How much of an advantage is two years WE vs one year WE?

[eliotrosewater]

I'm currently working an AmeriCorps VISTA position and am in the process of researching and applying to MPP/MPA programs for next year. By the time I start my MPP program I will have had only one year of work experience. How much will adding another year of work experience (so that I have two years by the time I apply) will increase my competitiveness for top programs? I could just do another year of AmeriCorps or work elsewhere for a year after my year as a VISTA without too much difficulty but my career options are limited without the MPP or MPA, so I want to get started on the degree as soon as I can.

If it helps, I will be applying to CMU, Mich, Harris, GW, NYU, Pitt, Indiana and likely a few others. My GPA is a little over 3.5 and although I have not taken the GRE yet, my practice test scores have been in the 1300-1400 (converted to the old scale) range.

Thanks in advance for any input!

[beefmaster]

I applied after 2 years work experience and in the end decided that I needed more time working to 1) decide exactly what I want to study, 2) get more funding, and 3) save up some much needed cash to pay for it.

Graduate school isn't going anywhere..if you have the opportunity to do some interesting work that is related to your interests then do it.

[eliotrosewater]

Thanks for the input. I'm well aware that grad school "isn't going anywhere." I am quite sure that I know what I want to do in/after grad school and the advantages of working another year or two are pretty apparent to me. My choice is between doing work that I am kind of "meh" about or going to grad school so that I can begin a career that really interests me. This is really the reason why I will likely apply this year rather than next year. If I were doing something that really interested me (it seems like you assumed that this is the case) then the prospect of spending a few more years doing the kind of work I am doing now might be more compelling, but unfortunately that's not what I'm dealing with.

Again I appreciate the advice, but my decision about when to go to grad school isn't about figuring out what I want to do or saving money (saving money is hard to do on an AmeriCorps stipend).

Edited September 7, 2012 by eliotrosewater

[eliotrosewater]

anyone?

[cunninlynguist]

How well can you define your career and professional interests? In this context, the main benefit of work experience is the knowledge that your graduate degree will be directly applicable to advancing your career or providing the final academic credential for your intended work. Without work experience (and the extent of which is variable -- some people don't need 2+ years to hone in on their goals), it can be difficult for the typical prospective grad student to identify why the grad program is necessary at this point in their life. You didn't mention any experience prior to graduation, but if you've completed an internship or two, that is very useful.

And I really mean all of the above in a way that you can convey through your experience. You said you know what you want to do, but will your application substantiate that? Will your résumé reflect that you've been involved in the field? That you're (implicitly) cognizant of what your intended field is like, what skills are necessary, and what career paths are feasible?

You don't have to settle for another year of AmeriCorps, BTW. If there's something more interesting out there -- and relevant to your interests -- then you could pursue those opportunities during your second year. Work experience is unique to all applicants. Ideally, you want to frame it in a way that 1) sets you up for admission and funding whenever you end up applying; 2) builds up your experience so that you'll be employable after the MPP/MPA; and 3) cultivates your interest in the field while informing you of how the field operates internally.

I'd also encourage you to more carefully consider programs. You don't need to apply to all of those you listed and a few more -- 10+ is excessive (and expensive). Delve into the crucial details of the programs that appeal to you most; things like career outcomes, course flexibility, and professional skill-building are key.