Pursue Masters in International Relations at age 35?

Graduate School
1

<p>Considering the average age of an admit at most of the top IR programs is about 26, will I be at a disadvantage by applying at age 35? Or rather, could this work in my favor?</p>

<p>At this age, will admissions committees pay less attention to my undergraduate record, and more to my work experience and work recommendations, since my undergrad was relatively long ago compared to other applicants?</p>

<p>Some background info: I was an undergrad computer science major, and worked as a software engineer in some pretty good positions and companies for several years after graduating. I then moved overseas to do similar work but with a more non-profit flavor, with more people interaction and less coding. I’ve been overseas for more than five years, which is my current gig, and I’m completely fluent in the language of the place that I live. Will this strengthen my application?</p>

<p>Would any potential employers frown on the fact that I got my IR masters at an age 10 years older than other graduates?</p>

<p>Goal in pursuing the degree: I’m good at languages and have extensive overseas experience with cultures and countries that will be important for US policy in the coming years. So I’d like to use an IR degree to get the knowledge and connections to provide analysis and consulting to US stakeholders facing the region I live in, as well as contribute to the strengthening of the relationship between the US and the region that I live, whether that’s working at a think tank in that region, in the US, working for the embassy, working under contract for the DoD or other agency to provide language/culture insight or be a liason, etc, etc. Is something along the lines of what I’ve described even feasible? What kinds of jobs would be feasible for someone of my age after coming out of an IR Masters program?</p>

<p>So…do you think it’s worth it to pursue my Masters in IR at 35? FWIW, I’m applying to Harvard Kennedy School, Georgetown SFS, Columbia SIPA, George Washington Elliott, and American SIS.</p>

<p>Thank you in advance.</p>

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<p>I don’t see your age and experience as a negative. It should lend diversity to any program. Changing careers at 35 is not too uncommon. If you are convinced this is your path, go for it. You always have experience in the software field to fall back on but i would guess that you will have a good shot at interesting positions.</p>

3

<p>Yes, admissions committees will generally pay less attention to your college record and more to your work experience and recommendations because of your age/time since the BA.</p>

<p>Yes, being fluent in a second language and living/working internationally will strengthen your application.</p>

<p>I don’t think the age at which you got your master’s will have an impact, because it’s quite common for people to take several years off before grad school. (Besides, you are only 10 years older than the average graduate. Remember that if the average age is 26, that means that roughly half the people who enter the program are OVER 26 when they enter. You are likely not that old compared to the others who enter the class.)</p>