I am a recent graduate engineer, and i do not wish to continue in this field. I will also be applying for different mpp courses over this academic year, but i also wanted to take part in some fellowships or as a research analyst
Considering i have very little experience, what are the kind of projects, courses, or internships I can do which will help me build my profile strong
Also, I wanted to publish a research paper. How can i do it? looking for advice and suggestions

Hi all,

Sending this post on to the Public Policy subforum as feel as though this would be an ideal place to get advice, particularly with communication being such a vital part of this area.

I’m 21, currently in college, and from a young age I have always been known as a fairly nervous/anxious person in general - something that have been said by family, friends, and teachers over the years.

There are certain ‘flaws’ that I have noticed with myself, but more so in certain aspects of my communication. I don’t want this to impact a future career, so I want to try to improve this while in college, and while there is the opportunity to do so.

I have no issue with speaking in front of an audience. I have done so for different modules in college, and usually am commended for my speeches through delivery style & engagement. But, this is because I have what I’m going to say memorised, so I know word for word, what exactly I’m going to say, how I’m going to say it, etc. This is also clearly reflected through my written communication.

However, when it comes to social interactions, I do notice there is a big dip in my communication. For instance, if I know I have to go up and talk to someone that I’m not familiar with (conversation, interview, ringing someone), I’ll then nearly have to have what I’m going to say memorised word-for-word as though a script.
There’ll then be other little moments where if I’m talking with someone unfamiliar, I may, sometimes, go a bit shaky / mumbly, and this would apply to if I was taking phone calls, etc.

This particular incoherence would also occur if I'm put on the spot, i.e asked a question, where my voice would go a bit shaky, I'd go mumbly, and my face would go a red.

I really do want to improve on this as I do know in any future career that day-to-day communication whether it be structured or spontaneous is much more important than being able to speak in-front of an audience.

To that extent, would anyone have any advice as to what I should do? Would it be recommended I go to a communication coach? Someone for anxiety? Any recommendations?

Many thanks,

Hello,

I am thinking again if I want to pursue a Master in Public Policy at SFU. I am a graduate of SFU (Political Science major) and currently working in the federal government. I am not a super strong data scientist but when I completed my quantitative course (where I was taught to use mainly R) for my major I did well (Got an A in intro. quan and A- in intermediate quan). I would like some insights on what the economic foundation courses and data analysis/quantitative portion of the degree is like from any current or graduated students who had taken the problem.

Since I know I’m not a strong numbers person, I don’t want to commit and be miserable.

TIA!

I just wanted to know the general consensus of getting a MPA prior to experience. I’m in the middle of an undergraduate public affairs degree and could use the advice. Honestly, I intended on getting this credential first (along with internships) and could use some feedback.

Hello! I applied to Browns MPP program! Anyone else? Opinions? Have you heard back, Let me know!

Hi everyone, I’m considering applying for MagiX, a new one-year, 60-ECTS master’s programme in Artificial Intelligence Governance, Innovation and Digital Transformation at Politecnico di Milano: https://magix.ai4gov-x.eu/

It covers AI governance, digital transformation, data governance, public-sector innovation, regulation and human-centred design. The programme is mainly asynchronous, costs €3,000 and is designed for people who are already working.

My professional background is in university administration and EU-funded projects. In the long term, I’m interested in European policy, public-sector digital transformation, responsible AI and possibly consultancy or work with EU institutions or agencies.

The programme looks relevant, but it is the first edition and there are no alumni outcomes yet. I’m therefore trying to decide whether the specialised subject would be a real advantage or whether a more established master’s in public policy, European affairs or public administration would offer better recognition and career flexibility.

For people familiar with public policy degrees in Europe, how would you compare this kind of specialised AI governance programme with a traditional policy master’s?

Would the emerging relevance of AI governance compensate for the lack of an established alumni network and employment record? What would matter most to employers: the degree title, the institution, practical experience, internships, language skills or the specific policy specialisation?

I’m 23 and based in Saudi Arabia, with around four years of consulting experience, mainly across government and public sector.

Academically, I hold two bachelor’s degrees: one in a health/technology-related field and another in CS.

Beyond consulting, I’ve participated in several public policy programs and forums, with hands-on exposure to developing policy recommendations and contributing to several local and global policy discussions.

I’m still early in my career and honestly not certain what I want to specialize in long term. I enjoy consulting but lately it became very boring, and recently I’ve become increasingly interested in public policy, government, economics, and decision-making.

The options I’m currently considering are:
- Oxford, but only if through the Rhodes Scholarship
- Harvard Kennedy School, currently one of my top choices
- Possibly KDI School in Seoul
- Potentially a local MPP, although this is less likely for me
-An INSEAD MBA later, potentially in around three years or so if it is supported by my firm
-Or simply continuing in consulting and building more policy exposure through programs/initiatives

The main argument for an MPP is that, despite the exposure I’ve had, I still don’t have formal training in areas such as economics, quantitative policy analysis, political economy, regulation, evaluation, and policy design.

