IRbuff

On another note, anyone interested in Munk alumni statistics can also go over here: https://munkschool.utoronto.ca/mga/alumni-page/ As I stated earlier, my most prominent gripe was the fact that tuition is too high and I absolutely detest that. All the other contentions I have with the program are not unusual for newly established institutions. Having said that however, I think the quality of the experience (even compared to just its Canadian peers) and its trajectory is on the up. Having seen what the program has achieved in less than 10 years, I can only imagine where it will be in the next 10+ years. Since its initial cohort, the program has grown exponentially in reputation, influence, quality, coverage, scope, and offering. If you consider the degree as an investment or stock equivalent, I'd say it will continue on the up.

Some background: I came to Canada as an international student and did my undergrad at SFU. Considering Canada’s favorable immigration processes and the fact that I had already stayed here for 4 years, I decided that it would be better to choose a Canadian school of any of my other options. From the options before me, I wanted a program that was both academic and professional in its tint. I wasn’t convinced that I wanted to spend more time in academia, but wanted to keep the option open. While deciding b/w the schools, the only real contenders for me were Munk, LSE, and UOttawa. I said no to LSE but because I wanted a 2 year degree experience over the 1 year offered by the school. Plus I knew that immigration would be an issue in London. If I was going to spend money and time on a degree I wanted to do it right and not rush through it for the sake of having a diploma in hand. The two year experience provides ample time to be involved in a host of different activities, network, take more courses and really take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. UOttawa, while cheaper and with funding, was out for me because as an international student, I knew that government was never going to be my first entry point into the professional world. But besides that, Toronto has opportunities, life, and a network that Ottawa cannot match….especially if you want to keep your employment options flexible. It is for this same reason that I did not bother applying to NPSIA either. I don’t think the program is oriented towards sufficiently attracting international students (period), let alone high caliber international students. Munk Upsides: - The program does attract some very smart students with an array of different background and experiences (e.g. global health, neuro science, Polis ci, IR, engineering etc.). In this sense I think it provides students with exposure to how different subject areas mesh together in policy arenas. In addition, it meant the intellectual environment was quite diverse as well, rather than just being saturated by poli sci people. - Considering the school has only been around since 2011, in such a short period of time, it has been able to establish itself quite well. Munk alumni are recognized and sought after various professional environment from consulting, health policy, government (federal and provincial), international institutions etc. In this sense, the alumni network is quite wide and varied. - The simple fact that it is located in Toronto and associated with UofT speaks for itself. On top of that, UofT considers Munk as one of its star schools/programs, so that exposure upward trajectory for the school will only continue. - The program and courses are designed in such a way that it forces you to go outside your comfort zone. I initially started as a global security buff but through the Munk courses and other opportunities, I was able to dabble with other global affairs areas and topics such as risk, money laundering, global tax policy, global markets etc. When I first joined Munk, I wasn’t particularly looking forward to this, but It has turned out to be a blessing. Security was an area I already knew, but my exposure to these other subjects provided a more comprehensive understanding of global affairs. - At the same time students are given ample opportunity to customize their courses in year 2 and focus on whichever areas they would like to. - The Munk Fellows, Board of Directors and other individuals affiliated with the school are a boon in terms of networking. They are well connected and but underutilized by the student body. - Munk does have a variety of events and conferences that take place throughout the year. Due to its location in Toronto and association with UofT (and the Rotman school’s MBA, UofT Law etc.), the school gets some real top notch speakers. - Building on the previous point, the school allows you to take courses with the law, MBA, environmental studies, health policy, and other well established UofT depts. - The school also has some really good global exchange programs that continue to grow and develop. - The school is associated with some great thinkers and leaders. Stephen Toope was our previous head (now the VC of Cambridge University in the UK) and now Michael Sabia’s name, experience, and reputation speaks for itself. - The Munk Internship program has grown and expanded since I attended in 2015. While I obtained my own internship independently (I was a threat intelligence analyst with Scotiabank; political risk), I have since tried fostering stronger ties b/w the internship and the school. Other alumni have done similar things and the internship program continues to grow. Students go everywhere from the private sector, govt, to international organizations. The reach is pretty wide. - Besides internships, the school offers ample paid research opportunities on a variety of interesting topics, along with international experiences (conferences, trips etc.). - I think the capstone component is brilliant. My team did ours with Export Development Canada, looking at risk and opportunities associated with Canadian companies trying enter into the Chinese markets for renewable energy (waste water treatment, solar, wind, nuclear) and transportation (shipping, aviation, auto, trains). We had the opportunity to work closely with an EDC mentor, produce a report, and present our findings to the EDC chief economist in Ottawa. While applying for jobs and in interviews, hiring managers loved to hear about this kind of work experience and I did not shy away from sharing the report we published (as an example of the type of work conducted by Munk students). - The program attracts many international students from different background, which enriches the insights and experiences you have throughout your 2 years. - One of the strongest components for me is the Munk Community. The program is designed in such a way that you are forced to jump head first into work and spend copious amounts of time with fellow classmates. In terms of program design, whether by purpose or pure coincidence, Munk has created a very tight knit and deep community. I have noticed cohort after cohort, these relationships endure well after people graduate. I myself spend most of my time with Munk alumni who graduated before me, in my year, and after me…and continue to interact with new students and alumni. These