MPP: Sciences Po or Georgetown or National Uni of Singapore?

[CassTsai]

Hi guys,

I am an international student applying for Master of Public Policy. Have received two offers, one from Sciences Po and another from Georgetown, and am expecting the result from National University of Singapore(NUS). I am planning to work (at least for a few years) abroad after graduation.

I need some suggestions on the schools' reputations and impacts on career paths, and would love to get some info from you guys. 

Thanks :) 

[GradSchoolGrad]

7 hours ago, CassTsai said:

Hi guys,

I am an international student applying for Master of Public Policy. Have received two offers, one from Sciences Po and another from Georgetown, and am expecting the result from National University of Singapore(NUS). I am planning to work (at least for a few years) abroad after graduation.

I need some suggestions on the schools' reputations and impacts on career paths, and would love to get some info from you guys. 

Thanks

1. What are you trying to do with your career?

2. Where (generally speaking) so you want work?

3. Why are you going to grad school?

4. What country are you coming from and do you intend to return?

5. Did you get scholarship funding?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[CassTsai]

Hi @GradSchoolGrad! 

1/2/4. I‘m looking for a career in a public-sector research institution or in an international organization. As for the location, I prefer America > EU > Singapore. The biggest challenge for US is that I'm not sure about the chances of me staying in the US after graduation, espcially given to the worsening China-US relation (yep from China and do not plan to come back immediately after graduation). The main challenge in terms of EU is that I don't speak French... 

3. Can't get a job in a research institution or in an international organization as a bachelor. Also not really want to work in China. I am considering the master's program as a chance to gain an entrance ticket for my career and build up my network abroad, so the reputations of schools and the resources from alumni matter for me.

4. Yeah the financial problem... Getting a small funding from Georgetown, still waiting for decision from Sciences Po. Georgetown is going to cost me 2.5-3 times than Sciences Po, 1.5 times than NUS (all 2-year program).

[GradSchoolGrad]

Just now, CassTsai said:

Hi @GradSchoolGrad! 

1/2/4. I‘m looking for a career in a public-sector research institution or in an international organization. As for the location, I prefer America > EU > Singapore. The biggest challenge for US is that I'm not sure about the chances of me staying in the US after graduation, espcially given to the worsening China-US relation (yep from China and do not plan to come back immediately after graduation). The main challenge in terms of EU is that I don't speak French... 

3. Can't get a job in a research institution or in an international organization as a bachelor. Also not really want to work in China. I am considering the master's program as a chance to gain an entrance ticket for my career and build up my network abroad, so the reputations of schools and the resources from alumni matter for me.

4. Yeah the financial problem... Getting a small funding from Georgetown, still waiting for decision from Sciences Po. Georgetown is going to cost me 2.5-3 times than Sciences Po, 1.5 times than NUS (all 2-year program).

So the biggest information gap I have right now to better advise you is to understand what policy areas you are interested in. That could significantly change my answer if you say your area off interest is IDEV and/or IDEV program evaluation. I also don't know NUS that well, so I won't speak to it.

If you want to work for a research institution, between Sciences Po and Georgetown, you are best off going to Sciences Po. Georgetown MPP is a geared as a professional school and although you will have plenty of research opportunities, it is not best geared to help you work at an international research organization / research institution (outside of US domestic policy, which I will assume you don't have any interest in, and more realistically, it is already saturated with Americans interested in those areas). Yes, there is a small and noticeable contingent from Georgetown MPP who go work at the World Bank on a contractor position --> but emphasis on contractor position and not full time employee (and most don't exactly report the best conditions for professional development). However, more International students either go back to their country to work in their home institutions or a boutique one in the US. The vast majority of Georgetown McCourt MPP go to non-research professional careers after school. Yes, there has been some successful Chinese international students in the research space (I know all 1 of them in my class), but they mostly done well by focusing on data analytics part of policy.

Sciences Po on the other hand has a better brand, peer group, and structure to support you for a career in international research. Granted, they have been working hard broaden their capabilities in the professional space, they are at their core, more of a research focused school.