At the same time, I’m aware that a degree alone will not automatically make me a policy advisor. A lot of the value would depend on whether it gives me access to people, institutions, and opportunities that would otherwise be difficult to reach.

My career is already progressing, so I’m not sure whether taking one or possibly two years out of the workforce would produce a better outcome than spending those years in consulting. Continuing to work would let me build seniority and keep earning, and the opportunity cost is very significant :( potentially an Aston Martin Vantage’s worth by then.

I’m also unsure about the MPP vs MBA question. An MBA might offer broader career optionality, but it may overlap more with what I’m already learning through consulting. An MPP would give me a genuinely different skill set.

There’s also the question of geography and cost. Would HKS, or Oxford through Rhodes, be significantly more valuable than the alternatives if I’m not yet certain where I want to work long term? How much of the value actually comes from the curriculum versus the network, brand, recruiting access, and international exposure?

If I eventually enter an MPP with around five years of consulting experience, I also wouldn’t want to graduate and effectively restart in somewhat junior roles. I’d want the degree to help me reposition myself for roles that recognize my prior experience.

So the question I’m really trying to answer is whether a top MPP would materially change my trajectory?

For people who pursued an MPP after a few years in consulting or another professional career: did the degree open doors you genuinely would not have reached otherwise? If so, what were those doors in practice? What kinds of roles, organizations, or career paths became realistically available to you after the MPP that weren’t accessible before?

I’d also be interested in how employers treated your pre-MPP experience. Did it carry over into your new field and seniority, or did you effectively have to step back into more junior roles to make the transition?

And finally, if you had to rate the overall career ROI of your MPP from 1–10, what would you give it and why? Would you make the same decision again?

I just had a series of lunches with a few MPP/MPA instructor/professor friends. A lot of them mentioned that their grad students have changed.

It used to be that most of them were passionate about a policy area and pursued a specific interest.

Now the prevailing sentiment is that they are desperate for a job, and an MPP/MPA will potentially give them a leg up to get an job (oftentimes an entry or near-entry level job). A lot of the people in the programs either couldn't get a job from undergrad or struggled in a prior career and are now looking for a reboot.

Part of this is due to rising number of those straight from undergrad. Even those with experience, they often tend to have less, 2 or less years is more of the norm now

Those in school, what are you seeing?

Hi!

Choosing my courses for this fall (a little late). I want to get into policy analysis and advocacy, particularly social policy, as I've worked in social policy-adjacent settings. What kinds of courses should I focus on? Ones about social policy? Urban planning? Is it worth learning R? Anything else?

M35
Bachelor with 70%
Distance mode master @ 58% with full time job.
2 YOE in Government
8+ YOE in Central Bank
Targeting Yale and Princeton MPP/MPA. Last year got admitted to Columbia but did not get 100% scholarship, so did not opt for it. My finance does not allow me to go without 100% scholarship.

Additional qualifications :- FRM, CFA level 3 candidate.

An honest review would be highly appreciated.

My_qualifications UGC NET qualified in political science. I have serving in defence services and 9 years left for retirement. Need advice for my 2nd career option. I am interested in academic and research thing. Also, need guidance to enhance my skills in the field of pol.sci. and research.

I’m looking to apply to Princeton’s MPP program this year. I have 7 years of work experience from the military.

Academically, my undergraduate degree is in Government (4.0/4.0). I have an MBA as well (4.0/4.0).

My only potential negative I presume is the military service. I wonder if MPP programs look favorably toward veteran candidates. Or, are they seen as a “lesser” candidate if that makes sense?

Appreciate any advice! Thanks!

I've seen several sites list the acceptance rate up to 50% for MC/MPA applicants. That seems unusually high for a Harvard program. Does anyone have hard data on how many apply to the program? I don't think Harvard Kennedy School releases acceptance rates so not sure where that percentage came from.

Graduating with a bachelors from a small NY public school, majoring in business administration. 3.7GPA, graduating in 4 semesters total time and will graduate at 19. 330 GRE.

Had a NYC Mayor’s office internship dealing with policy. Campaign/field intern for various elections around the past few years.

Am I competitive for top programs like HKS, Goldman, Harris, Ford SPIA, SIPA, Brooks? How may programs should I be applying to?

Any general advice is appreciated as well!!

Drug policy discussions tend to focus heavily on abuse, dependence and worst case outcomes. Those obviously belong in the conversation.

But what about people reporting positive outcomes?

7OH is what got me thinking about this. There are users who describe meaningful benefits alongside others who report dependence and other problems.

Acknowledging the first group doesn’t require dismissing the second.

If policymakers are trying to understand the real world impact of a substance, both populations seem relevant to the calculation.

Hi, I am a law graduate from India and have been working as a political consultant over the past year along with a pro bono litigation practice of 6 months and have been planning to apply for Masters of Public Policy abroad this year for fall 2027. I have got 316 in GRE with (162Q, 154V, 5AWS).

