hello this is question for ppl in the US, i work in public health currently and im paid directly from different types of federal or local grants. Under the current administration job security in Public Health sector is feeling scary. I always wanted to pivot to Public Policy but i guess im just wondering if anyone in school or already in the industry is feeling that same uncertainty about the future of their jobs? I know finding a job in Public Policy is hard but hopefully not impossible in the coming years. Thanks!

Got accepted into lse mpa, views on its job scene, capstone projects and overall view?

I'm an economics graduate from a Tier 1 college, currently working with an NGO in fundraising and partnerships. As my organization restructures its teams, I’ve been gaining significant exposure to operations and finance through my role.

I’d like to transition into a more technical, operations-focused role and have been exploring masters programs in public policy (MPP) and public administration (MPA). However, I’m unsure which would be a better fit for my goals and be more aligned with my career trajectory?

Additionally, I’m debating between one-year and two-year programs. Do two-year programs offer better credibility and job prospects? Should I be concerned if a top university only offers a one-year masters? NYU Wagner, UPenn, Brown, Princeton, Oxford, UCL, Cambridge all offer one-year courses, while Hertie, sciences Po, Geneva Graduate school, Yale, Cornell, Duke, Harvard offer two-year courses.

Many programs also require applicants to submit policy briefs analyzing global or national issues, evaluating policies, and recommending solutions. Where can I build my knowledge and skills to craft a compelling policy brief?

Came across this on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/anamika-dubey-a47a7b15a_hey-everyone-my-dear-friend-mikko-activity-7290687184662118400-LcIH/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Thought this space could help in reaching the community.

Hello, me again. In my question about good sources of news updates, a couple people recommended following the news of my policy field of interest more closely (or exclusively) than others. The problem is, as a hopefully-soon-to-be MPP student, I don't have a policy area that I'm totally focused on at the moment.

I have a few general areas that I'm interested in but I'm honestly kind of interested in most, if not all of the "major" policy sectors.

Can anyone recommend any good resources for learning more about some of the common focus areas for an MPP? Or is it just something that I would have to experience for myself when starting the degree?

hi all! i'm currently a junior US undergrad student trying to figure out my next career steps. my ideal role is to do something in affordable housing policy, especially within research (working at a thinktank like the Urban Institute is kind of my dream role). I have quite a bit of research under my belt for the grade that I'm in (multiple internships, research assistantships, etc), but I go to a school in a rural area and also am an anthropology major, which puts me at a disadvantage. I'm pretty aware of the fact that policy jobs are quite competitive and require a lot of networking, but i also have been told that getting an MPP immediately out of undergrad isn't a smart idea. I've also thought about getting a degree in planning instead or even a joint master's (a couple schools have one) in planning and policy. for specifically housing policy - are there certain programs to look at, or certain ways to 'break into' the career field?

Update: 2:34 PM EST I got my rejection

I recently got an acceptance from the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin for their Data Science for Public Policy Masters. How reputed is it in terms of public policy/data science, and how good are the career prospects in Germany or Europe as a whole? Is the tuition worth the education I'd be getting?

There are three policy grad schools I want to highlight as examples of highly well-branded Universities creating a rather unimpressive policy program to essentially make money from grad school tuition (generally grad school is profit center and undergrads are a loss center).

They are:
- Brown (Walton)
- Cornell (Brooks)
- U. Penn (SP2)

The issue I have with these programs is that they haven't figured out how to scale career ROI for those who don't come in with inordinate advantages (e.g., military, Rhodes Scholars, Olympic Athletes, other master's degrees). I say this because the ones who they highlight in marketing tend to be the military veterans who do well post-graduation, which gives a unrealistic sense of outcomes expectations for the general population students.

I want to highlight the counterpoint of a well-branded University that created an amazing policy program is Yale (Jackson). It is hard but possible.

I have all of a sudden encountered policy grad students and alumni who claim they find employment difficult due to the consequences of protesting last year.

Some claim arrested records as the problem and others claim having their name in public associated with the protests.

Anyone else seen or heard this?