[GradSchoolGrad]

Just now, GradSchoolGrad said:

So the biggest information gap I have right now to better advise you is to understand what policy areas you are interested in. That could significantly change my answer if you say your area off interest is IDEV and/or IDEV program evaluation. I also don't know NUS that well, so I won't speak to it.

If you want to work for a research institution, between Sciences Po and Georgetown, you are best off going to Sciences Po. Georgetown MPP is a geared as a professional school and although you will have plenty of research opportunities, it is not best geared to help you work at an international research organization / research institution (outside of US domestic policy, which I will assume you don't have any interest in, and more realistically, it is already saturated with Americans interested in those areas). Yes, there is a small and noticeable contingent from Georgetown MPP who go work at the World Bank on a contractor position --> but emphasis on contractor position and not full time employee (and most don't exactly report the best conditions for professional development). However, more International students either go back to their country to work in their home institutions or a boutique one in the US. The vast majority of Georgetown McCourt MPP go to non-research professional careers after school. Yes, there has been some successful Chinese international students in the research space (I know all 1 of them in my class), but they mostly done well by focusing on data analytics part of policy. Also, until you get your Greencard at best, you'll be restricted from working in nearly all US public sector orgnizations as a full time employee (realistically it is citizens, but occasionally, I see Greencard).

Sciences Po on the other hand has a better brand, peer group, and structure to support you for a career in international organization research. Granted, they have been working hard broaden their capabilities in the professional space, they are at their core, more of a research focused school.

Oh and I do recommend you consider other programs beyond what you have already applied it.

Edited December 9, 2020 by GradSchoolGrad

[CassTsai]

7 minutes ago, GradSchoolGrad said:

So the biggest information gap I have right now to better advise you is to understand what policy areas you are interested in. That could significantly change my answer if you say your area off interest is IDEV and/or IDEV program evaluation. I also don't know NUS that well, so I won't speak to it.

If you want to work for a research institution, between Sciences Po and Georgetown, you are best off going to Sciences Po. Georgetown MPP is a geared as a professional school and although you will have plenty of research opportunities, it is not best geared to help you work at an international research organization / research institution (outside of US domestic policy, which I will assume you don't have any interest in, and more realistically, it is already saturated with Americans interested in those areas). Yes, there is a small and noticeable contingent from Georgetown MPP who go work at the World Bank on a contractor position --> but emphasis on contractor position and not full time employee (and most don't exactly report the best conditions for professional development). However, more International students either go back to their country to work in their home institutions or a boutique one in the US. The vast majority of Georgetown McCourt MPP go to non-research professional careers after school. Yes, there has been some successful Chinese international students in the research space (I know all 1 of them in my class), but they mostly done well by focusing on data analytics part of policy.

Sciences Po on the other hand has a better brand, peer group, and structure to support you for a career in international research. Granted, they have been working hard broaden their capabilities in the professional space, they are at their core, more of a research focused school.

Thanks for all the info! Really helpful for me, especially the part of career paths for Georgetown alumni.

For the interested area, my stream at Sciences Po is Management and Public Affairs. My undergrad background is economics so quantitative methods shouldn't be too challenging for me, but I doubt how quantitative the courses will be in the management stream. Btw, I am curious that why a possible interest in IDEV will change ur answer? 

For other options, I am not applying to many programs this year. Georgetown, Sciences Po and NUS are my best ones so far, but I am also considering other programs, like Chicago Harris.... maybe? I am trying to diversify my choices on locations and not focusing too much on one country (learnt this important lesson due to the pandemic lol). Thanks again!

[GradSchoolGrad]

5 minutes ago, CassTsai said:

Thanks for all the info! Really helpful for me, especially the part of career paths for Georgetown alumni.

For the interested area, my stream at Sciences Po is Management and Public Affairs. My undergrad background is economics so quantitative methods shouldn't be too challenging for me, but I doubt how quantitative the courses will be in the management stream. Btw, I am curious that why a possible interest in IDEV will change ur answer? 

