<p>Jonri, thank you for your explanation. that really cleared up a lot for me. I have decided that doing an MA in Political Science/IR may not be the best idea… I’ve been reading that getting a terminal master’s degree in one of the humanities or social sciences could well be a waste of time and money (provided you don’t plan to remain in academia or teach at some level, which I really do not). Not that a PhD is out of the question, but it’s definitely not one of my short-term goals. </p>
<p>I have done some research and decided that if I do end up pursuing a master’s, I want to do an MPA or MPP or some similar professional program with a specialization in “international policy” (well, whatever that means, haha). I’m still concerned, though, about getting good references and such within the one year or so that I now have to figure all this out… =/ Plus, would it be impossible to get into a good MPA/MPP program without full-time work experience? Also, is it uncommon for first-year grad students to receive TA/RA-ships? sorry - I know these questions belong in a different thread, it’s just that the wheels started churning today. </p>
<p>I’ve also tossed around the idea of getting a paid internship in D.C. (yes, I know these are hard to come by) for at least a year before jumping back into the arena, but from what I’ve read, living comfortably in that area might be cost-prohibitive on an intern’s salary… </p>
<p>Anyway, thanks again to everyone for all the support. i really sincerely do appreciate it.</p>