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!

Hey guys, I am looking to apply this coming Fall '13 to masters programs for public policy. I want to focus on homeland security/energy security/foreign policy. I have 2 years of professional experience working in renewable energy, but am currently looking for a job after a move. I have a connection at a non-profit that focuses on education, but education isn't what I would want to be focusing on for my PP masters. BUT, I am getting a little desperate for a job...Could I make my 'narrative' make sense for grad school apps with 2 years in renewables and then a year at a non-profit in education? Can't tell if that would just be shooting myself in the foot or if I could swing it...

Hi all, I am looking to apply Fall '13 for MPP programs with a focus on International/Homeland Security - for instance, HKS MPP, JHU SAIS Strategic Studies, possibly even Georgetown SSP. I am currently job hunting for something relevant to these programs to contribute to my resume for about a year before I will apply in the Fall. My question is this: how specific does work experience have to be? If I am interested in a security concentration, will they expect me to have solid work exp in security to get into the MPP program (I know Gtown SSP does)? I am having a hard time finding job openings that are that specific, but have seen jobs in non-profits doing intl development, etc. I know those are good positions for Public Policy in general, but I feel that my "narrative" wouldn't make sense doing something like a non-profit that advances opportunities for women in Africa and then applying to a MPP with a focus in security. I am a little lost on where to go from here jobs-wise, advice would be greatly appreciated. I already have two years work experience in renewable energy, if that helps at all. I guess the basic question is: should I keep looking for something specific or take something more generally related to public policy? Thanks in advance.

Not sure if this is the right thread, but I saw people posting on TFA here, so thought why not. I am quitting my job and my husband and I (just got married) are going to travel for about 2 months. When we get back, I was looking into doing Americorps for that year before applying to grad schools (getting back around end of Oct '12). I was wondering if there are any Americorps programs with flexible start dates, and ones where you can choose your own housing (I'm not going to leave spouse to live on a campus). Normally I would, but being married complicates things for my availability to do certain stuff like this, it would be easier if it was just me, but I need to take him into account as well...Any suggestions? Is there something like Americorps that's more flexible? Or should I just look for work at a nonprofit/NGO? From what I am seeing on the Americorps website, they all start on a specific date and/or you have to leave your own living arrangements. Thanks!

Schools Applying To: Georgetown SSP, perhaps SAIS Security, other similar programs Undergraduate institution: San Diego State University (grad in 2010) Undergraduate GPA: 3.7, Magna Cum Laude, (NCAA student-athlete, all 5 honor societies, plethora of student-athlete awards and honors, clubs/orgz, Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, Mortar Board, etc.) <how heavily are these things weighed? Undergraduate Majors: Psychology (had research position for 2 years under psych professor) Study Abroad: none (but going on trip through Europe for 2 months) GRE Quantitative Score: Haven't taken yet, but I usually do very well on standardized tests, especially in verbal - and of course I am going to study for the GRE before I take it GRE Verbal Score: GRE AW Score: Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 2 Years of Relevant Work Experience: 2 Describe Relevant Work Experience: Worked in Business Development in Renewable Energy sector (spearheaded this position and doubled the company’s renewable portfolio in under 1 year), worked with dozens of high-profile energy companies/utilities - not sure how to spin this for this degree though, energy security? Languages: English (native), French (intermediate) Quant: No econ, but: -Statistics -Data Analysis in Psych -Research Methods -Also in Social Psych Lab under professor doing research (included data collection analysis, etc.) Strength of SOP: My writing abilities are strong, but I was thinking of using renewable energy background and doing an SOP geared towards energy/homeland security Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): Should have two great ones from professor whom I did research under (1 academic), and my employer I have worked for for the last 2 years (1 professional, may be able to get another professional one) Other: I have an obvious lack of experience/background in security, and no formal study abroad. I have a fairly strong undergrad record and good work exp the last 2 years, although it's not 100% relevant. Advice please! Should I go for something more relevant and wait a year or two (AmeriCorps, internships, jobs) or just apply? I know these programs are extremely competitive...The only upside is that these 2 years gave me an idea of what is out there and what I really want to do (not Psych). Thank you!

Thanks for the advice. I may then try and apply this Fall and just see what happens - and I will use my experience in renewable energy in my SOP. I still think I will be very light on the experience side (esp in security related jobs/internships), but I have strong academics and should have great recommendations. If I wait a year, I would love to intern for the govt...

I am looking for some input on the Security Studies program at Georgetown, and also similar programs. I was previously looking into a MPP, but Security seems to be a much better fit for what I want to do. Does anyone know specifically what kind of background they are looking for in applicants? I have 2 years of professional work experience in renewable energy as of August '12, and was considering applying this coming fall...But I am also only 2 years out of undergrad. If I were to wait and apply in Fall '13, what are some good job/internship/volunteer opportunities to look for that could help strengthen by background? I am interested in AmeriCorps, but not sure if that's the right way to go. Besides that, I guess some kind of entry-level job in security? I feel like that is a chicken and egg situation - hard to get unless you have previous exp/degree, but need related work exp to get into degree program..Any input is appreciated!

Not familiar with the program, but can comment on living in San Diego in general..I agree with what some of the previous posters have said in terms of lack of public transportation. It is impossible to get around SD without a car, but parking almost everywhere (not to mention bad traffic) is a huge pain. You can't go anywhere without getting on the freeway. Also, the cost of living is very high - unless you have a lot to spend, living on your own is not really feasible. After living here for almost 6 years, myself and many others I have talked to agree that it is very difficult to make friends here. I am assuming it would be a different situation when you are in a graduate program, but just working a full-time job, and even when I was in undergrad, it was extremely difficult to find a core group of like-minded people. Also, it depends where you are, but a lot of areas here are inundated with people trying to keep up with the Joneses, who are constantly trying to appear wealthy when they really aren't, which can start to wear you down if you don't share that same mentality (aka care more about experiences than material things). The upside is that there is a lot to do here, especially if you are an outdoorsy type, and the good weather if you are coming from snow (there are no seasons here! 75 deg. on Christmas morning). Not to be a debbie downer, but just thought I could play devil's advocate for anyone seriously considering!

I have a similar question, but more in general..What do the job prospects look like for those receiving their MPP/MPA these days? I am hoping it isn't another law school/glut of new attorneys situation. Are there a good amount of (decent to well-paying) job prospects, and are these degrees fairly portable? How competitive does the market seem? Maybe any new grads or current candidates could comment.

First time poster, but i've been lurking. I graduated in 2010 with my BA in Psych, 3.7 GPA, a bunch of really good extracurriculars/honors societies/awards/NCAA athlete. I have been working full time since in renewable energy, so by the time I apply in Fall 2012, I will have 2 years of solid work exp. BUT I haven't been volunteering/NGO/thinktanks the last 2 years since graduation (stupid me), and I was never able to study abroad due to NCAA sport. My question is, what should/can I do from here on out until applications time (~9 months) to improve my apps? I am in San Diego, where there seem to be almost NO opportunities for volunteer work related to public policy. I just got started with a climate lobbying group so that's something, but it's def not a huge, well-known NGO/think tank or anything..I know they have fellowship-type experiences heavily concentrated on PP for people still in undergrad - does anyone know of anything I could get involved in at this point? Anything for people who have already graduated undergrad? Everything I have seen is internships/fellowships for current students. I will be quitting my job/going to travel aboad for about 2 months, then moving away from San Diego before applying, so even somethign like a 2 or 3 week immersion experience or internship (for non current students) in PP maybe?? And I am genuinely interested in PP, I have more motivations than JUST my applications, so something like what I described would be really cool..I know it just sounded like all I care about is resume padding..