For other options, I am not applying to many programs this year. Georgetown, Sciences Po and NUS are my best ones so far, but I am also considering other programs, like Chicago Harris.... maybe? I am trying to diversify my choices on locations and not focusing too much on one country (learnt this important lesson due to the pandemic lol). Thanks again!

So Georgetown McCourt is exceptionally strong in IDEV, but specifically in the area of program evaluation, but via certain niches. I personally don't believe in playing the niche game in grad school because peoples interests change (sometimes drastically) in grad school. People have gotten to some research organizations like J-Pal (though I haven't heard good things about the professional conditions there either). However for those dedicated IDEV people, it is a strong option. However, I don't remember seeing a Chinese international student interested in IDEV (I might not have met the person).

 

Edited December 9, 2020 by GradSchoolGrad

[CassTsai]

Just now, GradSchoolGrad said:

So Georgetown McCourt is exceptionally strong in IDEV, but specifically in the area of program evaluation, but via certain niches. I personally don't believe in playing the niche game in grad school because peoples interests change (sometimes drastically) in grad school. People have gotten to some research organizations like J-Pal (though I haven't heard good things about the professional conditions there either). However for those dedicated IDEV people, it is a strong option. However, I don't remember seeing a Chinese international student interested in IDEV (I might not have met the person).

 

Ohh got it now, thanks for explaining ;)

[SleeplessInSomewhere]

On 12/9/2020 at 5:10 PM, CassTsai said:

Hi @GradSchoolGrad! 

1/2/4. I‘m looking for a career in a public-sector research institution or in an international organization. As for the location, I prefer America > EU > Singapore. The biggest challenge for US is that I'm not sure about the chances of me staying in the US after graduation, espcially given to the worsening China-US relation (yep from China and do not plan to come back immediately after graduation). The main challenge in terms of EU is that I don't speak French... 

3. Can't get a job in a research institution or in an international organization as a bachelor. Also not really want to work in China. I am considering the master's program as a chance to gain an entrance ticket for my career and build up my network abroad, so the reputations of schools and the resources from alumni matter for me.

4. Yeah the financial problem... Getting a small funding from Georgetown, still waiting for decision from Sciences Po. Georgetown is going to cost me 2.5-3 times than Sciences Po, 1.5 times than NUS (all 2-year program).

Georgetown alum here. SFS is an amazing place to be, and so is DC in general. I wouldn't worry too much about not being able to stay in the US after graduation. The Careers office helps in preparing you to enter the job market as an international student. They'll host free workshops on campus on how to apply for your OPT (Optional Practical Training) early enough before your graduation so that you're ready to start a job right after, and you can start applying for jobs in your last semester. The OPT is valid for one year. After that, it's up to your employer (whether the same from that year or another one that you seek out) whether they're willing to sponsor you for a work visa.

With this current pandemic, unfortunately I would imagine you'd probably miss out on many of the joys of DC. Networking events, talks at think tanks, meeting politicians, writers, activists, scholars. It is a place that offers you a wide array of opportunities. People are very friendly and willing to give you advice. Georgetown has an excellent reputation, and most departments make an effort to tap into their alumni networks to help their current students. Your interests may change during graduate school, and this is fine. Most SFS programs allow you to take electives in other departments, or even in other schools in DC. What kind of job you end up getting depends on what courses you take, what skills you learn, and how you market/pitch yourself at interviews in the future. I have plenty of former classmates who used DC as a launching point for their careers that became international; ending up in places like London, Seoul, Berlin, Paris, Dubai, or staying in the US but moving to New York, etc. I don't think you should undermine the weight of opportunity that DC can offer you.

Last point re funding. This is a legitimate concern, and I would try and negotiate it. Ask for more funding. Say you won't be able to attend with the current package they're offering you. I was pretty hell bent on Georgetown, so they gave me the option of deferring for a year and getting a full scholarship the following year, which is what I did. However, in your case they might already have the funds, so there's no harm in asking.

