MPP/MPA: Public and Private sector versatility?

[StarkResilient89]

I've been thinking for a long time about public policy degrees as an alternative to law school, but I'm reclutant to commit to MPP/MPA programs until I know more about them.

I guess my biggest concern would be career paths. Even though public policy degrees are inherently meant for government/non-profit work, I know that some graduates end up with jobs in the private sector. Although an MBA would probably be more preferable in this situation, I'm interested in getting the best of both worlds and working in government and private sectors (I was a liberal arts major). That said, what types of skills/concentrations in MPP/MPA programs do private consulting firms, banks, and businesses look for when recruiting after graduation?

And also, as of now, I graduated last year from a top 40 college with a 3.3 gpa (although my grades improved a lot throughout the four years), majored/minored in History/International Studies, studied abroad in Spring 2010, and am now working as a paralegal for a large law firm. I know that I probably won't get into HKS, but assuming I do well enough on the GREs, are top schools like Columbia and Georgetown realistically within my reach?

I know this is a lot to take in, so I'd really appreciate helpful feedback. Thanks!

[Revolution]

Can you be more specific on your career goals? Do you want to work in government first and then switch over to private? If so, are you interested in consulting?

With your work experience, getting into a top 15 MBA program will be extremely difficult. You could get into SIPA if you do well on the GMAT and write good essays. SIPA does ok in some areas of finance, but their career services is pretty much useless, so you're on your own.

[ridofme]

The sense I get is that certain schools funnel into the private sector more than others. For example, SAIS has an extremely high percentage of people going into private work. I think that schools that focus on international finance and economics, as opposed to, say, public management would be more versatile in this regard.

I've actually spoken to a few MPP grads who are now working in business. It sounds like it happened pretty randomly, to be honest. One started out by working for a city's economic development arm, and then moving into private consulting for firms that contract with the government to build major developments (like strip malls, casinos, airport expansions, etc.) The other ended up working as an analyst for an investment service focused on government bonds.

But most people who get MPPs/MPAs, I think, end up in the public or non-profit sector. Those who do 'go private' probably come in at lower salaries than do MBAs. I would caution you against getting a policy/public admin degree if private-sector work is your explicit goal, because you may b disappointed.

[lost_0101]

private consulting for firms that contract with the government

This. Government contracting is the vast, vast majority - probably 90% of "private sector" jobs that MPA/MPP students move into. For SAIS or anywhere in DC area - reporting alumni jobs as moving into the private sector is a misnomer.

[Revolution]

This. Government contracting is the vast, vast majority - probably 90% of "private sector" jobs that MPA/MPP students move into. For SAIS or anywhere in DC area - reporting alumni jobs as moving into the private sector is a misnomer.

Interesting. I applied to MBA programs as well as policy programs at HKS and SAIS. Although I won't know the results for another few months, I've been asking myself what I would do if i only got into SAIS and HKS but dinged at the MBA programs. Most of my work experience is in finance, and i hope to stay in that arena but shift focus to a different area within finance.

[lost_0101]

Interesting. I applied to MBA programs as well as policy programs at HKS and SAIS. Although I won't know the results for another few months, I've been asking myself what I would do if i only got into SAIS and HKS but dinged at the MBA programs. Most of my work experience is in finance, and i hope to stay in that arena but shift focus to a different area within finance.

Interesting. I applied to MBA programs as well as policy programs at HKS and SAIS. Although I won't know the results for another few months, I've been asking myself what I would do if i only got into SAIS and HKS but dinged at the MBA programs. Most of my work experience is in finance, and i hope to stay in that arena but shift focus to a different area within finance.

I should have refined that to stay that was specific of the 'consulting' gigs. If your finance interests are in emerging markets, or IMF/WB/MCC then SAIS or HKS MPA-ID would be great alternatives to an MBA.

Edited December 17, 2012 by lost_0101

[Revolution]

I should have refined that to stay that was specific of the 'consulting' gigs. If your finance interests are in emerging markets, or IMF/WB/MCC then SAIS or HKS MPA-ID would be great alternatives to an MBA.

Yes, my interest is in investment research (bonds, currencies) focusing on asia; I'm also open to world bank/IMF/NY Fed, but i'm less sanguine about those options due to the heavy bureaucratic red tape at those institutions.

I applied to SAIS, HKS MPA2, and a number of top MBA programs.

[HumbleBee]

• Can only speak for HKS (may apply to other schools?)
• Private sector jobs in consulting are easiest to get. McKinsey basically interviews everyone who applies. BCG also a fair few. However, only 2-5 students actually score a role with these firms every year and they usually have come from either i-banking or consulting (with smaller firms). 
• Banking - you have to network like hell to get an interview. Otherwise the only banks that will take you are the NGOs i.e. World bank, ABD
• Businesses - ??? No idea. Generally, you would be working in the government relations arm.  
• Your background is your largest disadvantage (liberal arts and now paralegal). A grad degree wont necessarily make you anymore attractive to the private sector. Your key to success is focus and networking like crazy.