people truly are smart and ambitious. Im not sure whether to credit Munk (the institution) with this observation though. - I think the recent integration b/w the public policy program at UofT (top notch) and the MGA is also a good strategic step to pool resources and create a comprehensive high quality institution. - Lastly the ability to obtain a MGA/JD, MGA/MBA, or MGA with other degrees in 3 years (just 1 extra year for 2 degrees) is a big plus. Largely because these other programs are also world class in terms of their reputation, quality of education, and networking opportunities. Munk Downsides: - Now this is pretty obvious. Tuition at Munk is very high + cost of living in Toronto is also obviously more expensive in Ottawa or Waterloo etc. I reached out to the school and they have assured me that they have been and will continue to try raising money in order to provide more financial aid to students. I personally think the tuition is very high, but I do have to acknowledge that the UofT affiliation, Munk name brand, and networks are all substantial. At the same time, the school needs to do a lot more in terms of offering financial aid to smart students who would find it hard to attend the school. While everyone at the school was very friendly generally, I did notice certain cliques with some student groups who obviously came from wealth. While this isn’t bad, id hate to have Munk become a program for those who can afford it. I’d personally like smart students from a variety of socio-economic background represented. It is very apparent that Munk is trying to brand itself as an “elite” program and looking to compete with US schools. I just worry often, that this should occur at the expense of making it less accessible to the lower rungs of society. - I will admit that the cost of tuition is my biggest gripe with the program. They want to compete with the Oxfords, Cambridges and Ivies without currently being able offer the same level of financial aid. And while the quality of education is good, with stellar faculty, the quality of education still has miles to improve to be world leading. - Building on the previous point, I think that those who do best at Munk are generally people who are independent, entrepreneurial, and go getters. The program doesn’t have streams that are as specific or as well defined as NPSIA (from what I have noticed on their site) for example (though it does still have streams), but it will still offer students the opportunities to build their experience out of Munk. For example I made my degree about risk and risk governance, though that is not an “official stream”. Other have focused on global health, climate policy, migration, development and designed their degree to focus on professional areas that range beyond what the school has classified as official streams. So if you are looking for a well-structured, highly organized, and efficient program with easy A to B to C degree path/experience, I would think about it. And that ultimately boils down to the type of student you are. Some prefer structure and organization, while others prefer flexibility and adaptation. There are no right answers, merely preferences. - The school is still relatively new (less than 10-12 years old) and as such, there are still growing pains. First year courses (like statistics) are being changed based on student feedback, in order to account for and combat weaknesses. The program structure has also changed slightly since I first started. There are more streams, courses, and opportunities being offered, even since 2017. These changes can sometimes seem a bit haphazard and disorienting. You definitely do get the feeling that the program is still trying to find its place and establish its identity. - I think that the admin needs to do a much better job with the program’s post-Munk career help (considering the amount students pay). For example, all of the private sector interviews and opportunities I was able to leverage, occurred by tapping into the rich Munk alumni network. While it’s great that Munk alumni are eager to help out, admittedly, Munk’s career center did little for me while I was looking for work. This point builds on my previous statement about the program paying dividends for people who are go getters and entrepreneurial. The opportunities are there, but you have to work hard and hunt for them. At this point you have to ask about what you are paying for. The Munk alumni and networks are valuable, but you will still need to put the work in. But the rewards are potentially very very high, as are the risks. - While the program has produced alumni in many different sectors (e.g. Climate risk in finance, political risk, provincial govt, fed govt, defense, consulting, intl institutions etc.), I do think the school needs to do more when it comes to building its practice in the humanitarian field. - It is important to note that if you have a poli sci or IR background, many courses in Year 1 will be a bit of a repeat in some areas. For example, Global security does start off with the basics of the security field, but then goes on to delve deeper. So basically your covering intl security knowledge that would span from a Year 1 undergrad course all the way to Year 4 (and higher) in the span of a few months. (Though I will note that the security prof, Jon Lindsay, is stellar and very well established; check-out his profile for yourself). At the same time, the first year mandatory courses will also expose you to global affairs topics you’ve never touched. This is an absolute positive. - The school, however, does offer many different career development workshops, specifically designed for Munk students: talks, resume writing, interviews & networking etc. I think that its good that the school is able to offer tailor made workshops for perspective global affairs professionals, but in general, I think the quality of the workshops need to improve. At least that was my feeling in 2015/16. It may have changed drastically since then. - While I think the program is doing very well and has accomplished a great deal over a short period of time to set itself up for success, I sometimes worry that its administrators are faultily trying to imbue an inflated sense of self-worth. The program is good, has accomplished a great deal, but has miles to go in order to compete with the best of the best. I think this is a double edged sword. If not done properly it can lead to ignorance and a focus away from students and the programs as a main focus of the degree. However, it is very encouraging to also hear that they have their sites set at competing with the best of the US and global schools, beyond Canada. Either way, they have miles to go before they get there. All in all, these are my thoughts. Ultimately, Munk was the best decision for me because I wanted career flexibility outside of government, along with the scope to go global. Munk students work everywhere. That being said, if you are hell bent govt and Ottawa, maybe one of the other programs might be better, especially if you are sure this is what you want. I have tried to provide the most objective and balanced opinion on the program. If you have any further specific questions, do let me know.

