Reviews of the Executive MPA Program at Hertie School of Governance

[Changing Careers Midway]

Hi Everyone,

I have an urgent question.

I have just been admitted to the Hertie School of Governance for their Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program. This is basically a flexible track program which you can finish between 1-5 years. It is meant for working professionals (avg. student experience 10 years) who are in their mid-career and want further education, skills or interaction in their fields to progress. The actual course attendance is only 43 days with compulsory and elective courses along with skills training workshops. Hence it is meant for people who are working and can take the course at the same time.

My dilemma is that I am a Marketing and Brands professional (6 years of experience) and based out of Dubai, U.A.E. I want to switch my field towards public administration, governmental affairs, NGOs, international development and sustainability. However, I will leave my job and move to Berlin for one year (opting for the 1 year track) and work part time on a student visa.

I have tried very hard to find student reviews on this program, however I can't find any.

Can anyone help me with the below who has attended or knows of the program?

1. Is the program structure good and will it help me learn a different skill set in order to switch my field?

2. What do you think of the program and the school?

3. Will I be able to find a job in the public / semi-public / consultancy sector with no knowledge of German? Of course I plan to take intensive classes to learn the language, but given that German is a difficult language for someone from my background, I know I would only be able to learn the basics in one year and would have to look for a job within that time on a student visa.

Thank you for any help or answers in advance.

 

Best Regards,

A Hopeful Executive MPA Student

[weimala]

I'm not familiar with this program but generally if you contact the admissions staff they can usually connect you with recent alumni or current students to answer your questions. 

[aryaironthrone]

On 4/26/2018 at 7:36 PM, Changing Careers Midway said:

Hi Everyone,

I have an urgent question.

I have just been admitted to the Hertie School of Governance for their Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program. This is basically a flexible track program which you can finish between 1-5 years. It is meant for working professionals (avg. student experience 10 years) who are in their mid-career and want further education, skills or interaction in their fields to progress. The actual course attendance is only 43 days with compulsory and elective courses along with skills training workshops. Hence it is meant for people who are working and can take the course at the same time.

My dilemma is that I am a Marketing and Brands professional (6 years of experience) and based out of Dubai, U.A.E. I want to switch my field towards public administration, governmental affairs, NGOs, international development and sustainability. However, I will leave my job and move to Berlin for one year (opting for the 1 year track) and work part time on a student visa.

I have tried very hard to find student reviews on this program, however I can't find any.

Can anyone help me with the below who has attended or knows of the program?

1. Is the program structure good and will it help me learn a different skill set in order to switch my field?

2. What do you think of the program and the school?

3. Will I be able to find a job in the public / semi-public / consultancy sector with no knowledge of German? Of course I plan to take intensive classes to learn the language, but given that German is a difficult language for someone from my background, I know I would only be able to learn the basics in one year and would have to look for a job within that time on a student visa.

Thank you for any help or answers in advance.

 

Best Regards,

A Hopeful Executive MPA Student

Hi There,

I have applied for the same program and have an interview scheduled for pre-selection. 

I believe  your interview process is complete. To answer few of your questions based on the research I have done so far:

1.  Is the program structure good and will it help me learn a different skill set in order to switch my field?
- The program is like any other basic MBA. You would learn more around management and have in-depth understanding of the organizations through various coursework. Cannot really comment on skill set for switching the field.

2. What do you think of the program and the school?
-The program is good and flexible if you plan to take a break for an year as a mid-career professional. The brand value of college is definitely high in public sector.

About the 3rd question- I am in same dilemma coming from Asian background. However, the alumni does say that you get a decent job if you have good command on English and definitely have to work on German in meanwhile.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you find any more insights. Feel free to share.

Thanks

Ashwini