consideringmpa

Thanks woolscarves, very valid and insightful comments. Really appreciate it and extremely illuminating for someone new to this area! Much needed reality check on the incremental value of an MPA especially. Original plan was to explore both options in parallel, with the MPA slightly preferred. Looks like I'll still explore both in parallel, but with a public sector job (if I can find one) as the preferred option now. Might be difficult finding an interesting role on a part-time or less hectic project basis, but at least there's plenty of time! Will also start work on the MPA applications in the meantime - probably taking the GRE just to have the option of applying to WWS.

Thanks guys, very helpful feedback. I've done projects for similar types of organizations - was incredibly interesting! To be clear - I'm not set on leaving my firm. I do enjoy my work and the place. Whole thing was really driven by impending fatherhood and desire to spend more time at home, at least for the next 2 years. Will also take this time to reflect and decide what to do longer term. As things stand, default option would be back to my firm unless something compelling comes up. Couple of options available for me - one is to take a leave of absence and work at a slower pace in an international organization for a while, the other is a MPA. Between the 2, I consider the MPA to be more beneficial if I go back into consulting (boosts credentials, broadens network, improves knowledge). Does my logic make sense, and would the MPA still be a poor option? Thanks!

Hi all, New to these forums and the application process. Am considering applying to an MPA program end of this year (for 2020 fall intake) and would love to leverage the knowledge and experience of members here on: - whether an MPA is right for me - likelihood of success About me: currently working as an engagement manager/project leader at one of McKinsey/BCG/Bain. Been working here for around 6 years. Work on a lot of public sector/government projects and have strong interest in the topic. Have also completed my MBA couple of years back. Reasons why I'm considering an MPA: 1) Interest - passionate about and worked on numerous government projects, would like more holistic and academic knowledge on it 2) Network - helpful to get wider network of folks working in government 3) Personal - wife is pregnant and due end of year. Would like to take some time off to spend time with family and possibly consider alternative careers beyond consulting Will either go back to consulting specializing in government work or explore careers with international organizations after the MPA. Does an MPA make sense given my goals? Also, what are my chances of a successful application? I am considering HKS and WWS for their full time programs. Slight preference for HKS because they accept the GMAT and I still have a valid score from my MBA application. But WWS is also appealing financially - will have to pay for the MPA myself (firm unlikely to sponsor) and understand HKS isn't as good with financial aid. 30 year old male, 6 years work exp as a consultant, MBA from top 3 school and undergrad from top 5 school and 770 GMAT (q51/v43 split). Should be able to get solid recs from bosses and MBA profs. I have slight worries because MPA admissions appear more opaque than MBA; also my work experience is all in consulting, nothing working directly in government. Another slight concern with my age - am I too old for these programs? Thanks in advance!