Hello all. I'm a current high school senior who is considering college options for next year. For background, I am trying to build a career in public policy/politics and am planning on double majoring in econ and public policy. My top choices are American, GW, and Maryland, as I would love to build a career in DC. It would be around $60k for each of these options, and I just wanted to get you all's opinion on if you think that is too much to spend on an undergraduate education given this career field. My family is confident they can pay for all of my education (or at least with minimal debt). Do you all think this would be worth it given my career aspirations? Thanks.

So I’ve been doing some research for my fiancé, she is currently attending school for her business bachelors but is worried that she won’t really care for much the industry has to offer and rather do something more meaningful than worry about how much money she can bring into a company. As it is too late to switch majors to Public Policy, I’ve been looking to see how feasible it may be for a Business Undergrad to obtain a career in Policy. Now I’ve seen a mix of things. I’ve seen policy jobs that require a bachelors degree but don’t specify what type. I’ve also seen some that require public policy, human services, or related fields and some that accept and require business admin, accounting, public policy, etc. From what I understand she would mostly like to work for a nonprofit that specializes in policy for racial or wealth inequality and helps the little guy rather than the big wigs. From my research I’ve gathered that many companies and nonprofits may not mind the business degree as long as there are internships and other related experience on their potential new hire’s resume. Is it realistic for a Business undergrad to work in policy? How would one make such a transition? I’m sure I could’ve worded some things better but if anyone is able to give insight into this and help me ease her stresses I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you all very much.

I applied for NYU Wagner's MPA-PNP program back in December and got an email yesterday saying I am a semi-finalist for a fellowship. My interview will be in a couple of weeks.

Does anyone have any advice for my interview and how to best prepare? What kinds of questions will they ask?

Has anyone else seen Policy PhDs, MPPs, MPAs, post on LinkedIn on how different recent executive actions (e.g., foreign assistance freeze) has rendered them unemployed and seeking new jobs?

My LinkedIn is littered with that stuff. I assume that will make job hunting much more difficult for current students.

Thoughts? Feedback.

Hi all, I just received an acceptance from Penn’s school of social policy and practice (MPP), and although it’s a 1 year program I only received $10,080 in scholarships.

Would anyone else be comfortable sharing what they received?

I am thinking about pursuing an MPP and so am obviously interested in politics, policy news, etc.

But, as an American, I'm sure I'm not alone in thinking that following the news these days is completely unbearable.

My current strategy has been to bury my head in the sand for 3-4 days and then surface to see what's going on, and every time it feels like sticking my head out the window in the middle of a category 5 hurricane of shit.

Any one have any tips on staying up to date without drowning in excrement? Or resources they follow to stay informed?

Something like a "here's what happened this week" recap would be great.

Hi all,

Looking to start an open conversation here. I'm currently in an MPP program, I'm located in DC. Policy professionals who have been in this field longer than I, do you have advice about this new political period and how to navigate it. A lot of my friends are sitting at the federal jobs doing absolutely nothing right now and have no certainty on whether they will be keeping their jobs. I'm beginning to regret pursuing this field, it's been my dream for years to work in policy. It's already so hard to find a job here, but now? It feels fruitless. Can someone talk me off the ledge (the ledge being dropping out and working in marketing or something)?

Is there good money in the field of public policy? I am about to complete 5 years in the industry and I earn 15 LPA. This salary is very very less with the present economy. Can someone suggest if there is good money in this field, which org, position or country would pay good money?

If you were in my position and your goal is to get to a research role in public policy, what are the steps you would take to get there given the below?

About me: 25, graduated with 2:1 degree in modern languages from Oxford and did 3 years of investment banking straight out of uni. INFJ personality i.e introverted, methodical, detail oriented, bs averse etc. Interested in international development, urban development. Other: Did volunteering at uni with refugees, taught English abroad for a year, did some esg initiatives at work

Ideal role: research at a think tank or intelligence company, policy advisor with the civil service, not client facing, 30k+ salary at least. Ideally remote or hybrid working. Project based research work I can really get stuck into.

Would appreciate any advice as it looks like I have no direct relevant experience to compete with others looking to get into this area - thank you!!

Did a Master's in Public Policy because I believed it would be more "employable" than History and International Relations (my actual passion subjects). I found it kinda dry at times but was able to push through because of the massive dopamine rush I'd get from good grades. I was also largely able to pick topics of interest for my assignments which made them easier to get through, and I was able to do IR electives every semester and was finishing off my Diploma in Spanish which I loved which broke up the dry policy subjects.

