Interested in getting a MPA

[texjew21]

Hello,

I am interested in getting a Masters in Public Affairs but not quite sure which path. Careers in the Civil Service for Public Affairs, Visa/Passport specialists, and international affairs have all sparked my interest. Policy analysis and consulting are also interesting to me. Ideally I'd like to stay in the U.S. so the foreign service is out of the question. I wanted to go to Law School for quite some time, but with the way the job market is with the over-supply of lawyers and the high cost of getting a J.D., I have pretty much ruled that out.

I got my bachelors at UT Austin in Government and History in 2010. Since then I have worked on political campaigns (which I loathe), worked and backpacked abroad in Australia and New Zealand, and now I am currently back in Dallas working as a Realtor. There is no future for me in real estate, as I really am not interested in it long-term. I never believed in going straight to graduate school after undergrad and felt that gaining life/work experience was more important (hopefully this will help on any applications).

I would go talk to a counselor about this situation, but often times they don't help and still expect payment. I've learned that talking to people who have experience in these areas tend do be more beneficial.

What would you suggest for a person in my situation?

I look to forward and appreciate any response.

Thanks,

Michael

[Jess C]

Well you are way ahead of me! I just graduated and am also considering a MPP or MPA program. I recently attended a graduate school fair and learned a lot. It really depends on the program. Definitely look at schools that have a strong international program or M.P.A. programs that align with your interests I know University of Maryland had a really good program and is known for its international program. Syracuse's Maxwell School has one the best M.P.A programs in the country. They also have great connections with internship opportunities. Other schools I liked included American University, and University of Minnesota for their M.P.A. In terms of specific interests you'd probably just have to get internships in those fields to see if that is a good fit for you. Also most schools allow you to specialize in areas. I suggest you research the programs individually I think the more you know what you want from a program the easier it becomes to narrow down your choices. Attend a graduate school fair if you can, it really helped me a great deal. Idealist.org usually host them in the bigger cities.

[texjew21]

Well you are way ahead of me! I just graduated and am also considering a MPP or MPA program. I recently attended a graduate school fair and learned a lot. It really depends on the program. Definitely look at schools that have a strong international program or M.P.A. programs that align with your interests I know University of Maryland had a really good program and is known for its international program. Syracuse's Maxwell School has one the best M.P.A programs in the country. They also have great connections with internship opportunities. Other schools I liked included American University, and University of Minnesota for their M.P.A. In terms of specific interests you'd probably just have to get internships in those fields to see if that is a good fit for you. Also most schools allow you to specialize in areas. I suggest you research the programs individually I think the more you know what you want from a program the easier it becomes to narrow down your choices. Attend a graduate school fair if you can, it really helped me a great deal. Idealist.org usually host them in the bigger cities.

Thanks! I will definitely check out some grad school fairs.

I really want to look into some of the schools in Seattle, New York, and D.C.