MPP query by internatinal student

[disintegrate]

I have applied for various schools for the MPP programs(Georgetown, GWu, UMich, AU etc). I would like to know if it's worth it for an international student to pursue an MPP degree in the USA. I would love to work for an NGO\think tank for a couple of years after my graduation. I am currently working in a public policy think tank in India.

[GopherGrad]

I think a US degree will help you network and add credibility to your CV when it comes to applying for work in the US.

The drawback is that there is a glut of professional MA/MPPs and finding work can be tough. I would direct you to a site called collegeconfidential.com, which features a much larger community of professional-style MA candidates and students. You'll get more rounded advice there and get a feel for the post-graduation woes of some of your potential colleagues.

If you choose to pursue the MPP, take this piece of advice very seriously, though: network, network, network. Your grades will be important but you'll have so much competition your head will spin. Who you know will be very important and getting a jump on participating in your professional community is essential to getting that first job.

[oasis]

I have applied for various schools for the MPP programs(Georgetown, GWu, UMich, AU etc). I would like to know if it's worth it for an international student to pursue an MPP degree in the USA. I would love to work for an NGO\think tank for a couple of years after my graduation. I am currently working in a public policy think tank in India.

One of my classmates was in a similar situation. He came to the states for a professional degree in public policy/international affairs and wanted to work in think tanks etc in DC. His biggest problem was visa sponsorship, since most of the nonprofits are cash strapped as it is and there were literally dozens of equally qualified candidates who didn't need to be sponsored. He did a lot of networking, recruitment activities, internships etc and eventually got a job in econ consulting, and the firm paid for his H1B. However, that was a really circuitous route to the corporate side and would've been a lot easier if he had done an MBA instead.

Of course, if you don't intend to work in the US (at least longer than the 1-year practical training), then this doesn't really matter.

[disintegrate]

One of my classmates was in a similar situation. He came to the states for a professional degree in public policy/international affairs and wanted to work in think tanks etc in DC. His biggest problem was visa sponsorship, since most of the nonprofits are cash strapped as it is and there were literally dozens of equally qualified candidates who didn't need to be sponsored. He did a lot of networking, recruitment activities, internships etc and eventually got a job in econ consulting, and the firm paid for his H1B. However, that was a really circuitous route to the corporate side and would've been a lot easier if he had done an MBA instead.

Of course, if you don't intend to work in the US (at least longer than the 1-year practical training), then this doesn't really matter.

Yes, that's my concern. Not getting a job. Who wouldn't love some international experience.

Edited February 8, 2011 by disintegrate

[oasis]

Yes, that's my concern. Not getting a job. Who wouldn't love some international experience.

Then I suggest you look at the list of firms that sponsored H1Bs, and specifically at the list of specialized occupations and their relevant degrees.

Then, look at the placement records of the programs you are considering. If they aren't available online, you should ask for them.