Got a graduate job as a Policy Officer, have been here for a year now.....and have to realise I HATE working in policy. Like, despise it and have had a lot of tears over the last few months terrified I now have a Master's degree that has boxed me into something I hate.

I find the work really really dry, painfully so as someone with ADHD.

The tasks I've really enjoyed so far were being asked to make facts posters for my department because I got to be creative (even if I'm not skilled in graphic designer and used Canva) and brainstorming ideas for projects/policies. Most of my work is just reading and reading and summarising and making briefs and while I'm not terrible at it, it's crushing my soul and I now regret my degree choice. I'm also really struggling with sometimes feeling like I have to push things I really morally object to and feel this could get much worse with a government change if you can pick up what I'm putting down.

When I studied my degree, I saw myself working more in advocacy than government, but most private sector jobs want years of experience and it feels like there is this expectation you "do your time" with government first before getting to work in that space, but idk how many more years of this I can take.

What can I do? I feel like I'd maybe enjoy project management more, but I'm not sure. All I know is I don't want to have a career in policy but feel trapped because it's what I did my MA in.

Hi everyone,

I’m an Indian with a background in UPSC preparation, and I’m exploring opportunities to study public policy. Could you suggest the best options available for learning about public policy (both in India and abroad)?

Additionally, I’d love insights on the career prospects in this field. Are there specific roles or industries where public policy expertise is in high demand?

Looking forward to your suggestions. Thanks in advance!"

Anyone heard anything from either of these programs? Gradcafe shows that one person has interviewed at each, so I wanted to see if I missed the interview wave.

I am Indian and I've applied to the following policy grad schools (Oxford, Columbia, Cambridge and LKY) for admission in the year 2025. Which scholarship options can I apply for?

Has anyone heard back from policy grad schools? If yes, when did you submit your application.

Has anyone heard from Princeton and Yale?

Hello! Do any Syracuse MPA alumni have a view on how much of the cohort starts in the Summer sem (start July) vs Fall (end Aug), and how starting in the fall might affect your experience?

Have been fortunate to receive an offer but can now no longer start until Fall, but am worried about the negative impact on the social experience of starting 2 months after the majority of the cohort (particularly as an international student).

Any other views on the 12 vs 18 month version of the program would be appreciated!

Does anyone have any insights of the pros and cons of McCourt (Georgetown's Policy School) moving downtown from the Georgetown area (AKA: the hilltop)?

I have heard a few things, but I was hoping the community can give a wider array of insights.

EDIT: I can appreciate well-meaning advice asking me to reassess whether I should go to grad school at all, but I have my reasons & I’ve pondered that question for more than a year now. My question is about whether there are programs that are achievable for me.

Hi there,

I'm planning to apply to grad school in Fall 2025 for admission Fall 2026. However, I'm filled with anxiety due to my low undergrad GPA (3.25). Right now, I have three years of work experience in federal environmental policy/advocacy with consistent promotions, an internship with the State Department from undergrad, studied abroad and earned a 4.0 in my abroad semester, all major classes in international relations or policy (but it was counted as transfer credits and therefore never calculated into my cumulative GPA by my home school). I'm confident that my personal + professional recommendations will be pretty good, and I'm also planning to use the next 9 or so months to try and get stellar GRE scores to further offset my GPA. I've also helped author a legislative handbook on my state's environmental policy.

Do I have a chance at any good school? I'm not even going to try with HKS, but I'm wondering if anyone has insight into schools that would place emphasis on my work experience rather than my undergrad GPA (or at the very least look at the last 60 hours). Is it worth applying to Georgetown, GW, Duke, Columbia, Tufts, etc.?

Hello Everyone,

Does someone have experience with waitlists at top programs like HKS, Yale Jackson, Princeton SPIA?

How "likely" is it getting off the waitlist for such programs? Does it happen regularly, or is it rather a usual occurrence? I can well imagine that some very strong applicants get admitted to all programs and might leave a spot at the other schools, meaning (a lot?) of waitlisted applicants can be hopeful?

Thanks!!!