (though I think I will apply...)
- After all I am rather selective when it comes to job: I have to think about my family and daughter, I have to consider higher cost of living in EU (if only I will be able to find something interesting/relevant) and the fact that my income there will probably be less (at least for some time) than I have here.

But I am very interested in the subject I have chosen, and have to decide what I should do to ensure further self-development in this field. May be I should think of further studies, such as PhD or any similar activities?

My question is what should I remember about and which steps should I take during my 2 years of studies to still have freedom in choosing either of paths? May be there are any other oppportunities which I should think of and which I do not know yet?

Thank you for your opinions.

If you excel in your studies at LL.M level (distinction would be an indicator of such success) then you will have greater opportunities in academia. There are few jobs as research associates, but sometimes studentships will be made available which combines your research work with a PhD. Typically there are many candidates for such positions, so the higher your score, the more success you will find in your subsequent career.

A PhD is certainly an option, post-llm, but that's a minimum of 3 years more study in most cases.

Have you also considered applying to related courses elsewhere in the UK via distance learning? Perhaps other programmes with different subject focus, may open different doors?

Your success in commercial enterprise will depend not just on your LL.M but your previous academic and employment history.

Hope that helps somewhat.

Colin.

Thank you, Colin.
I have replied to you by e-mail.

I'd appreciate if anyone could share any other opinions.