<p>Here’s the thing: top public administration/policy programs don’t require work experience, per se. It is theoretically possible to get into these programs without work experience. They simply strongly recommend it, to the point that it’s very unlikely that you’ll get into the programs without any work experience.</p>
<p>However, one’s reaction to that shouldn’t be “What other programs should I apply to that don’t require work experience?” but “What should I do to get into the top MPA programs?” Jobs within public administration and policy are already competitive enough; you give yourself a leg up if you go to a competitive program. Besides, ALL of the reputable programs recommend some work experience, although of course the less competitive ones have less competitive applicants to choose from and therefore do admit some students with less work experience. 2-4 years really isn’t that long, and it’s beneficial: you’ll understand and relate to the coursework more if you have work experience, and you’ll have a background to bring into the classroom and contribute to discussions and collaborations.</p>
<p>Besides, as for hiring: no one wants to hire an administrator with NO work experience. If you’re out working in the field, and you’ve got 2 years of experience, who do you want supervising you: someone who’s got 4 years of experience and an MPA, or someone who has 0 years of experience and an MPA? If you want someone to manage the finances for your nonprofit, wouldn’t you want someone who has at least had a similar job before? It’s far easier to get a job after your MPA or MPP if you have at least 2 years of experience before you go. There are many things that you can’t learn from a classroom.</p>
<p>Also, February of your sophomore year is too early to take the GRE. Most people take it spring of junior year at the earliest, and the majority take it between the summer and fall of their senior year. The scores only last for 5 years so you want to have some flexibility in case you do decide to take time off.</p>
<p>No need to rush, believe me. Focus on getting internship experience and applying for jobs in your senior year that will help you get into an MPA program later. Remember that your goal isn’t the MPA/MPP; it’s a job, and the MPA is a means to an end. But you should do other things to aid you in that endeavor, including working. Besides, you’ve only been in college for a year and some change at this point - you don’t know how you will feel after 4 years of college. I was burned out, and I wish I had taken some time off between college and grad school.</p>