[Dual Degree MBA / Masters in International Relations]

Which combination do you think is the most prestigious and advantageous:

• Georgetown: McDonough SoB / School of Foreign Service
• Columbia: CBS / SIPA
• UVA Darden MBA / JHU SAIS
• UChicago: Booth / CIR

Post-grad school goal is private sector work, but I'd like to do some government work later in life, and lean on the alumni network from the IR schools.

[SAIS vs SFS - Battle of the DC titans]

36 minutes ago, GradSchoolGrad said:

Lets get one key basic thing straight. 

No matter if you go to MSFS or SAIS, there is no pipeline for you to go to MBB in the United States (unless you dual degreeing with an MBA or JD or seeking a defense specialist role that requires a top secret clearance). There might be a few exceptions out there for former consultants and data scientists (non-front line consultant role). You can hypothetically go abroad for an MBB role in a country whose language you are fluent in (other than English). I have seen McKinsey recruiting for Germany in the past - not sure what country they are focusing on now. 

That being said, Deloitte Government Ops does have a bigger presence recruiting for MSFS than at SAIS... then again it is Deloitte government ops (with all its pros and cons).

I have a podcast where I speak about the two programs:

 

 

Thanks for linking that! I actually listened to your second/third one where you overviewed the different programs earlier today, so I'll definitely check that out.

Yes - the goal would be a dual-degree with an MBA so I would rely on that for MBB recruiting, assuming I can get into a competitive program. The value of the IR would be differentiating me in the recruiting process, and helping me get placed into an international business focused group. 

I guess the question boils down to, when recruiting to which program would distinguish me more in that process (since it sounds like neither have a deep pool of alumni), and when I transition into IR policy later in life at an IGO. 

[SAIS vs SFS - Battle of the DC titans]

I’m been admitted to both, and trying to see which program makes more sense.

After comprehensive research, it seems there could be some bias towards SFS due to their robust alumni base in DC, and their less quant-heavy courseload (I see this feedback about SAIS a lot.)

For someone who is applying to MBB post-grad, and wants to maintain a network for IGO work down the road, which school makes more sense? Any other pros/cons that you believe I should consider?

[Georgetown MSFS - Fall 2022]

In! Minimal aid though ?