[CassTsai]

18 hours ago, SleeplessInSomewhere said:

Georgetown alum here. SFS is an amazing place to be, and so is DC in general. I wouldn't worry too much about not being able to stay in the US after graduation. The Careers office helps in preparing you to enter the job market as an international student. They'll host free workshops on campus on how to apply for your OPT (Optional Practical Training) early enough before your graduation so that you're ready to start a job right after, and you can start applying for jobs in your last semester. The OPT is valid for one year. After that, it's up to your employer (whether the same from that year or another one that you seek out) whether they're willing to sponsor you for a work visa.

With this current pandemic, unfortunately I would imagine you'd probably miss out on many of the joys of DC. Networking events, talks at think tanks, meeting politicians, writers, activists, scholars. It is a place that offers you a wide array of opportunities. People are very friendly and willing to give you advice. Georgetown has an excellent reputation, and most departments make an effort to tap into their alumni networks to help their current students. Your interests may change during graduate school, and this is fine. Most SFS programs allow you to take electives in other departments, or even in other schools in DC. What kind of job you end up getting depends on what courses you take, what skills you learn, and how you market/pitch yourself at interviews in the future. I have plenty of former classmates who used DC as a launching point for their careers that became international; ending up in places like London, Seoul, Berlin, Paris, Dubai, or staying in the US but moving to New York, etc. I don't think you should undermine the weight of opportunity that DC can offer you.

Last point re funding. This is a legitimate concern, and I would try and negotiate it. Ask for more funding. Say you won't be able to attend with the current package they're offering you. I was pretty hell bent on Georgetown, so they gave me the option of deferring for a year and getting a full scholarship the following year, which is what I did. However, in your case they might already have the funds, so there's no harm in asking.

Thanks a lot for the info! Glad to hear the opinion from an alumnus  Will try ur advice concerning the funding!

[GradSchoolGrad]

27 minutes ago, CassTsai said:

Thanks a lot for the info! Glad to hear the opinion from an alumnus  Will try ur advice concerning the funding!

 

18 hours ago, SleeplessInSomewhere said:

Georgetown alum here. SFS is an amazing place to be, and so is DC in general. I wouldn't worry too much about not being able to stay in the US after graduation. The Careers office helps in preparing you to enter the job market as an international student. They'll host free workshops on campus on how to apply for your OPT (Optional Practical Training) early enough before your graduation so that you're ready to start a job right after, and you can start applying for jobs in your last semester. The OPT is valid for one year. After that, it's up to your employer (whether the same from that year or another one that you seek out) whether they're willing to sponsor you for a work visa.

With this current pandemic, unfortunately I would imagine you'd probably miss out on many of the joys of DC. Networking events, talks at think tanks, meeting politicians, writers, activists, scholars. It is a place that offers you a wide array of opportunities. People are very friendly and willing to give you advice. Georgetown has an excellent reputation, and most departments make an effort to tap into their alumni networks to help their current students. Your interests may change during graduate school, and this is fine. Most SFS programs allow you to take electives in other departments, or even in other schools in DC. What kind of job you end up getting depends on what courses you take, what skills you learn, and how you market/pitch yourself at interviews in the future. I have plenty of former classmates who used DC as a launching point for their careers that became international; ending up in places like London, Seoul, Berlin, Paris, Dubai, or staying in the US but moving to New York, etc. I don't think you should undermine the weight of opportunity that DC can offer you.

Last point re funding. This is a legitimate concern, and I would try and negotiate it. Ask for more funding. Say you won't be able to attend with the current package they're offering you. I was pretty hell bent on Georgetown, so they gave me the option of deferring for a year and getting a full scholarship the following year, which is what I did. However, in your case they might already have the funds, so there's no harm in asking.

I do believe the person was talking about MPP - hence McCourt School and not SFS's MSFS program. Granted they are the same University, the two programs are drastically different.