Stuck between 8 top MPP/MPA Programs - Please help me weigh the pros and cons!

[iloveacaiiiii]

Hello Gradcafe community!

I'm an international student who's in a bit of a dilemma. I've received offers from eight MPP/MPA programs, including:

1. SIPA (Columbia)

2. Ford (U Michigan)

3. Harris (U Chicago)

4. Sanford (Duke)

5. Heinz (Carnegie Mellon)

6. Brooks (Cornell)

7. McCourt (Georgetown)

8. SPPGA (UBC)

While I'm beyond grateful for these opportunities, I'm struggling to decide which program to choose, and I could use your help.

My career goal is to work in the United States to gain more experience in an international setting. Specifically, I'm looking for opportunities to work in:

1. Consultancy firms that specialize in public sector policy projects,

2. Consultancy firms, or public affairs or data-related corporate jobs in the private sector, and

3. IGOs or think tanks.

Though my academic background is in social policy, I'm open to exploring new fields, such as tech policy and international policy, during graduate school.

So, Gradcafe community, I'm turning to you. Have you attended any of these programs, or do you have any insights to share? Which program do you think would be the best fit for me? I'm all ears and would be so grateful for any advice you have to offer.

Thank you in advance for your help! 🥹

[d2ear]

On 3/27/2023 at 12:00 PM, iloveacaiiiii said:

Hello Gradcafe community!

I'm an international student who's in a bit of a dilemma. I've received offers from eight MPP/MPA programs, including:

1. SIPA (Columbia)

2. Ford (U Michigan)

3. Harris (U Chicago)

4. Sanford (Duke)

5. Heinz (Carnegie Mellon)

6. Brooks (Cornell)

7. McCourt (Georgetown)

8. SPPGA (UBC)

While I'm beyond grateful for these opportunities, I'm struggling to decide which program to choose, and I could use your help.

My career goal is to work in the United States to gain more experience in an international setting. Specifically, I'm looking for opportunities to work in:

1. Consultancy firms that specialize in public sector policy projects,

2. Consultancy firms, or public affairs or data-related corporate jobs in the private sector, and

3. IGOs or think tanks.

Though my academic background is in social policy, I'm open to exploring new fields, such as tech policy and international policy, during graduate school.

So, Gradcafe community, I'm turning to you. Have you attended any of these programs, or do you have any insights to share? Which program do you think would be the best fit for me? I'm all ears and would be so grateful for any advice you have to offer.

Thank you in advance for your help! 🥹

Ultimately, your career path depends on your specific goals. Your current list of fields and career options lacks specificity, so it would be beneficial to focus on a specific policy field and build from there. As an international student, it's important to note that working at think tanks may not be feasible due to visa sponsorship issues.