minko2022

Hi everyone, I have been interested in public affairs/public policy but my education and work experience is almost totally irrelevant. My company will sponsor an advanced degree so I think this is my best chance to shoot for something I long for. Right I am trying to understand whether my profile and consideration make sense. Background: Originally from China, which is part of the reason why I want to study public policy - I simply do not have the chance in China (you know what I mean...). I don't have much interest serving the government back home neither do I have any say in how the government should run. However, I do find myself passionate about this field, esp. after studying/living in the state for a few years. Program planning to apply to: HKS, Stanford MIP, MIT TPP for fall 2023 (really debating whether I should also consider Princeton bc I may not be able to work in the public sector due to company sponsorship) Education: 1) Decent private school in the US, top undergrad business program (easier to find a job in the US as an intl student); 2) online master in computer and info tech (did this because I was trying to find something to fill my time during COVID) GPA: 1) 3.7; 2) 3.9 GRE: shooting for 330+ Years out of undergrad/year of work experience: 3 by enrollment Work experience: 1 year as a research analyst at a major investment bank, then switched to consulting at MBB in the US; In both of my roles, I have a strong focus on energy/climate/sustainability themes - one reason why I think MPP/MPA makes sense to me because these areas are heavily influenced by policies and regulations. No work experience in the public sector. Quant: decent exposure to quantitative coursework - one of my majors is data science, minor in math; my master's is in computer and info tech EC: business development at a sizable start-up serving immigrants; pro-bono consulting for a local business in a developing country; career coaching for the new immigrant community Strength of SOP: Professionally, I want to focus on policy surrounding environment, energy - this is where I came from and I have a strong motivation to acquire more expertise in these topics; personally, simply grateful for having the chance to learn about government, democracy and policy making. For me it is a win-win. Meanwhile, I am also struggling to articulate my story/commitment to public service. My past life is very, very finance/business centric. I am very much an idealist in heart, want to make impacts, but all sounds a bit too vague. Strength of LOR: good professional LOR; the academic one might be tricky since I was not very close to my professors... Other (why not MBA): I already studied business in undergrad and tbh MBB is like another mini business school. It's a bit long, but really appreciate any insights here!! Thanks folks.