IR/MPA programs that have private sector clout?

[Nico Corr]

There are IR/MPA programs that obviously have connections and clout with private sector employers (HKS, WWS, Fletcher, SIPA, Etc.). For a time, I was really aiming for a career in the State Department as an FSO, or an intelligence analyst with one of the three-letter-agencies, but I've also looked into other more unconventional subfields of IR like country risk analysis, consulting etc. Careers with the government have their perks. I believe at least that it's important to do meaningful work, public service and helping others, but the private has advantages of its own ( better compensation). 

Perhaps an MBA would be more appropriate for private sector work, but for me at least, the cost of attending business school would be extremely prohibitive, and I honestly don't think I have the quantitative background or private sector experience(read none) to gain admittance to a top 10 bizz school. Not to mention I'm 30 going on 31 and from my understanding business school's are disinclined to accept anyone over 30, especially if they have no private sector experience and looking to make a career change. Save for EMBA programs.

 

Other than the usual private sector "feeder" schools in the field, what other schools have the bona fides and the connections to get their grads into private sector work? Does Elliott, Maxwell, SIS have any reputation of getting their grads private sector gigs? 

 

Edited February 16, 2018 by Nico Corr

[lackey]

I am also curious about this and would like Harris added to the mix.