Cold feet!

[kitsims]

Hi all

 

I've just been offered a place on the MC-MPA at HKS. At first I was ecstatic; now I've gone down a huge rollercoaster plummet and am having major doubts about the whole thing. Would really appreciate your thoughts.

 

I'm from the UK and am coming up to 35. I've worked mostly internationally - for government for 8 years in East Asia and continental Europe, and currently in India where I am working in education policy (which has been my focus for the last 5 years) for a private sector organisation (actually officially we are a charity in the UK, but our public image is more that of a business). I lead a team, am a regular public speaker, and have a few publications to my name that I've produced with my current employers. My undergrad was 14 years ago, in Political Science, and for a long time I've wanted to have the experience of studying again. I don't see myself going on to a PhD, I'm happier in advocacy and communications than I am in research.

 

What I expect to get from HKS is a year of great intellectual stimulation; the chance to meet and be inspired by some brilliant people and develop some great networks; new skills (especially the tools to work with / understand quantitative analysis) and new knowledge in areas like communications and the sustainability agenda (an area of particular interest). I'm also keen to develop my media skills by working on the student paper etc. I feel like, at this point in my career, I need something special to make my CV stand out and make me a candidate for more exciting positions than I might otherwise be considered for.

 

I have savings that will cover nearly the full cost (and also have a small flat in London that I wouldn't need to sell, so I wouldn't be left totally without assets), but I'm just not 100% sure that this is the right way to spend them. I'll be going back to the UK afterwards - how well will the Harvard MPA serve me there? Would I be better off focusing on improving my skills (e.g. studying for a diploma in public affairs and communication) in a more cost-effective way while continuing to build my career? Is it worth spending the extra money for the experience of being at Harvard for a year (this is undoubtedly part of the appeal)? And are my expectations of the experience realistic?

Sorry to throw all this out there but if anyone can share any thoughts I'd really appreciate it, especially from anyone who's actually completed the course!

[soaps]

I'm dealing with similar issues but for a different program. There's no amount of information you can consume that will allow you to make the best decision. At a certain point, you just have to trust your instincts. I understand the rollercoaster, though. My mind tries to evaluate all the different opportunity costs between re-applying next year, or applying to law schools, or not going to graduate school at all. I think this is natural for anyone who has a mix of priorities in life. I'd take advantage of the time you have to make a decision, take it easy, and maybe you'll be struck with some insight down the road.

[biscuits]

There was a very helpful older thread on these forums which I am now unable to find, but essentially the poster reminded us that cognitive biases come into play as we make these decisions. OK, yes, obviously. More specifically, the negative aspects of a decision loom larger as that decision becomes closer. (Three cheers for loss aversion!) Certainly we should weigh all the relevant pros and cons of a decision, but keep in mind that your mind may be panicking as the temporal proximity of grad school's opportunity costs increases.

[flyingjellyfish]

@kitsims - a good friend of mine recently left a very successful, 15 year career in public policy/government to do a year-long MPP executive program at a similarly top-tier school.  She also struggled with the same issues once it came round to decision-time, but since starting the program she has been nothing but happy.  It was scary for her to leave her established position, BUT it has been invigorating for her to take a mental break from work, meet similarly driven classmates, and focus her energies on learning again.  She is also interested in breaking into opportunities on the East Coast, so the chance to study closer to those places appealed to her.  

 

Perhaps it would be good for you to make a list of all the reasons why you originally wanted to apply to HKS?  Throw the cons out the window for a moment and focus on all the positive reasons why this would be a good year for you.  Then, when you're re-energized, reconsider the cons and see if they outweigh your (likely long) list of pros. 

 

And I definitely second biscuits' point.  

[pete-mc]

Dont go to HKS unless you have a scholarship or some sort of funding. Its not worth the degree to get into substantial debt as it will not give you what you're looking for. I've spoken to many HKS grads who said that their degree had little impact on their career progression or earnings. Work experience is the most important factor. Plus, the HKS holds little value outside the US.

[kitsims]

Thanks all for taking the trouble to reply.

As I said, I won't be getting into huge debt as my savings will cover almost the full amount I need. I also don't expect it to give me a sudden huge boost in earnings. Currently I work in a private sector organisation making a healthy $85,000, but longer term I see myself in the NGO / advocacy sector or possible returning to government - I don't expect to get a great deal more than I'm already on in those sectors.

I'm more concerned about the value of HKS outside the US as I have heard others make the same point that Pete does. That said, I have never lived or studied in the US and I was very aware of HKS, which says something (if I was recruiting and someone had it on their CV, for instance, I would be interested). Plus significant numbers of successful HKS alumni have come from overseas, and the Harvard brand is very international. But if any Brits are reading this and have a perspective I'd really appreciate it.

The point is not really to earn masses more money, but to expand and develop my skills, knowledge and networks, and to get my foot in the door of interesting positions that might otherwise not give me a shot. And to have a year living, studying and socialising with a diverse range of inspirational people. I think it will give me those things, but I'm still wavering!

[kitsims]

And I meant to add - biscuit your point is excellent and I will try to keep it in perspective. Flyingjellyfish it sounds like there are some similarities between your friend and me, as the opportunity to take a break from work, do some serious learning, and be inspired by other classmates are as important to me as any possible career boost.

[thunderchunky]

The point is not really to earn masses more money, but to expand and develop my skills, knowledge and networks, and to get my foot in the door of interesting positions that might otherwise not give me a shot. And to have a year living, studying and socialising with a diverse range of inspirational people. I think it will give me those things, but I'm still wavering!

 

To me it sounds like you know what you want to do.

[Revolution]

If you don't have to take out a lot of loans, and you are genuinely intersted in the public sector, go to HKS.  In that area, HKS name goes a long way, and the school is very well-suited for those career goals.

 

Of course, it's totally natural to have cold feet as the decision date looms closer. Just ask yourself if you think going there will help you achieve your goals and whether you will be happy there.