[frodobaggins]

Hi guys,

 

Revolution's worst prediction came true for me. I dinged in my MBA apps and now hold two admits - MPA/ID at HKS and MIB at Fletcher. I want to work in the private sector after the degree (consulting vs business conglomerates). I have a business degree before, good quant scores and a private sector background in consulting. Which program do you think will give me a better shot at my career? I'm a bit concerned about MIB being too new and MPA/ID being too development focussed. Have to give my response to the schools in 3 days and just unable to make up my mind! Would appreciate any thoughts.

[DaniCM]

Hi guys,

 

Revolution's worst prediction came true for me. I dinged in my MBA apps and now hold two admits - MPA/ID at HKS and MIB at Fletcher. I want to work in the private sector after the degree (consulting vs business conglomerates). I have a business degree before, good quant scores and a private sector background in consulting. Which program do you think will give me a better shot at my career? I'm a bit concerned about MIB being too new and MPA/ID being too development focussed. Have to give my response to the schools in 3 days and just unable to make up my mind! Would appreciate any thoughts.

 

I just attended the Fletcher open house and met a few MIBs, including one on the alumni panel who now works in the private sector and is one of the only people to be there without an MBA. They pretty much said that the great thing about an MIB from Fletcher is you can take all the same classes as you would as an MBA, but you also have the flexibility to throw in other stuff that interests you.

 

The MIB alum said he brought his transcript to his interview and walked his current bosses through it, to show them he has all the skills and business education he needs to succeed. He also did a capstone project consulting an actual company and was able to show them that.

 

Anyway, I don't know about HKS's program, but the Fletcher MIB seemed really marketable.

[DaniCM]

And also, as of now, I graduated last year from a top 40 college with a 3.3 gpa (although my grades improved a lot throughout the four years), majored/minored in History/International Studies, studied abroad in Spring 2010, and am now working as a paralegal for a large law firm. I know that I probably won't get into HKS, but assuming I do well enough on the GREs, are top schools like Columbia and Georgetown realistically within my reach?

I know this is a lot to take in, so I'd really appreciate helpful feedback. Thanks!

 

Just based off your stats, I'd say you sound like a marginal applicant , such that if  you do really well on your GREs and have a strong SOP and LORs, you could probably get in, but likely without funding. Getting waitlisted is also a strong possibility if the applicant pool is particularly strong your application cycle.

 

Of course, with a good SOP and some stellar LORs, you could be a very choice applicant!

 

Good luck!

[lemony]

I guess my biggest concern would be career paths. Even though public policy degrees are inherently meant for government/non-profit work, I know that some graduates end up with jobs in the private sector. Although an MBA would probably be more preferable in this situation, I'm interested in getting the best of both worlds and working in government and private sectors (I was a liberal arts major). That said, what types of skills/concentrations in MPP/MPA programs do private consulting firms, banks, and businesses look for when recruiting after graduation?

And also, as of now, I graduated last year from a top 40 college with a 3.3 gpa (although my grades improved a lot throughout the four years), majored/minored in History/International Studies, studied abroad in Spring 2010, and am now working as a paralegal for a large law firm. I know that I probably won't get into HKS, but assuming I do well enough on the GREs, are top schools like Columbia and Georgetown realistically within my reach?

I know this is a lot to take in, so I'd really appreciate helpful feedback. Thanks!

It's uncanny how similar your background/stats are to mine! FWIW i got waitlisted at Columbia and i'll most likely be attending Wagner at NYU. I also would like to work in private sector/govt relations possibly, and NYUW's program/classes/capstone fit the bill for the skills I hope to gain in pursuit of this career track. Good luck!

[Denisse]

StarkResilient89, don't be discouraged by your supposed low stats! I went to a top 25 university and graduated with a 3.22 dual degree in business and international relations. I did well enough on my GREs (but not spectacularly in the quant). I would say the one thing you should do is use this year to really build your work experience. I'd recommend volunteering, even getting an internship in something more related to what you'd study. I applied to 7 programs (SAIS, GWU, American, Columbia, Georgetown, and Fordham). The only place I didn't receive acceptance into was Georgetown and I think I would have had a better opportunity had I not applied to the GHD program which is in it's 2nd year and has like 20-30 students only.

 

You can definitely do it. The one thing I think got me in to all the other schools was my recommendations and very clear personal statement. Granted while my career goals have changed somewhat. But when I wrote those personal statements I was very clear!