I’m fully aware of how abysmal the job market is for librarians in general. I have a STEM PhD and substantial job experience in my field. To what extent (if any) does that benefit career prospects if I were to make a career shift and complete an MLIS, particularly if my preference would be working in an academic library?

not sure if this has been asked before, but i'm currently looking in to applying to grad school for my mls for fall 2027. i have a dilemma: most of the advice i've seen on here says that the network you build through your mls is the most valuable benefit and is what helps you get jobs. i was originally planning on going abroad (i'm based in the US) for my mls, and applying to university college london's program. however, i know that after i finish my degree, i will be immediately moving to los angeles california, as that is where my long term partner currently resides. does it not make sense to build a network of connections in a place that i won't be staying in post-grad and that has little connection to where i will be? should i consider a school (maybe ucla) in california instead to build that network where i will be starting my career? any advice would be much appreciated.