No work experience as an international student for top MPP/MPA programs
Hi all - currently a bachelor student at an EU public university. Looking to get into (international) policy, with a specific interest in tax policy, but unsure of how to get there. I'd hate to have to do my master's in Europe (either quite expensive or boring and from a non-target public university). I can get a full ride to any 2-year (has to be 2y exactly!) US master's program.
Thus, an MPP/MPA at HKS/SIPA/Princeton for instance sounds very interesting, but I'd be coming straight out of (EU, 3-year) undergrad. Where I'm from at least, it's highly unusual to get a job right out of undergrad and a master's is expected. Do I have a shot at getting into any of these top programs (assuming stellar GRE, GPA and solid extracurriculars, honor's programs, RA experience etc) without any work experience? If not, do you have any suggestions for getting some experience before applying?
Alternatively, I could do my master's where I'm currently at, get some experience and then apply, but that feels like a huge waste and opportunity cost, and is something I'm trying to avoid (it also just doesn't sound fun at all, I don't feel challenged in my current program).
So in essence: should I just apply with no work experience (considering it'd set me back a sizeable amount in terms of GRE and application costs with no guarantee) or do you have any other suggestions?
Thanks in advance!