Georgetown MSFS vs. SAIS-M.A.

[SaraDC]

If it happens to be your career goal (which it is for me), then yes, I'd say so.

Didn't mean to sound too negative about FS - it's probably just agency bias

If you know that FS is 100% what you want to do, a larger # of graduates is probably a good thing. I suppose I was coming from the point of view that since it's such a small class already, diversity of background/career goals seems particularly important.

[timetomakethedonuts]

Another note on location for those not familiar with DC.

Georgetown has a nice campus (with a traditional college feel) and as an SFS student you'll (presumably) be able to take advantage of the entire university. However, the Georgetown area (also includes some shopping, and residences) isn't metro accessible. The traffic and parking situation tends to be pretty bad, but you can always bike or ride a bus. I don't think this would have too much of an impact for someone going to/from school on a daily basis, but if you wanted to hold down an internship during the school year - it might be slightly harder to plan logistics if you had to go back and forth from the Georgetown area.

SAIS on the other hand is in the Dupont area - very accessible by foot/bike/metro/bus/whatever, and likely very close to most potential employers in DC. If you wanted to get an internship during the school year, it wouldn't be hard to go from job to class in a relatively short amount of time. On the downside, their campus is pretty much non-existent. It consists of several buildings on Massachusetts Avenue just SE of Dupont Circle. The JHU business school shares at least one of those buildings - I think.

I really appreciate this info, as I have no familiarity. It seems like a trade-off to say the least. Can you comment some more on travel time from Georgetown to main areas of DC? Also it seems like everybody on this board is pretty pro-SAIS. Do any of you think SFS is a significantly weaker program overall? I mean is there anybody out there who thinks you'd be crazy to go to SFS over SAIS?

[laserjpb]

It would seem you'd be crazy to pick MSFS over SAIS if you are dead set on a World Bank or quant-heavy career track. Fwiw, in a 2009 survey ranking they are nearly equally as highly regarded, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inside_the_Ivory_Tower

Thanks for everybody's earlier insights; this is a helpful resource

[timetomakethedonuts]

It would seem you'd be crazy to pick MSFS over SAIS if you are dead set on a World Bank or quant-heavy career track. Fwiw, in a 2009 survey ranking they are nearly equally as highly regarded, http://en.wikipedia....the_Ivory_Tower

Thanks for everybody's earlier insights; this is a helpful resource

I don't know. I majored in econ, and worked in i-banking. Can't imagine that SAIS is going to teach me quant skills that are light years ahead this. Although, obviously they do focus on it more. I just think it doesn't make sense to continue to develop this skill set when I don't enjoy doing quantitative analysis. I personally think the #'s in dev and business are hyped, when everyone knows that with the change of one assumption, you can make the results look how you want them.

Do you think if you go to the World Bank you are endorsing the Washington Consensus? I would tend to think so.

[laserjpb]

I don't know. I majored in econ, and worked in i-banking. Can't imagine that SAIS is going to teach me quant skills that are light years ahead this. Although, obviously they do focus on it more. I just think it doesn't make sense to continue to develop this skill set when I don't enjoy doing quantitative analysis. I personally think the #'s in dev and business are hyped, when everyone knows that with the change of one assumption, you can make the results look how you want them.

Do you think if you go to the World Bank you are endorsing the Washington Consensus? I would tend to think so.

Agreed. My post undergrad experience was in commodities trading so I hear you there; I think the fascination with 'quants'/data heavy types/etc is waning a bit (witness David Brooks' recent writings). I am leaning towards MSFS for all the things it is... but in some ways, also for all the things it isn't (if that makes sense). At the same time, I like the private/public balance with a SAIS or SIPA vs MSFS clear slant towards public career tracks (evidenced both in program content and alumni employment data).

Decisions decisions.....!

[timetomakethedonuts]

So I just sat through the online chat. I'm sold on SFS. They were so nice, informative. What really got me was when they said all your professors will know your resume your interest and want to help you find your dream job. The smallness of the program is a big +.

[Punkprince]

So I just sat through the online chat. I'm sold on SFS. They were so nice, informative. What really got me was when they said all your professors will know your resume your interest and want to help you find your dream job. The smallness of the program is a big +.

I was at the chat too, recognized others too, he he

[SaraDC]

I was at the chat too, recognized others too, he he

I saw your question about peer institutions

[Punkprince]

I saw your question about peer institutions

He he, must have been a bit frustrating . . .

[timetomakethedonuts]

I didn't recognize anyone, but what did you guys think of it?

[Punkprince]

I didn't recognize anyone, but what did you guys think of it?

Well, in brief, it felt pretty much "standard" to me. Nothing to be enthusiastic or disappointed about.

I guess it's "student heavy" in terms of making good use of it