Graduate Degree vs. additional Direct XP in desired field

[Darwinian192]

Hi all,

I've done some posting but have been met with a dilemma that I am hoping others can chime in on.

I've recently been accepted to the MAIA program offered @ SAIS Bologna (€50,000 funding) with a research thesis topic in mind. I am 4 years out undergrad. XP: 2 years Fulbright ETA, 1 year Peace Corps experience, work towards MA in German. GPA 3.8 (International Relations/German), GRE 162V 158Q 5.5W. Will be 26 at the start of the Fall 2019 semester. Fluency in German/French, working knowledge Russian/Italian. 

My dilemma is two-fold: 

1) I am facing some some major apprehensions with the degree itself. My quant skills are not strong and I wonder whether jumping into a quant-focused degree like the MAIA is wise. At the same time, I wonder whether my academic credentials may make me more competitive for programs such as those offered at Jackson or Wilson. That being said, I have been focusing on this program for years, am contemplating dual-degree options (LL.M., directly matriculating at UniBo for year 2 to save €€), and in general have just been yearning to return to school and complete my professional studies. This and the European location can't be beat for personal preference and my foreign language goals. 

2) This is the tough part. I would suck it up and put down the $60,000 (yolo dude) to fund this degree, if another opportunity were not in sight, namely, a research coordinator position at a top business school (HBS) potentially leading to a full time position within the case writing team.

My long term goals? Ultimately unclear, but I lean far, far closer towards academia than policy. Were I to take option #1, I would ultimately...... be seeking jobs quite similar to the one currently offered to me (albeit starting at a higher pay grade and with a completed master's). Option 2 gives me XP at a top business school, a salary, and potentially a shot at an MBA program which may be more in line with my long term career objectives. 

 

Thoughts?? What is your dilemma?  

Edited April 2, 2019 by Darwinian192