rudy2012

Hi all, I was set on applying for MA programs in IR/Security Studies this cycle and then finding a relevant job after a cross-country move didn't go as quickly as I hoped it would leaving me with a gap in my resume right before I would have been applying. Therefore, I didn't feel confident that I would have been submitting my best application that I am capable of, so I made the decision to wait until next Fall. Now my question is, what are some things I can do with this next year to improve my applications/my resume and show that I am serious? I am now working full-time in a relevant (private sector) job - but what else?? I signed up for some relevant Coursera classes but I saw, for example, that JH SAIS doesn't even allow you to put those on your application. I also saw that the Bush School offers a grad cert in International Affairs that can be done online - would that be useful?? Are there any others like this? Language courses? Things to get involved in? What else?? If you had an extra year to improve your resume/apps for these types of programs, what would you do? I am in Washington, D.C., if that helps at all. Thanks!

So I was in the online information session yesterday for SAIS. One thing they mentioned (also just sent around an email about it) is that they are now offering optional interviews on the DC campus for students who are applying. The interviews will be done by current SAIS students and will be added to your file. But, they are completely optional. What does everyone think of this?? I guess it could only help you if you are great at interviews..

Has anyone (or is anyone going to) use a CV for their applications instead of a resume? I would think a CV would be more advantageous since it can be two pages (right?)..

Hey guys! I will be applying this Fall, as well. Thanks for starting this thread, jct329 (although your profile makes me a bit worried, haha). Schools I'm interested in so far: JHU SAIS - Strategic Studies, or Energy concentration, Georgetown Security Studies Program, maybe GWU and American as well, perhaps Duke's Sanford School, but I am trying to stay in the D.C. area for the program. Undergraduate institution: California State school. Undergraduate GPA: 3.7 Undergraduate Majors: B.A. Psychology - was NCAA student-athelete, won a bunch of student-athlete honors and awards, was on every single non-disciplinary honors society (Phi Beta Kappa, etc.) and won an award for that as well, lots of involvement in clubs, etc. Also was a Research Assistant under a professor for 2 years. Recently took two Econ classes in preparation for applying, got A's in both. GRE Quantitative Score: Taking it soon. GRE Verbal Score: TBD GRE AW Score: TBD Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 3+ Years of Work Experience: 2 years professional experience in the renewable energy sector where I had significant responsibilities, 6 month Congressional internship on Capitol Hill that focused a lot on energy policy & energy security issues. Currently looking for a relevant job. The plan was to have a solid 3 years of work exp by now, but job searching in a crappy economy has made that very difficult. Languages: French! 5+ years' worth, plus my own continuing education - I would like to become fluent. Activities: 4-month volunteer writing position while I was unemployed for a non-profit dedicated to ending international poverty, focusing on international security, how poverty breeds terrorism, etc. Also wrote about energy in developing countries. Lots of activities in college. Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): Letter from the Congressman will be good, as it is most recent and I did relevant work there. Letter from previous job will also be very good. I am a little worried about letter from my professor, just because he is a professor of Psychology, so I will have to explain to him exactly what the programs are and why I am aiming for this. At this point, not being able to find a relevant job almost a year ago when I started looking is really throwing a wrench in my plans. I am worried that my work experience isn't solid enough for these programs, and I would hate to go through the entire application process and ask for letters of rec, and then be rejected from every program..

I am from CA and have been up in Northern CA since Nov and looking for a job in the IR/think-tanks/security/policy sector. I had a very, very hard time finding even any openings or organizations who do that kind of thing, although my experience would make me mostly entry-level-ish (BA with 2 yrs of professional work exp). I would like to think there are more opportunities at think-tanks/for IR grads here if you have a masters or advanced experience, but I am not sure. I am now moving to DC since it seems mostly everything is centered in that area.

I just did this at a community college. What do you guys think if I end up getting a B instead of an A? Does that look bad? I am pissed because I think I got an 89 but there are no pluses, so it will just show up on a transcript as a plain old B.

This is kind of a stupid question, but as someone who is gearing up to apply this coming Fall - they don't make you note your concentration on the application? Do you just write what your intentions/focus is going to be in your SOP, then if you get in, THEN you are free to select your concentration?

wohohow, if you wouldn't mind, I would be very interested to know how you made the connection in your SOP/application from humanitarian to SSP. I have a bit of a different background as well (renewable energy) - not a traditional military/security background, but really want to break into security studies. Any info would be appreciated!!

Goose1459, I would be very interested to hear how you incorporated your NCAA experience into your SOP - I was also an NCAA student athlete and am trying to determine how this will fit into my SOP, if at all - would love to hear your thoughts on this! I PM'ed you!

Psychology, so useless.

It is 100% online - all tests and finals are online, there is no going to the campus. You can't sign up anytime, as Spring semester has already started, but they may have summer semester online econ classes available (which would start in May and would be done by July or August), you just need to check the class schedule on the website. I assume this would be true for mostly any community college throughout CA.

I am doing it at Solano Community College (I am in California)..I originally was going to do the classes at the CC in my hometown, but the classes were full so I just picked a different school and it's been smooth sailing thus far..

Yeah, I am taking two econ classes right now (micro and macro) at a community college (so it's for sure accredited and the units count) and everything is online. It was only $300 but that would depend what state you're doing it in. I am planning to apply for MPP programs in Fall '13, so thought I'd get a head start since I never took econ in undergrad.

Thanks, that's what I thought. I am going to hold out for something better. Am glad to hear that there is no "punishment" in terms of switching your focus once in the program, which is something I may be interested in doing..

GEO - I am in the exact same boat, going from a useless psych degree to public policy, and trying to get into grad schools. I would love to chat!