Getting a job in the meantime

[washndry]

So I have been very fortunate to start hearing back some positives from my applications. No funding decisions as yet, but so far I'm strongly leaning towards the MPA program at Syracuse (the good word from many on this site definitely contributed.)

That said, I stopped working a few months ago and have been living off of my savings while I got my applications and more generally, life, in order. However if nothing else, from a purely financial standpoint, I really need to get a paying job to help cover expenses and maybe allow me to put a little away for the grad school year(s).

I'd like to get something that aligns with what I intend to study (public policy analysis/science policy) but I know the job market is pretty bad and I likely won't have my pick of things. I worked for 5 years as a IT consultant, so an alternate idea is to try and play that experience into a job. I don't like that option as much, but not sure what else I can hope for given that's my only prior experience.

The other trick is that I'd only be looking for a job for 3-4 months, and I'm not sure who would hire for that, but I would not feel comfortable taking a job without letting them know my plan.

Anyone in a similar position and/or have suggestions on where to start looking, and possible things to keep in mind? Thanks.

[joro]

You can try to find contract or project based positions which last within that time frame of yours.

[washndry]

I'm used to searching for full-time positions, but I'm not sure where you'd look for project or contract work, anyone have any suggestions? Forgive me if it's obvious.

[pea-jay]

It's not IT but the Census Bureau is hiring for exactly that same time frame. 11something an hour to start.

[aijoni]

I am in the same position. 5 years work ex. Left my job a year back to travel. And would you believe it-it is MPA in Maxwell for me.

While waiting for the funding decision, I am freelancing as a travel writer and other features for a few newspaper/websites.

But tell me where did you hear good things about maxwell. As an international student, my biggest worry right now is employment opportunities after my degree.

[ootg]

I know what you mean. Have been doing contract work for a fund while waiting for admissions results. With the number of rejections I have been getting, I am beginning to wonder if I should have just taken a job last year and not bothered about this PhD...

[washndry]

I am in the same position. 5 years work ex. Left my job a year back to travel. And would you believe it-it is MPA in Maxwell for me.

While waiting for the funding decision, I am freelancing as a travel writer and other features for a few newspaper/websites.

But tell me where did you hear good things about maxwell. As an international student, my biggest worry right now is employment opportunities after my degree.

If you search through the Government Affairs forum, there are quite a few topics where the poster had the same questions you do. Basically what I got from that was that the program is flexible, highly regarded, compressed (so lower opportunity costs, but no real time to intern while studying,) has an amazing alumni network. Oh, and it snows a lot, but I've never lived outside the Northeast so that doesn't scare me (yet.) That's very cool that you can find that freelancing sort of work. I guess the bet thing might be to pitch yourself to various companies? I know the job market is bad right now, and just scanning employment websites turns up very little of relevance.

I know what you mean. Have been doing contract work for a fund while waiting for admissions results. With the number of rejections I have been getting, I am beginning to wonder if I should have just taken a job last year and not bothered about this PhD...

I've been lucky in hearing some admits, but have no idea how to pay for it yet...makes me wish I held on to gainful employment a little longer. I hope you hear some positives soon though.

[phantom23]

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