Congratulations to all the applicants, wherever you may choose to go. I initially joined this forum in 2015 when i was applying to IR programs. Having graduated from Munk in 2017 and working in the industry, I'd be happy to answer any questions and provide advice. Feel free to post on here with any questions or send me a private message as well. (Also i came to Canada as an International Student). I'm honestly here to provide objective information regarding any doubts you may have, based on the options available to you. Profile below for those who are interested: https://www.linkedin.com/in/menonatul Cheers

Hi! Well i suppose it is based on the balance of what you have. 3.3 is on the baseline I believe. But, if you can make up for it with some good work experience, concentrated research interests, good personal statement, and good references....then the GPA will not matter all too much. If you have a look around the different forums on the site, you will see that there are students getting into really good schools for IR with baseline GPAs and the reason is because they have taken some time off in order to strengthen their work/practical experience. This doesnt mean you should take a few years to work, but just means that you should advertise yourself as well as possible-- your current work experience and other non-GPA related merits. You already speak multiple useful languages. All you have to do is be strategic and play to your strengths. GPA isnt everything, it just means that students who are told to to do something do it well. I dont believe it is a very good indicator of how well we think or what we are truly capable of. It may at most, signify how hard a worker you are, but there are other factors to consider. By the way, this is coming from someone who has done relatively well...just so you know. I have met tons of people much more intelligent, capable, and creative, (than I am) and with much less in terms of their GPA. Just try your best and sell yourself strategically

Congratulations!! See you in the fall!

Good to hear Kasmin0d and sorry to hear WhiteIR. Good luck to you both!

I just submitted by grades in January after I got my winter semester grades. I believe that the deadline is Jan 26, so you have enough time to get a transcript from after the winter sem grades are posted.

Hey, so first round acceptance deadline is May 1. So, I suppose that if people start rejecting their offers early on you will hear back sooner. Good luck!

Decisions are hard. No denying. Let me help you: come to Munk --> Join us, join us, join us. No pressure...

I know, it is making me nervous. But people take too much tension, things will work out. Just gotta not panic and look at options...I think...

I`ve applied to residence. We shall see how it goes :/ . Hopefully Grad housing comes through. If not, I shall take it a step at a time. Anyone got ideas?

Congratulations, very happy for you!!! I gather you will be going to Balsillie then?

Yes I have; I received it last week.

I dont think we need to. I have been in touch with some current MGA students and they said they will set up a fb page for us once we have accepted and stuff.

oh! Well that clears it up. Thanks and good luck!