Hi All,
I'm currently weighing the following options and would love any input:
Georgetown McCourt MPP
NYU Wagner MPA
Michigan Ford
I've been working at an IGO in DC for the last 6 years, so am a couple years older than the typical MPP student. I hope to apply to the MBA program at the school I choose and create a dual MPP/MBA degree. I'm interested in how to bridge business, technology, and policy to address gender inequities (when I applied, I was considering an international focus but now I'm considering domestic as well). I don't have a dream job in mind but would consider policy jobs at tech companies or government positions/fellowships like the Presidential management fellowship as of right now. I was pretty set on Georgetown since I already have a network in DC and love the city, but I have heard mixed reviews about the overall experience/career outcomes and want to fairly consider all my options now. Here are a few notes for each school top of mind, but I'm interested to hear from others in this position or who are at any of these schools:
McCourt MPP:
-DC network- ability to go to events/speak to people working in the field
-Ability to do internships during the academic year
-Research opportunities seem easier to come by than at other universities
-Already established friends/network in DC
NYU Wagner MPA:
-NY network- similar to DC, people working in every field
-Not as technically focused as MPP; seems like there are more options to go into the private sector or bridge non-profit/private sector together
-Experience of living in NY for a couple years
Michigan Ford:
-Highest ranked of the 3. If I was able to make it a dual with Ross MBA, I'd have 2 top ranked degrees which seems like it would give me good career options
-Seems more domestic/local focused than other two programs which seems slightly limiting for what I want to do
-Seems like the strongest/most supportive community of the 3 schools- people I've talked to seemed to love the entire experience whereas I didn't get that vibe from GU
-College town experience- I went to a small liberal arts school for undergrad so it would be a fun/different experience
-Strongest quantitative education of the 3
Overall, I want to develop a strong quant skill-set, research skills, and enjoy my grad school experience. I know I'll have great options at each of these places, but curious what others would do in my shoes and what else I should be considering! Thanks