Walker3

Thank you went_away for the insight. I do not plan on pursuing a public service career in the U.S. at all, and the reason for not looking at MBA is that I am not particularly sure about whether I will enter private sector or the non-profit sector, nor do I think that I have adequate work experience (I felt MBA is more for people with 3 or more yrs of work experience?). Regarding the MSFS reputation, does it have any value for people who do not want to enter the foreign service track? Does that mean MSFS is less favorable compared to SIPA's MPA/MIA and SAIS's MA program if you do not want to enter the foreign service sector at a county? How does SFS, SAIS, and SIPA compare in terms of education quality? Is SIPA really not as good as SAIS in terms of the student body, education quality, and professor? (I was just observing the forum and saw SAIS mentioned much more often than SIPA or MSFS). Thank you so much

Hi all, Have been browsing the forum for quite a while, but first post here. I am an applicant for the Fall 2019 season, and I figure it's better to start gauging more insights when it's still early. I would appreciate learning how you guys think about SAIS, SIPA, and Georgetown MSFS, especially on the quality of their programs, training, and students. A bit of background about me: 1.5 yrs of work experience in a firm that specialized in domestic affairs at my home country and a research position at a foreign policy-oriented think tank in D.C. My plan after obtaining a graduate degree would be working for the private sector development/business consulting firms at NYC or D.C. (wouldn't mind having some experience at international organizations before transitioning into the private sector). I am not a U.S. citizen or PR, so a public sector job is not an option. Took GRE already (Q:90%+, V:80%+. Writing: 5.0), and have a very high GPA from a top 50 university in the U.S. I will apply to SAIS (IDEV), SIPA MIA, and Georgetown MSFS program (since I would like to work in NYC or D.C.), all with a focus in international development. I am not fixed on entering a career in development, but these programs are flexible enough for me to customize. How do you guys think about these programs? I've heard that SAIS's quant training is rigorous and would prepare you well. I did not like quant that much, but I think it will be useful to have these skills. I had intro-level micro+macro econ and stats training. Also wondering: how's SIPA's MIA/MPA program? I've heard that SIPA has been admitting a lot of students without sufficient experience and has a reputation of using students as cash cows. But I figure there's gotta be a lot of very very decent candidates at SIPA? Also wondering: how's Georgetown MSFS's training for people who want to enter the private sector? Their program had the weakest quant training. Their alumni network seemed to be strong in the East Coast, but very weak at my home country. Thanks so much!