Regrets

[kbui]

Do anyone have regrets about applying for MPP/MIA/MPA degrees instead of MBA programs? Even though public service leadership roles require different types of skills, it's also easily obtainable through MBA/LD programs, and those latter programs are much better at helping graduates secure higher paying jobs and it doesn't confine them as much to just one sector. And then because of the intense amount of loans for an MPP/MIA/MPA, it can be financial hell trying to control the $1,000+/month payments on the total of $80-$140,000 of student loans while trying to develop your career in a big city, raising a family, having kids, and other big life purchases and decisions.

How are people feeling about their decisions as acceptances are out, and as people are starting/ending their programs?

[edpolicy2015]

1 hour ago, kbui said:

Do anyone have regrets about applying for MPP/MIA/MPA degrees instead of MBA programs? Even though public service leadership roles require different types of skills, it's also easily obtainable through MBA/LD programs, and those latter programs are much better at helping graduates secure higher paying jobs and it doesn't confine them as much to just one sector. And then because of the intense amount of loans for an MPP/MIA/MPA, it can be financial hell trying to control the $1,000+/month payments on the total of $80-$140,000 of student loans while trying to develop your career in a big city, raising a family, having kids, and other big life purchases and decisions.

How are people feeling about their decisions as acceptances are out, and as people are starting/ending their programs?

Funny that you posted this. I was looking at Round 3 MBA application deadlines today and thinking about possibly doing a dual degree. I think I made the right choice, but I do wonder about the prospects of an MBA. I am excited for the MPA journey.

[ZebraFinch]

This is exactly why I deferred admission until I got full funding. I just have a hard time believing people don't regret that much debt. Maybe they don't soon after graduating, but once you want to buy a house or have kids, those doubts will come in. I just don't believe an MPA/MIA/etc are worth as much $$$ to merit that much in loans, contrary to other degrees.

Edited March 19, 2016 by ZebraFinch

[CakeTea]

Different dynamics in terms of Return on Investment (ROI) for MPP and MBA/JD/MD. MPP grads work mostly in NGO and public sector with lower salaries and bonuses/no stock options. Hence I think MPPs should not go massively into debt ($100,000+) and expect to pay if off in 7-8 years (normal length for top MBAs). MBAs learn different skill set and focus more on functions and industries. MPP skill sets are more generic. But in most MPP programmes, you can take an elective each semester at the uni's Business School and hone your business skill. Popular courses are project management, finance, innovation and data analytics.

I can choose just my favourite programme as I have to factor in funding.

 

[sp108]

You choose the program that has the curriculum you are more interested in.  I was a finance undergrad and I worked in the private sector for a few years and was given leadership roles.  I was also surrounded by lots of MBAs yet I decided it's not where I want to be in the future.  I want to leverage my experiences towards the public sector and the MPP/MPA curriculums were far better for my long term interests.  

Trust me, it's not something you should regret if you are genuinely interested in MPP/MPA/IR programs.  It's encouraged to get a few years of work experience before entering any sort of professional graduate program.  You will truly figure out where you want to be with a good amount of work and life experiences.  If you feel regret doing one thing over another thing, then my advice is to not enroll this year.  Wait it out and get some different work experiences and figure out what you truly want to do.  

Choosing to go to a grad program requires patience and tons of thinking and research before you decide you want to do it.  Being regretful about it is just no good and thats when you will feel your money is truly wasted.  

Edited March 19, 2016 by sp108

[chocolatecheesecake]

On 3/19/2016 at 3:51 PM, kbui said:

Do anyone have regrets about applying for MPP/MIA/MPA degrees instead of MBA programs? Even though public service leadership roles require different types of skills, it's also easily obtainable through MBA/LD programs, and those latter programs are much better at helping graduates secure higher paying jobs and it doesn't confine them as much to just one sector. And then because of the intense amount of loans for an MPP/MIA/MPA, it can be financial hell trying to control the $1,000+/month payments on the total of $80-$140,000 of student loans while trying to develop your career in a big city, raising a family, having kids, and other big life purchases and decisions.

How are people feeling about their decisions as acceptances are out, and as people are starting/ending their programs?

Having seen the kind of jobs that my friends have graduated into or are starting to accept these days, I have no regrets whatsoever about choosing an MPP. Getting an MPP/MIA/MPA in no way limits the sector that you enter to just the public sector or government work. People are pretty evenly going to governments, non-profits, and private sector companies (mostly government consulting). Those programs are generally flexible enough that they can be what you want to be, as long as you have an idea. So many people I'm graduating with also have pretty low anxiety about finding a job - they know it's out there. They're just choosy about where and what they want to do. 

I also can't fathom that MPP debt is on the level of MBA/LD debt. Seriously, people are just not leaving with $100K of debt from MPP programs unless you had no savings AND no funding. Whereas people I know from business school are on average leaving with $100-150K. If you're that debt-averse, you should either be only gunning for fully-funded programs or not going to graduate school at all. 

[edpolicy2015]

5 hours ago, naso said:

Beware the MBA Round 3! It is notoriously difficult to be accepted as a Round 3 applicant. Most business schools will advise you to apply R1 or R2, or else, to apply R1 of the next cycle. By R3, most of the class has been filled. The open spots are reserved for applicants whose background, characteristics, goals, etc. will round out the incoming class.

Besides, the MBA application process is an entirely different beast. If you have a non-business-y background, the case you make for yourself as to "Why an MBA?" needs to be particularly strong.

This cycle I applied to 5 MPP/MPA/MA degrees and got into all of them. I applied to 8 MBAs and was waitlisted by 2, rejected by 4 (without an interview), and accepted by 1! I am still waiting for one more. The program that accepted me does not allow dual degrees with programs outside the university, which kind of messes up my dual degree plan.

I think my background and goals affected my chances of admission. I think I was too in line with a policy degree, but I wanted to amplify that policy orientation with business skills to work across sectors, industries, and functions. It is a shame that careers are in many ways path-dependent.

Thanks for the advice. I am definitely sticking to the MPA/MPP route as my goals are more aligned to that track.