SAIS Bologna Strategic Studies vs. GW Eliott Security Policy Studies

[Alex Garcia]

Hello Everyone,

I was accepted to SAIS (with 1 year in Bologna) and The Elliott School of International Affairs. I will be doing Security Policy Studies if I go to GW and will be concentrating in Strategic Studies if I go to SAIS.

My career objectives are to work in the intelligence or defense community (specifically the public sector) - DOD, DIA, CIA, State Department NIA, etc...

The curriculum at GW seems to compliment my career aspirations better than that of SAIS. GW's Career Development Services are great. The program entails a "Tools Requirement" that allotts me the opportunity to take progressional skills courses. The career services at SAIS offers a "professional development process" that is basically an advisor helping me plan out my career goals. However, I believe SAIS is regarded as the "more rigorous" and perhaps "more prestigious" or difficult school to get into.

I am also a bit turned off by having to spend a year in Bologna if I go to SAIS (not sure how much studying abroad in Europe would be beneficial to Security Studies).

Where do you guys think I should go? Which program would benefit me most? Which school would make me more competetive in the job market? I also got into SIS (U.S. Foreign Policy). I was not accepted into SIPA.

Any feedback would be great! Thank you!

[peachynestea12345]

Reputation and prestige help in just getting an interview. At the interview stage, everyone is pretty much 'equal', and then they decide on an individual based on the merit of the individual- what do they know, what can they do, can they work with you, can you work with them is what it all boils down to. So if you think you can learn more slash get a better training/publications in one location, go for that location. Actually, I think it would be attractive for an applicant to have international experience. It can help differentiate yourself and set yourself up from a horde of applications. Good luck with your decision!

[Alex Garcia]

@peachynestea12345 Thank you so much for your response! The curriculum vs. experience abroad is the big debate! I have little experience abroad (one summer spent studying in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil) so I know Bologna will strengthen my resume. I never though of this in light of the job interview process, though. You bring up a very good point, and I think the curriculum and faculty at GW will give me an edge in that respsect.