Public policy degrees

[Connemara]

Does anyone here have one (MPP, MPA, etc.)? I'd like to hear some "testimonials" regarding the usefulness of your degree. If you don't want to talk about it in an open thread please PM.

Thanks.

 

[globetrotter]

Originally Posted by Connemara

Does anyone here have one (MPP, MPA, etc.)? I'd like to hear some "testimonials" regarding the usefulness of your degree. If you don't want to talk about it in an open thread please PM.

Thanks.

I have a friend who got one (masters in public policy) from a good school. after a few years in poorly paid government jobs, and then in the food service industry, he got a job in technical writing in texas and is relativly happy. of course, it will be a few centuries before he pays off his student loans.....

 

[crazyquik]

No, I don't have one. Roomate is studying Masters in City and Regional Planning, which is not public policy but, well I thought I'd throw that out there. She'll probably end up working at a zoning board or commission trying to tame the sprawl of some random eastern or southeastern city.

However some schools have a section on thier website showing recent placements, which may give you an idea of the types of employers that are recruiting there or jobs offered. Do you aspire to the life of a bureaucrat?

 

[DNW]

I know of two guys who got their MPA along with their JD. One is doing federal government lobbying for a Big 5 accounting firm, the other is going the JAG route.

 

[Connemara]

Originally Posted by crazyquik

Do you aspire to the life of a bureaucrat?
Maybe, I don't know. But I want to end up in lobbying or public relations/public affairs.

 

[Bradford]

I know quite a few people with MPA's. The one who is doing best financially doesn't use it at all and is a General Contractor.

The problem that I see with the degree is that it pretty much limits you to government work and doesn't translate well to any other fields.

If you want to be a lobbyist, get a law degree.

You don't need a graduate degree to do public relations/public affairs - just take some communications/media courses and do some internships with TV stations, PR firms, politicians, etc.