Hello all,
I was wondering if any of you governmentGovernment affairs people would have some advice for me. I am deciding between applying to IR programs and Phd in Sociology.
I already have an area studies Masters, but most of my coursework focused more on the history and culture of my region of interest (back then I was preparing myself for applications to Phd programs in Anthropology). And so, The IR degree would be worth while as I could focus more keenly on the political and economic considerations of policy in practice and how develop skills in conflict resolution.
My goal/intention is work in the policy field as well as academia and am see either degree as a means of achieving this goal. But, maybe I am not being realistic.
The way I see it, if I applied and got into a Sociology Phd program, I could intern with international orgs at least for a few summers and perhaps also during the year of field research in order to get some headway in the Public affairs job market by graduation.
If I did the IR Masters I would intern while getting the degree, and then of course work for several years getting a firm grounding in the field and then go back for a Phd later in life, but after becoming an established, mid career professional.
Any thoughts on this? Anyone else been in/currently in my dilemma?
Thanks.