just_another_applicant

I figured I'd offer my input since I work in international development and have become familiar with many different "why this career" stories, including my own. In short, I think people are attracted to international work because it sounds more interesting, especially for young people starting their careers. This isn't something exclusive to policy--"international law" and "international business" are known as very popular sub-disciplines and many JD and MBA programs market the hell out of those because they know they attract students. The idea of working internationally offers a sense of adventure, exploration, and learning about new ways of life you would not be exposed to if you work domestically. These are things that are very important to young people, who tend to be curious and looking to expand their horizons. That being said, many of the people I know who work in international development care very much about domestic issues--often even more than what they are doing for their career. I have known countless people who have transitioned from international to domestic policy because of this. My colleagues are also some of the most civically engaged people I know and do a lot of work on domestic issues in addition to their day jobs. We all have room to change our minds and I believe that people's chosen programs of study are not a good indicator of the issues they care most about or how their career paths will shape up.

Congratulations! You must be a very exceptional person. I wish you all the best with your interview! I can't say I'm too disappointed that I'm probably out of the running. I always knew this was a longshot.

Nothing on my end. I saw from previous years that they will call finalists before sending out all the rejections. Since we're supposed to get a decision email by the 14th, maybe the calls will be going out the beginning of this week. This is all just wild speculation.

I figured I'd start this thread for all of us who shot our shots! How is everyone feeling about their applications? Is this your first time applying? Let's discuss! This is my first time applying and I'm not sure what to expect. While I feel pretty good about my application, the <2% success rate is not very reassuring. I'm guessing there's probably a lot of luck involved in getting to the finalist round.

I think any course for which you are earning credit will be seen as "serious." I've seen some people on this forum get caught up in the idea of having to take courses from Harvard or other Ivys and I frankly don't think that's necessary. For reference, I took multivariate calculus online through the University of North Dakota and was accepted into MPA/ID. I think as long as you are taking the course through an accredited institution (even a community college), the course description seems exhaustive, and you are earning credits (not a Coursera or EdX class), you'll be viewed positively. The exact courses will have to depend on where you think you have weaknesses. The instructions on the admissions site for the quant resume considers "mathematics, statistics, economics, logic, science, information technology, and engineering" all relevant, so maybe look into topics in those areas that seem interesting and useful to you. IMO data analysis seems particularly relevant and will be a great resume booster for not only the HKS app but also on the job market, so that's where I would go.

Just my two cents. I would highly recommend taking another year or even two to keep thinking about what you want to do and how a master's degree fits into the equation. If you are depressed by your job, I would suggest focusing on an immediate career pivot. Instead of turning to grad school for that career change, I would directly apply to entry level roles in political risk, economic consulting, or international trade, etc. and exploring those career paths before considering grad school again. There are a few benefits to waiting: First, the more relevant experience you gain, the more likely you will get some substantial funding. Second, the more time that passes, the more likely you'll be able to go to school without any pandemic restrictions--you'll get the full graduate school experience. Third, a policy degree is most valuable when you have a clear plan for what you want to do with it after. I live in DC and have come across dozens of people who found themselves in a similar situation as yours. They decided to use an MPP/MPA/MIA/MPH as an expensive way to escape a career they felt stuck in. And most of them have regretted it either because they are overburdened by debt, their dream degree and career track did not live up to their expectations, or both. I have also been in your shoes and felt deeply depressed by my first job post-undergrad. I was drained everyday, I would literally cry on the train to work, and I felt like there was no way out. Luckily, I was able to find job that I actually liked and matched my interests. That job has tremendously changed my trajectory and I now have a crystal clear picture of how a master's is going to help me reach my goals. Ultimately, a degree is like a power tool. You should know when you need it how to use it or else it is close to useless.