kigali

There are similarities one could find between the curriculum you linked to and programs in international economic policy/what have you, yes, but IR is a very broad field, so it's unsurprising people here can't really comment on an MBA program - many people are interested in areas barely (if at all) related to international management.

mv0027

"but IR is a very broad field"

I might have to disagree with this statement. The reason I might choose Thunderbird over UCSD (even though in IR UCSD has a much better name) is because I don't think they are that many jobs in IR. Additionally, there are VERY few jobs that an MA in IR could get over an MBA with an international focus. Overall, people like MBAs. Maybe you all disagree but I would love to hear about jobs that would not hire an MBA...

The one exception is research and academia. In which case you need a PhD, not a MA.

kigali

mv0027 - I'm not quite sure what you're disagreeing with. IR is indeed a very broad field, comprising everything from foreign policy (Capitol Hill jobs) to fair trade somewhere in the Latin American wilderness to female empowerment programs in Afghanistan to security & defense contractors for a whole host of agencies/organizations. To use the latter as an example, many contractors would prefer to hire someone with specialized experience/knowledge in security/defense issues within a particular region than a general MBA with coursework in global management. There would certainly be a lot of overlap when it comes to fields like microfinance, but if an organization is looking for an African security person, for instance, the MBA probably wouldn't help much.

mv0027

Well, I'm not sure what you mean about security. All security contracts usually go to ex-military types.

I think you are correct with some of the jobs you mentioned (Afgan development) but not all (like the fair trade in Latin America). I'm confident an MBA will do you better if you want to do development work in the Americas. Additionally, the point I'm making is that the MA will only find you jobs in the non-profit world. An MBA will help with jobs in the non-profit world and private sectors. So, my fear with getting an MA, is that I will only be able to work in the non-profit world.

Most career positions in the federal government for to MPAs or lawyers.

Volscio

Um, kigali is right. Private sector development jobs aren't after MBAs. (unless combined with other degrees/experience) Look at job listings for Chemonics, DAI, USAID contractors, etc.

MBAs are good for private sector development to run the books and admin...but that's about it.

kigali

Not necessarily. There are lots of MAIRs working for security or defense contractors without a military background.

Once again, "development work" is a very broad term. What will serve an applicant best in the international development world is a strong network of international development professionals and vast international development experience. Volscio summed it up perfectly.

Not at all. Aside from government jobs, there are plenty of MAIRs working in the private sector, in everything from political risk analysis to the financial services sector (AML, terrorist financing, etc).

Once again, not at all. PMFs are routinely won by MAs. Positions at State and USAID are routinely acquired by MAs. Treasury, Justice, EPA and so forth all hire MAs. The Foreign Service obviously loves MAs. My point here is that you're laboring under a misconception of what the professional world looks like for MAIRs, particularly in DC.

IBfootballer

is it difficult to get a job w/some of these places if you aren't ex-military? I know many of the top people in intelligence and security started off in naval intelligence or serving in some other branch (cool people like Jack Ryan). I'd consider joining the Navy, but I'm not exactly military material.

lspf72

Any opinions as to how much army (intelligence branch) might help with grad school admissions and/or entry into the CIA or State Dept?

UCLA09

I believe it helps tremendously. But it depends on your military training and schooling. If you just commit for 4 years, I don't see how you'll have any specialized intel/mil. training or management experience to stand-out. Nevertheless, veterans get priority points for federal jobs and it boosts your resume.

lspf72

--thanks--

jtarrou

Tell me about the MSc in IR at the LSE. Was accepted in Feb and would love to hear any and all input on the program and the school in general, but specifically: its standing relative to the two year MA programs in the states, employment prospects afterwards, whether/to what extent it will enhance my chances at a top phd program in the states, what everyone thinks are the top phd programs in IR... tell me everything!

pokey

Hey guys,

what do you all think of the MA-IR program at the Geneva School of Diplomacy? I can't find any info or reviews of the school online aside from the website itself.

Master of International Relations - GSDIR Academic Programs

I'm currently pursuing a poli-sci undergrad in Canada and was hoping to focus my studies on conflict in the Middle East in the future. Thanks

Baya87

Ok, so I am currently at Syracuse University w/ a major in IR concentration in International Political Economy.
I am interested in international development and international organizations (UN, OECD, etc), but I am also trying to figure out what kind of private sectors jobs are good fits for people with a masters in IR.

- I have gotten into dual ECN/IR program at the Maxwell School of Syracuse University, which is a good school, however that's were I did my undergrad (although I was gone for 1.5 years studying abroad).
- I also just got into the Elliott School at GWU. I am excited about that, although it will be a lot more expensive, DC has a lot of great IR style experience.
- I am waiting to hear back from the MS in Global Affairs program, part of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies at NYU. I actually don't know anything about this program except it is NYU, they emailed me (which is how I heard of it) and their Private Sector: International Business concentration looked really interesting.

Another factor is my soon-to-be fiancé, is planning to study corporate law (he already has a masters in economic law from France) and NYC would probably be the best place for him (although I've heard somethings about good firms in DC).


SO! If anyone would like to share their input on any part of my situation, it would be much appreciated. My main questions are:

1. Is the NYU MS in Global Affairs program any good? No one seems to have heard of it, and I only recently realized it was very different from the rather well-ranked MA in IR from the NYU department of politics.

2. Would it be stupid to go to DC if I would probably eventually like to live and work in NYC? I figure DC will give me a lot of good experience for the next 2 years anyway.

3. Anyone have any insight on international organizations/international development focused businesses etc in NYC that I should look into career wise? I know that the UN HQ is there.

4. And private sector jobs w/ international relations degree ideas?

emigre0518

Anyone know anything about JD-MAs in IR? I believe Stanford Law has a joint program with SAIS but don't know much more than that...

sosey11

Baya---I've heard some fairly negative reviews of NYU's MS in Global Affairs. It isn't affiliated with the APSIA and is in the school of continueing ed, which is generally not very competitve. If you are considering going there I'd recommend speaking to some current students.

emigre0518---I know that Seton Hall has a JD-MA in IR program which is pretty respectable. The law school is top 50 and the IR program---the Whitehead school if Diplomacy and International Relations is affiliated with the APSIA. It is in a good location, just 20 minutes outside of NYC and has a good relationship with the UN I think.