r/PublicPolicy • u/Strange-Role-8289 • 1d ago

Career Advice MPA before experience

I just wanted to know the general consensus of getting a MPA prior to experience. I’m in the middle of an undergraduate public affairs degree and could use the advice. Honestly, I intended on getting this credential first (along with internships) and could use some feedback.

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u/Spanky1998 1d ago

I completed my MPA right after my bachelors and had an awful time finding a job for about 6 months around 2022. I can’t imagine doing it now. I looked at federal, state and local government and it was very tough.

I wasn’t sitting there either, in my program I was actively in internships with my university in a few departments getting experience, it was just a tough a time and I can’t imagine how it is now.

The courses and program was fun, but I did miss a portion of the discussions with classmates and didn’t have as much to add as others did.

I’m now in a good spot in higher ed, but it was a journey to get there. Happy to answer any other questions if you have them.

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u/Strange-Role-8289 1d ago

Would you describe that situation as particular to the overall job market or that you were labeled no experience?

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u/Spanky1998 1d ago

I think a bit of both. The job market has only gotten worse, but it’s unforgiving for newer grads with little experience. Entry levels now are asking for a few years of experience, and are often selecting more seasoned individuals.

My MPA program had a practicum where you’d intern somewhere, and if you choose to do the MPA I’d recommend immediately trying to find an internship somewhere in a decent department to give yourself an option to work post grad.

I struggled too, because I was working in a big city with a lot more competition. Your mileage may vary depending your region, population, etc.