Grad school and then what?

[Trinidad]

Hey all,

I am a graduate student in a masters program (not phd)..well I guess I am asking what kind of jobs if any will I be needing a professor recommendation in. i have one professor at least from my undergrad school that I can ask and I have one from my grad which I will ask if needs be, however, I am wondering now if jobs in the social policy/public sector (with INGOs, NGOs, Think tanks or companies ...) require recommendations as part of job application??? Other than if you wanna pursue another masters or phd or get into a graduate scheme, which other avenues are there for needing fabulous professor relationships and great recos???

ALSO, does it really matter what you do your MA dissertation in for your job career ..I mean lets say someone works in UN or in national govt after doing IR degree or politics degree ...can you use your dissertation topic to land a job..talki n interviews...is it possible that whatever subject you did it on DETERMINES what job you will get ..(they see you have expertise in lets say human rights law through your research and ask you for a interview only because of this hence you end up only getting interviews and offers from org that deal with this sorta issue!!)??

thanks very much!

[Nofia]

When you interview for jobs outside of academia, they generally will want references (as opposed to a letter of recommendation); it is fine to list a professor as a reference, just make sure you ask your professor if they would be willing to furnish a reference if called. To be perfectly honest, most real world jobs are much more interested in your real world experience (internships, etc.) than what you wrote you thesis on, but if you have no work experience, highlight your academic experiences and relate them as clearly as possible to the expected responsibilities for the potential jobs. I wouldn't worry too much about being pigeon-holed either, just apply to a broad swath of jobs and see what happens...entry-level jobs aren't usually going to be to specific, and you can always move around if you don't like where you end up. Its also fine to emphasize your academic experience in X topic for a job in an X-related field and to emphasize your experience with Z topic in a z-related field.

[flatcoat]

I work at a think tank. No written letter of recommendation was required for my current job, but it was for another I applied for in the same organization (and didn't get). Always keep in touch with professors who can be references or write letters for you. Sometimes you need letters, sometimes not. You may need an academic reference years from now. I got my MA 5 years ago and thank goodness maintained contact with my thesis advisor.

Your thesis topic will probably not determine your job. More likely it will be your skills set. Knowledge of a certain area is less important that your general skills, because jobs change and evolve with the needs of an organization. No one wants to hire someone who's an expert in one specific area with no capabilities or interest in learning or doing new things (in fact, we consistently pass up this kind of person when hiring).

[policy_applicant]

I work at a think tank. No written letter of recommendation was required for my current job, but it was for another I applied for in the same organization (and didn't get). Always keep in touch with professors who can be references or write letters for you. Sometimes you need letters, sometimes not. You may need an academic reference years from now. I got my MA 5 years ago and thank goodness maintained contact with my thesis advisor.

Your thesis topic will probably not determine your job. More likely it will be your skills set. Knowledge of a certain area is less important that your general skills, because jobs change and evolve with the needs of an organization. No one wants to hire someone who's an expert in one specific area with no capabilities or interest in learning or doing new things (in fact, we consistently pass up this kind of person when hiring).

hi flatcoat. out of curiosity, what type of think tank do you work at? i'm considering doing policy research or a related area after my mpp. do you have any general advice for me? thanks!