russian is in demand (otago etc)

[m.k. scanlon]

..  truly think it is a sad thing that apparently some of you are not aware of
the benefits of Russian. One can use their Russian in any field, it adds
lustre and versatility to anyone's resume and I always receive a great deal
of amazement and praise when one finds out that I know Russian. 
I too receive a great deal of amazement and praise when people find out about my Russian and my Serbo-Croatian as well. That,  however is not the point. 

The point is that I am working as a computer programmer because my efforts to find a use for my Russian were fruitless.  Indeed,  I was considering furthering my Slavic language studies,  but the combination of a lack of career opportunities and all the academic job cuts have pretty well discouraged me.

I am offended that someone (I will not name names) said that my argument is the "thats the
way it is" cliche..
  
Since everything is posted with the name of the sender I find your delicacy in this matter somewhat artificial.  I am sorry that my comment offended you,  but you merely reasserted the point of your first posting without adding any sort of data or even anecdotal information to back it up.  

As I expressed before, I would truly be interested in knowing about these abundant career opportunities.  Having,  after the fall of the S.S.S.R.,  lost my Russian job with many of my colleagues,  I hold my opinion because of my experiences.  If your experiences have been different,  it would be beneficial and encouraging to post more details so that others can have the benefit of your knowledge.  
	
 I don't actually know what you are talking about because if you do not know or agree with the fact that Russian is in demand, I cannot begin to understand why you feel this why. Russian is in high demand, That is the unbiased truth.

Check out any webpage of a major university and you will see a page devoted to the graduates of Russian and the marvelous things you can do with Russian. It takes creativity and imagination to make any major into a lifelong  career.

Once again, the presence of concrete data,  such as URL's or the names of the Universities which   have these web pages would make your posting much more helpful to those of us who are truly interested in possible careers using our Russian.

Please stop sending me negative mail about the absence of careers in Russian
language skills.

I can only answer for myself,  but my criticism was directed not towards the value of your opinions,  or even towards the presence or absence of careers in Russian,  but towards the lack of detail in supporting your position.  I was disappointed by this because I would truly love to believe what you are saying,  but I need some help to do so.  

Please,  would you be so good as to provide some specific examples of the demand you refer to so that I and others who have not been as fortunate as you apparently have been might get some constructive ideas that we might use for ourselves?

kscanlon at flash.net