Help me get started - SIPA, SAIS, etc. chances

[sp108]

I am a 25 year old who wants to make a switch from the private sector (Big 4) to the public sector (UN, WB, etc.).  My GPA is a 3.47 from a large state school in Accounting, Finance, and Business Economics (Triple major) with classes taken in Poli Sci and Stats. I have not taken the GRE yet and I wanted to start studying for it to start applying to schools such as SIPA, SAIS, and the like starting in the fall of this year.  

 

My work experience is composed of 3 years in consulting (Big 4 and the like) by the time I apply.  I really want to make a career switch into the public sector largely for implicit satisfaction over extrinsic gains (happiness over money) and being able to do something worthwhile in the international development sector.  I believe I can leverage my private sector work experience to do well in the public sector.  

 

1) Am I out of my depth trying to aim for a grad program in IR/ID without direct work experience? What can I do from now till I apply in the fall to boost my chances given I am coming from the private sector?

 

2) What kind of GRE score should I aim for as I start studying for it now

 

3) Anything else I should be aware of as I start this journey?

 

I would be happy to have a conversation to get some guidance.

 

Thank you

 

PS - I apologize in advance if I am breaking some kind of forum rule.

Edited February 15, 2015 by sp108