Indiana Bloomington MPA or Minnesota Twin cities MPP

[vida]

Hi everyone!

I have been admitted to MPA program of SPEA in IUB and MPP of HHH institute of U of M. Both of the programs are good. As far as I know, Bloomington is a small college town and Minneapolis is a medium size city.

I want to know if I need to get a part time job or an internship, which place is better? Also, if I want to find a job after my postgrad, which location is better to find a place in NGO or private company?

Many thx!!

[britt450]

Hi!

I'm not sure if you're looking for advice or just poll votes, but... As a current resident of Minneapolis who didn't apply at the Humphey and who did apply at SPEA, I'll weigh in.

I've been living in Minneapolis for 2 years, and really, really like the city. I think (unless you've visited) that is is probably larger/more urban that you're picturing. 3 million isn't huge, but it isn't peanuts either. The Humphrey's public policy program is a great program, and I totally would have stayed here, but their environmental policy offerings are pretty weak compared to other schools, and enviro policy is what I want to do.

Based on sheer size of the job market, and the fact that the U of Mn isn't the only economic driver in the Twin Cities (as opposed to IU and Bloomington), I think it would probably be easier for you to find a part time job or internship while in school. However, if you are looking for a summer internship where you can travel, my impression is that SPEA has significant networks in Chicago and DC, and that the career services dept. is very helpful with intern placement.

In regards to postgrad opportunities, what I've heard (and this may or may not be 100% accurate), is that the Humphrey's career networks are either regional (read: in Mn) or in DC, and that SPEA's networks are in Chicago and DC. I also get the feeling that SPEA is a little more well known on a national level, but again, I could be wrong...

Good luck making your decision

[matcha]

Hi everyone!

I have been admitted to MPA program of SPEA in IUB and MPP of HHH institute of U of M. Both of the programs are good. As far as I know, Bloomington is a small college town and Minneapolis is a medium size city.

I want to know if I need to get a part time job or an internship, which place is better? Also, if I want to find a job after my postgrad, which location is better to find a place in NGO or private company?

Many thx!!

I grew up in Indiana, so I can sorta help with a perspective of Bloomington.

Bloomington is close to 70,000 people, not including campus. The campus itself is BEAUTIFUL, with rolling hills and lots of green grass. It is in the more southern part of the state, so the winter isn't as harsh (still snows, though). The town is a very young, fun college town, with great restaurants and bars. It's pretty cheap to live there too.

IU is very well respected by employers all over Indiana, and SPEA is a well-know program. I guess the question is, would you rather be in Indiana or Minnesota? I think you shouldn't have a problem with finding a NGO/Government/Private job in that same state- moving states might be more challenging. Unless you go to Harvard, jobs will be more available in the state of the state college.

Rankings,SPEA is higher than HHH.

I hope that helps a little.