Q from international student on IR/security

[Jon87]

I’ve been ruminating over this for months now and thought an outside perspective might provide valuable advice. In a nutshell, my profile is the following:

European, degrees in business economics and political economy, excellent grades from two good (non-U.S.) universities. However, despite my academic background I have gravitated towards international security and strategic studies; I've got a couple of internships in these fields (in the EU’s equivalent of the state department and in the Brussels-based think-tank community). I’m especially fascinated by transatlantic cooperation on the governance of the global commons (martime security and safeguarding of sealanes, politics of outer space, cooperation on natural resources & energy security), but I’ve also got a deep and broad interest in security studies more in general. (Have done some work on nuclear proliferation and missile defence too.)

My career goal for the medium term (and personal dream) is to get engaged in policy research on the above issues in the U.S., probably in DC. Options are still broad, but I’ll probably be aiming for think-tanks, political risk analysis/consulting, or IOs.

Now, since I would like to refocus my education towards my current field of interest (and also get that invaluable student visa making it much easier to find a job across the Atlantic), I find myself in somewhat of a dilemma between three choices:

1. get a professional Masters degree in IR or SS

Pros:

- aligns closely with personal interests

- bound to be an intellectually and professionally rewarding experience

- probably the best fit in terms of career objectives.

Cons:

- already have another two-year Masters degree

- incredibly expensive for int’l students (almost no scholarships in my home country) and I don’t feel eager about being $100K+ in debt.

2. get a Public Policy PhD

Pros:

- somewhat more funding out there (?)

- training in advanced analytical and quantitative skills which distinguishes oneself from the gazillion of (undoubtedly very capabable) SAIS/SIPA /... grads out there.

Cons:

- I haven’t found many PP degrees yet that focus on international security (exceptions may be something like Harris), and feel anxious about the professors and fellow students concentrating on issues like tax policy design or urban waste management rather than my field of interest

- somewhat questionable to study twice as long as a masters to probably end up doing the same type of jobs.

3. get a Political Science PhD in IR

Pros:

- plenty of time to engage on a very deep level with the interesting conflict/security literature

- I'm quite willing to consider an academic career (with maybe some policy research stints in the longer term)

- more funding available

- some programme subdivisions (e.g. at MIT) seem quite policy-focused

- if worst comes to worst I can always drop out after the MA.

Cons

- dismal academic job market for polsci

- huge commitment given that I’m not completely sure about being an academic in the first place.

For the sake of argument, let's assume I can put together a competitive file for all three options. Any input or recommendations would be much appreciated -- many thanks!

[CC139]

Despite your nationality, I would be very wary about getting loans to fund another masters.

Studying in the US may open some doors but remember that as an non-US citizen most of the time you're not eligible for government/contracting positions in security issues. If you're not dead set into getting your security education in the US, check out Sciences Po International Security Master's. It's very well regarded in Europe and considerably less expensive for Europeans.

[Jon87]

Thanks, I know about sciences-po but am 100% decided on pursuing my grad studies in the U.S. Anyone else with input on the three options above?

[Learn619]

Choices 1 & 3 seem to be the best fit, given the description of your interests. If you'd like to work for a think-tank, a PhD in political Science & IR would be a great way to get a foot in the door. Masters level work in think-tanks are also there to receive (from what I've been told), but going into the application process there with a PhD already (or in the process) will make you a more distinguished candidate for analysis on issues, I'd think. A master’s degree from a school with a high reputation for IR/Security related work is certainly an attractive option as well, and just as worthy.

I suppose it will eventually come down to, among other things, your own personal preference as to what type of educational curriculum you'd prefer. A masters (policy) driven style of education, or the PhD (research) level, in broad general speaking terms. Of course financial costs should never be completely discounted from the equation, however that is something that may be more of a "let's just wait and see" type of thing that you wouldn’t really know until after the application process has already become well underway.

Edited June 20, 2011 by Learn619

[flyers29]

Going the MA route and trying to get a job in the US in this field--especially as a non-citizen--is going to be a gamble right now (ask me how I know ). Besides, a Ph.D might be something you find necessary to get ahead down the road if you want to go the think-tank route. Here are some more policy-focused programs I'd recommend just off the top of my head (I don't know what your level of competitiveness for admissions is): MIT Political Science, JHU SAIS, Maryland Public Policy, American SIS, Tufts Fletcher, Denver Korbel, Pittsburgh GSPIA.

Edited June 21, 2011 by flyers29

[YaelRania]

Just browsed this thread and hope I am not insulting anyone - but I just returned from studying at Sciences Po for one year (in the undergraduate program though, but audited several graduate courses) and it is really such an overrated school. I do not know where it got its reputation from, compared to my European home university which is good but not very well know abroad it was such a disappointment in terms of academics.

Despite your nationality, I would be very wary about getting loans to fund another masters.

Studying in the US may open some doors but remember that as an non-US citizen most of the time you're not eligible for government/contracting positions in security issues. If you're not dead set into getting your security education in the US, check out Sciences Po International Security Master's. It's very well regarded in Europe and considerably less expensive for Europeans.

[Jon87]

Bump -- any other pieces of advice would be highly welcome...