SAIS vs SFS - Battle of the DC titans

[JD2300]

I’m been admitted to both, and trying to see which program makes more sense.

After comprehensive research, it seems there could be some bias towards SFS due to their robust alumni base in DC, and their less quant-heavy courseload (I see this feedback about SAIS a lot.)

For someone who is applying to MBB post-grad, and wants to maintain a network for IGO work down the road, which school makes more sense? Any other pros/cons that you believe I should consider?

[GradSchoolGrad]

30 minutes ago, JD2300 said:

I’m been admitted to both, and trying to see which program makes more sense.

After comprehensive research, it seems there could be some bias towards SFS due to their robust alumni base in DC, and their less quant-heavy courseload (I see this feedback about SAIS a lot.)

For someone who is applying to MBB post-grad, and wants to maintain a network for IGO work down the road, which school makes more sense? Any other pros/cons that you believe I should consider?

Lets get one key basic thing straight. 

No matter if you go to MSFS or SAIS, there is no pipeline for you to go to MBB in the United States (unless you dual degreeing with an MBA or JD or seeking a defense specialist role that requires a top secret clearance). There might be a few exceptions out there for former consultants and data scientists (non-front line consultant role). You can hypothetically go abroad for an MBB role in a country whose language you are fluent in (other than English). I have seen McKinsey recruiting for Germany in the past - not sure what country they are focusing on now. 

That being said, Deloitte Government Ops does have a bigger presence recruiting for MSFS than at SAIS... then again it is Deloitte government ops (with all its pros and cons).

I have a podcast where I speak about the two programs:

 

 

[JD2300]

36 minutes ago, GradSchoolGrad said:

Lets get one key basic thing straight. 

No matter if you go to MSFS or SAIS, there is no pipeline for you to go to MBB in the United States (unless you dual degreeing with an MBA or JD or seeking a defense specialist role that requires a top secret clearance). There might be a few exceptions out there for former consultants and data scientists (non-front line consultant role). You can hypothetically go abroad for an MBB role in a country whose language you are fluent in (other than English). I have seen McKinsey recruiting for Germany in the past - not sure what country they are focusing on now. 

That being said, Deloitte Government Ops does have a bigger presence recruiting for MSFS than at SAIS... then again it is Deloitte government ops (with all its pros and cons).

I have a podcast where I speak about the two programs:

 

 

Thanks for linking that! I actually listened to your second/third one where you overviewed the different programs earlier today, so I'll definitely check that out.

Yes - the goal would be a dual-degree with an MBA so I would rely on that for MBB recruiting, assuming I can get into a competitive program. The value of the IR would be differentiating me in the recruiting process, and helping me get placed into an international business focused group. 

I guess the question boils down to, when recruiting to which program would distinguish me more in that process (since it sounds like neither have a deep pool of alumni), and when I transition into IR policy later in life at an IGO. 

[GradSchoolGrad]

54 minutes ago, JD2300 said:

Thanks for linking that! I actually listened to your second/third one where you overviewed the different programs earlier today, so I'll definitely check that out.

Yes - the goal would be a dual-degree with an MBA so I would rely on that for MBB recruiting, assuming I can get into a competitive program. The value of the IR would be differentiating me in the recruiting process, and helping me get placed into an international business focused group. 

I guess the question boils down to, when recruiting to which program would distinguish me more in that process (since it sounds like neither have a deep pool of alumni), and when I transition into IR policy later in life at an IGO. 

Yes here is the deal. When recruiting for MBB, the MBA school's pipeline determines your viability - period. For MSFS, you would go to Georgetown's MBA. On a good year, they get about 5 or so to graduate with an MBB offer (out of like a class of 250) On a bad year, its like 2. With SAIS, that totally depends on how you decide to MBA dual degree. You might be able to dual degree with more competitive MBA schools, but it will be a logisitical nightmare because you'll be the exception guy in everything + you'll have to live in two cities over a period of 3 years and only about 6 schools will let you do so with SAIS.

https://sais.jhu.edu/academics/dual-degree-and-exchange-programs 

Being a dual degree helps you get into MBB, but honestly the gain is marginal. You would be better off with an MBA only and then get an internal referral than be a dual degree. 

Also, keep in mind, firms care about needs of the business more than prior experience/degree. If you go to Bain, you will be starting with PE - no matter what because that is where business needs are. MBB is littered with stories from dual degrees from Harvard and etc. who never got to use their other degree. I can give you a leg up, but it isn't a hall pass. 

Also, transitioning to IR policy later in life an IGO from consulting isn't exactly a well worn pathway. Usually they don't let business people play IGO unless they are super senior folks who get appointed. You would be better off doing a JD/MBA if you want to do that. 

 

Edited April 5, 2022 by GradSchoolGrad

[ExponentialDecay]

I disagree that there is no pipeline from consulting to MDB work - there are tons of examples in my network - but I agree that there's no case for dual degree if your goal is MBB. I also wouldn't get attached to the idea that you're going to move into international government work after MBB. It's a big step down in salary and prestige to basically do the same shit.

[d2ear]

If your end goal is MBB, there is no point in going the longer route and getting an IR degree.
You should apply directly to MBA programs. A dual IR/MBA won't help you much in recruiting. Going to M7 or any of the t15 schools is your best bet of transitioning to MBB if you do not already graduate from a prestigious undergraduate institute.