Full Assistantship or Cushy Salary?

[canesfan2011]

I just got word that there is a large possibility I will be offered a full assistantship that would pretty much make my MPA degree free. Full tuition for the first year + $16,000 stipend and 13 out of 20 credits of tuition for the second year with no stipend. (However, regardless of my acceptance of the assistantship I get the first year of tuition free.)

The only thing causing me to hesitate is that I interviewed at two very big, well-known lobbying firms on Friday on my trip up to DC that have the possibility of $35-45k salaries and my interviews went fantastically. If I were to take the assistantship I would be working ten hours as a research assistant and ten hours in the alumni office. These two firms have huge networking potential as well...

So do I take the one year free tuition and the great but very demanding job or the free master's degree and poverty level stipend? I CAN'T DECIDE!!!!! (For context I plan on going into public affairs/communication and have no interest in research or academic work). Please give me some insight!

[jph5125]

Do you currently have any work experience in the field? Are the lobbying firms in the area you plan on studying at the MPA? The big issue I see for you is that you were offered a research position, but do not like research and probably don't plan on moving to a PhD (thus almost useless to you). Furthermore, if this MPA program is in DC then this job will prevent possible internship possibilities during the school year. Many DC schools have classes at night to allow for students to do internships in the day.

If you don't have work experience, or very little, and you have an interest in these firms I would definitely go for that. You can always go back later and get an MPA/MPP, or eventually do half-time. Plus it seems like people will 3-5 years of work experience have an easier time getting in (or in your case getting back in) and also seem to get some nice funding.

What program did you get into if you don't mind me asking?

[canesfan2011]

I'll be attending Trachtenberg at GW in the fall. To answer your questions- yes, the lobbying firms are in the area I plan on studying and no, I don't plan on going into PhD work. I've already registered for fall courses and will be taking all night courses so I can work full time. I have about 3 years of work experience in internships (Senate, White House, House, campaign). I have the opportunity to get an interest free loan so I would still be able to attend with just the half award, so as I'm thinking through this the jobs seem more and more appealing! This is a great dilemma to have, but still frustrating!

Do you currently have any work experience in the field? Are the lobbying firms in the area you plan on studying at the MPA? The big issue I see for you is that you were offered a research position, but do not like research and probably don't plan on moving to a PhD (thus almost useless to you). Furthermore, if this MPA program is in DC then this job will prevent possible internship possibilities during the school year. Many DC schools have classes at night to allow for students to do internships in the day.

If you don't have work experience, or very little, and you have an interest in these firms I would definitely go for that. You can always go back later and get an MPA/MPP, or eventually do half-time. Plus it seems like people will 3-5 years of work experience have an easier time getting in (or in your case getting back in) and also seem to get some nice funding.

What program did you get into if you don't mind me asking?

[jph5125]

I'll be attending Trachtenberg at GW in the fall. To answer your questions- yes, the lobbying firms are in the area I plan on studying and no, I don't plan on going into PhD work. I've already registered for fall courses and will be taking all night courses so I can work full time. I have about 3 years of work experience in internships (Senate, White House, House, campaign). I have the opportunity to get an interest free loan so I would still be able to attend with just the half award, so as I'm thinking through this the jobs seem more and more appealing! This is a great dilemma to have, but still frustrating!

Yeah that is a tough one then! I was going to apply to Trachtenberg, but I already had an acceptance at Indiana (my top choice). If money was not a problem I would have gone to Trachtenberg (assuming I got in).

At least it sounds like you really can't make a bad decision with your options

[canesfan2011]

Hi guys,

Just wanted to let you know that I was just offered and accepted the assistantship. My mother pointed out to me that I'm only 21 and don't need to work a 70 hour a week job my first year of grad school! I think this is going to be a good decision. Thanks for the input!