Aïssata Gaëlle

Hi All I just turned 40, work as a Senior corporate finance consultant and really want to switch career into public administration, NGO or international organizations. My dream job would be an economist position at the IFC or any other organization ( OECD, European Central bank…). Ultimately though I really want to move back to Senegal and work for the government Since they only hire PhD candidates and some HKS MPA-ID graduate, there is no path for me right now. So I’m thinking about joining an MPA program, ideally the Harvard MPA-ID. I know how competitive this program is. I heard that the MPA2 is slightly less competitive but I’m not sure if it would be the right fit for the kind of move I’m trying to make. I’m also not considering other MPAs for the same reason I have a master’s degree in economics from my home country and an MBA from HEC Paris (n1 BS in Europe) but my professional experience (15 years) is not stelar (no IB, no MBB) mainly pconsulting firms like Deloitte and corporate finance positions for insurance companies Is my age a serious handicap for my application ? Do I still stand a reasonable chance or should I just forget about it ? Also, even If I’m lucky enough to get in, would I be able to the secure the type of position I’m looking for (I would be 43-ish by the end of the program) thanks for your insights