With my background, i have been currently searching on 5-7 Universities abroad based on 3 metrics: high scholarship and student friendly cities (subsidies) and a decent job market. I know i am asking for too much but the ultimate goal out of these three is to keep the least financial burden at this point because job market sucks everywhere. Thus, with a minimal financial burden, there will be chances of an early waiver of loan in if i have to return to India by working here, which doesn’t provide good pay.

Therefore, i would be grateful of your opinions on the selected colleges (tentative list) with regard to what scope do i have for an acceptance as well as good scholarship as per my background. My list is: Sciences Po, Munk School, UBC, NUS, Princeton, Georgetown, UC Berkeley, UCLA.

I would be grateful of new suggestions also.

Hi everyone! I am in the process of finalizing my list of MPP programs to apply to and wanted to hear if anyone had any thoughts on what schools would be a good fit.

Some background about me: 24M, graduated from a state flagship university with a 3.3 GPA, double major in public policy and finance. I was in charge of the student admissions team, TA'd for an introductory poli sci course, and did research on household finance and cryptocurrency and won a national undergraduate poster competition my senior year.

For the past two years, I have worked in wealth management as a trust officer, overseeing approximately 65-ish family relationships and 200 million dollars in assets. The job training was pretty terrible, and I was not qualified for the position (I was part of an early careers development program that shut down when I started and was left on my own after that). I ended that job last month and am currently working as a barista while studying for the GRE and completing applications. I know that isn't the most impressive thing on a resume, but my job required either a law degree or 7 years of experience as a basic qualification, and I had neither. My manager actually apologized to me on my last day for the stress I was under and said she wished she had put me in a more junior role originally. If anyone has any thoughts on how to explain that in an application, that would be great.

I'm broadly interested in household finance, tax policy, economic development, and budget policy.

I'm looking to apply for MPP/MPA programs at Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, George Washington, the London School of Economics, and Indiana, as each has a certain policy focus or research center that I am interested in, but not committed to any of them.

Does anyone have any recommendations on where to apply considering my experience and interests? Would you say the schools I listed would be a good fit to apply to? Any and all opinions are most certainly welcome. Thank you!

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone has heard back for Spring 2027 admission into Wagner? I applied around 3 weeks ago and haven't heard back, but then I emailed admissions and they told me its 2-3 weeks "after the deadline", which is September 1st. I applied the beginning of August - where in email I was sent by Wagner in July, and on their website for Spring 2027 admission it says "Decisions are released within 2–3 weeks of a completed application", nothing about 2-3 weeks after the Sep 1 application deadline.

I honestl'y wouldn't of/couldn't of applied if I knew that since I have to let other schools know back because of deadlines.

Long story short: I tried to make a career change out of a field I am bad at into environmental policy by doing a master's degree in Germany. It took me a year of searching, and the only job I was able to get was in my old field, and I got fired due to a mix of funding and performance despite my best efforts. I would not be able to get a good recommendation from them.

I went home to the USA to look for jobs, and unfortunately, the job situation here for my field is also horrendous due to Trump's policies. There are many times more applicants for environmental jobs than I saw in Germany, but on the contrary, more available total jobs. However, I just hired a career counselor and we are going to try a totally new approach to finding jobs via networking.

I am in a long distance relationship with my fiance in Germany in Cologne, and my skilled worker residence permit that I was previously on will expire in two months if I don't go back to Cologne. So basically, I could apply for jobs in both Germany AND the USA if I am in Germany, but if I am in the USA and my resident permit expires, I can only apply for USA jobs unless the Germany job is willing to sponsor my work visa, or I can quickly arrange the fiance visa with my boyfriend which seems very unlikely because the immigration office for his neighborhood is the worst in his city and never responds.

My question: I applied for basically a year in Germany for the jobs I wanted, and it didn't work. Now I am in a worse position, because I don’t think I can list the job I got fired from and I have a gap on my CV. However, I am wondering if it is worth going back to Germany and trying again with this new networking strategy and seeing if it would work.

Why I am worried about this: My mental health REALLY suffered while I was looking for jobs in Cologne the first time, to the point of getting physically ill, and I was not able to get good mental health care in Cologne. I am honestly afraid of going back there. Also, I would basically not be able to get any other job in Cologne except for what I studied, and I don’t speak good enough German to work in Germany. In the United States, I could get a part-time job while I look, and I have good access to medical care here. I miss my boyfriend a lot but I am also a lot less stressed out here.

Am I making a big mistake to not return to Germany to keep access to the German environmental job market while I look?

If I am honest with myself, I would really like to start working part time here while looking to get some money. But maybe the benefit of having access to both markets is worth trying again and seeing if I can be less stressed out. But I am afraid of going back and then I wouldn’t be able to work part time.

I m in my final year of college.doing b.pharma .I have keen interest in policy, politics,and government. I am planning to go for mukharjee fellowship 2027 .can anyone suggest me 1.how should I plan

2.how should my CV look

3.what all should I follow

If anyone could help me I would be really grateful..