PhD vs MPP vs Taking Time Off

[ToGoOrNotToGo]

Hence my username, I am currently trying to determine which path is right for me to take. I'm a junior political science major considering either pursuing a PhD in the study, or earning a Master's in Public Policy. I'm currently conducting research for a conference in a couple weeks and am awaiting word on whether or not my school will award me a $1,000 fellowship I applied for with my advisor. Ever since taking on this research I've thoroughly enjoyed it. In addition to this research I'm taking a political statistical analysis class that focuses on applying quantitative analysis to answering real-world questions. I've had a great success in this class and am enjoying it a lot. I do not want to go into academia and am disheartened at the fact that 1) most research that is published is hardly read or cited 2) most of this research cannot be disseminated in a way that can help the general public 3) a lot of colleges and universities are moving toward hiring adjuncts and paying them meager wages.

There is where my impasse comes in.

I'm interested in the PhD because I would enjoy giving my "expert" opinion on subjects in my field, plus it would give me a reason to do what I love (research, asking questions).

However, the MPP interests me because I would have to dedicate substantially fewer years to post-undergrad study and I can still apply my interest and skills in research/quantitative analysis to real-world issues and solutions. But at the same time I'm unsure of what an MPP can do for me in the end versus a PhD. I would love to work at a thinktank, research institution, lobbying group, or government office, but how competitive could an MPP be versus a PhD? Would I have better luck in the job market if I just went for the PhD? I've had my research advisor as well as an informed friend tell me this. I've had another professor tell me that the MPP is more marketable.

I've also been considering the third option of taking some time off between undergrad and grad school to work, volunteer, gain life experience. In some ways I think this would help me narrow down what I want to do in life. But in other ways I'm afraid if I pursued this option I'd miss an opportunity to pursue that PhD or that MPP I'd already considered, and then I would have to wait.

I feel that to an extent I could have answered my own question. I present many more positives with the MPP than any of the other options, but in the end, what approach should I take when making the ultimate decision of PhD vs MPP vs taking time off to figure it out? I feel a huge time crunch with the GRE test coming up (I haven't even purchased a practice book yet), so it's been tempting for me to come up with a decision out of haste. This has led to more stress than what it should be, so I need to be more proactive in seeking outside advice.

I hope this hasn't been too much of a ramble. I know the decision ultimately rests with me, but how should I approach this dilemma (or "trilemma", if that's a thing...) to make sure I'm making the decision for the right reasons? My own research interests as well as my advisor actively trying to get me to pursue a PhD like she did obviously say I should do a PhD, but practicality, my desire to ultimately work for a research institution, and the fear of 5+ years of overwhelming academia say I should do an MPP. And what about taking time off?

Any and all advice is welcome and much appreciated.

Edited March 23, 2016 by ToGoOrNotToGo

[Need Coffee in an IV]

I really think you should take time off. You shouldn't be in a rush, grad school will always be there! And just because your advisor is saying go to grad school doesn't mean you should. Try working for a couple of years and then see what you really want. I'm a senior in undergrad so I get it.But you don't seem committed to either option.

[rising_star]

Definitely take time off and, if possible, get a job where you're doing public policy work. 

[littlemoondragon]

To help echo what everyone else has said, you should take time off!

To ensure the other options are still available to you, as @rising_star has said, gain experience in public policy or some other related experiences to the PhD and MPP. It's ok to take time off as long as you "use that time productively". I've had friends who joined the Peace Corp, City Year, worked, traveled (volunteer work traveling), etc. and went back to graduate school. Their experiences also increased their chances of getting into some of their programs, because they used their time off productively and showed they really wanted graduate school.

You may find you want to go to graduate school or you may not, but your time off will help you be sure of your decision.  Good luck!

[ToGoOrNotToGo]

@rising_star @littlemoondragon @Need Coffee in an IV Thank you all for the valuable insight. This helps a lot!

[Need Coffee in an IV]

@ToGoOrNotToGo Anytime! A lot of my friends struggled with the decision as well and even I thought about it. Just no one openly admits, which I can't understand why.

[kwils76]

I chose the MPP because I thought I wanted to do a PhD but a) wasn't sure and wanted to make 100% sure that grad school was for me before I committed the next 6+ years of my life to it and b ) didn't have the grades to get me into the types of PhD programs I wanted to be competitive for.

I actually went and did the masters abroad for a variety of reasons (partially to tick off some "life experience" boxes as you've mentioned), but suffice it to say that the degree definitely made me more competitive and also convinced me to apply for the PhD. Others in my cohort felt opposite - and have since abandoned their PhD aspirations in favor of other career trajectories. Regardless, everyone I know felt it was a useful endeavor.

If you have any questions, especially about MPP's abroad, feel free to PM me!