jrb808

I've been in my field (marketing automation / marketing analytics / customer database management) for nearly a decade and have found it to be fairly lucrative and in demand, but have always been interested in someday working as an analyst for one of the agencies in the intelligence community (NSA, NGA, CIA, DIA). I applied to SAIS and Elliott this cycle and got into both, but got no funding from either. I'll also note that I've applied to both schools several years ago, but turned both down since I wasn't completely certain on how I'd use the degree. Given the lack of funding, I'm planning to enroll in Elliott since it'd allow me to continue at my current job, which would enable me to pay for school virtually out of pocket. After graduating with nearly $90k in undergrad and spending most of my 20s repaying student loans (only 8k left!), I REALLY don't want to take on more debt, especially given that post-grad Fed salaries start around GS-9. My goal with grad school is to apply for summer internships at one of the agencies after my second year and hopefully land a job as a Fed after my third year. If all else fails and I don't get a federal or contractor job, I plan to go back into my current field...not ideal, but also not terrible either. I'm fully aware that I'd be taking a significant pay cut by switching careers, but figure that's just the reality of making a career change. Does my plan seem at all sensible? Any other recommendations on getting an analyst job with an intelligence agency without joining the military?

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MA SPS (Elliott), MA USFP (SIS) Schools Applied To: GW (Elliott), American (SIS) Schools Admitted To: Schools Rejected From: Still Waiting: all Undergraduate institution: Ivy League Undergraduate GPA: 3.39 Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): Undergraduate Major: Economics, East Asian Languages and Civilizations - Chinese Study Abroad: 3 months each in Tokyo and Shanghai, 3 months (so far) in Taipei GRE: Q: 163 V: 158 AW: 4.5 Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 2 Years of Work Experience: 2 Describe Relevant Work Experience: 1.5 years as a research analyst for a consulting firm in DC, 6 months as a volunteer for a Nigeria-focused micro-financing non-profit. Quant: econometrics, development economics, public finance, corporate finance Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): explained how I want to draw on my quant background and language skills for a career in Intelligence. Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): along with the SOP, i'm most worried about these. my professors know my career goals, and I performed well in their classes; but, I have no idea what they'll write. got recommendations from each of my majors. also one from my previously employer. Languages: English (native); Chinese (limited-working proficiency); Japanese (basic); French (basic) International Experience: study abroad for 3 months each in Shanghai and Tokyo, currently living in Taipei Questions/Comments: SAIS has been my dream school for so long, but given the salary potential for gov't jobs and the loans I still have from undergrad, I didn't want to be stuck in a position where (if accepted) I had to turn down SAIS due to funds. Between GWU and AU, Elliott is my top choice. I also took the FSOT in October and passed. Waiting on the results due out next week to see if I make it to the FSOA stage.