u/Expert_Housing_4220

I am finishing a BSc in Econometrics and Data Science at the University of Amsterdam and am trying to decide how to best position myself for a career in development, international affairs, or public policy.

My background is quite quantitative (econometrics, statistics, machine learning, time series analysis), but over the last few years I have become increasingly interested in development economics, international relations, geopolitics, and social policy. I am also completing minors in International Relations and Development Studies.

My GPA is around 7.5, which is solid but not exceptional. Because of this, I am unlikely to be competitive for the most selective quantitative master's programmes in the UK (e.g. top economics/econometrics programmes at places like LSE).

As a result, I feel I have two broad options:

1. Pursue a more policy-oriented master's at a top institution, such as:
   • LSE MSc Economic Policy for International Development (EPID)
   • Oxford MSc Comparative Social Policy
   • Oxford MSc Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation (EBSIPE)
2. Stay in the Netherlands and pursue a more technical master's, such as Econometrics (Policy Track) at the University of Amsterdam, which would be much cheaper and preserve my quantitative skill set.

My concern is that while the UvA route may be stronger technically, it seems less internationally portable, whereas programmes like LSE/Oxford provide both specialization in my areas of interest and a stronger international brand. However, attending those programmes would require taking on significant debt.

Ultimately, I do not want to abandon quantitative work. My ideal career would involve applying statistical, econometric, and analytical methods to problems in development, international affairs, public policy, impact evaluation, or evidence-based decision-making.

For those working in development, policy, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks, or related fields:

• How valuable is a formal master's in development/policy compared to a technical degree?
• Would a quantitative master's still allow me to enter these fields?
• If you were in my position, would you prioritize technical training or institutional prestige/network?
• Would you recommend working for a few years before pursuing a master's?

I would especially appreciate hearing from people who entered development or policy careers from a quantitative background.

I am finishing a BSc in Econometrics and Data Science at the University of Amsterdam and am trying to decide how to best position myself for a career in development, international affairs, or public policy.

My background is quite quantitative (econometrics, statistics, machine learning, time series analysis), but over the last few years I have become increasingly interested in development economics, international relations, geopolitics, and social policy. I am also completing minors in International Relations and Development Studies.

My GPA is around 7.5, which is solid but not exceptional. Because of this, I am unlikely to be competitive for the most selective quantitative master's programmes in the UK (e.g. top economics/econometrics programmes at places like LSE).

As a result, I feel I have two broad options:

1. Pursue a more policy-oriented master's at a top institution, such as:
   • LSE MSc Economic Policy for International Development (EPID)
   • Oxford MSc Comparative Social Policy
   • Oxford MSc Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation (EBSIPE)
2. Stay in the Netherlands and pursue a more technical master's, such as Econometrics (Policy Track) at the University of Amsterdam, which would be much cheaper and preserve my quantitative skill set.

My concern is that while the UvA route may be stronger technically, it seems less internationally portable, whereas programmes like LSE/Oxford provide both specialization in my areas of interest and a stronger international brand. However, attending those programmes would require taking on significant debt.

Ultimately, I do not want to abandon quantitative work. My ideal career would involve applying statistical, econometric, and analytical methods to problems in development, international affairs, public policy, impact evaluation, or evidence-based decision-making.

For those working in development, policy, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks, or related fields:

• How valuable is a formal master's in development/policy compared to a technical degree?
• Would a quantitative master's still allow me to enter these fields?
• If you were in my position, would you prioritize technical training or institutional prestige/network?
• Would you recommend working for a few years before pursuing a master's?

I would especially appreciate hearing from people who entered development or policy careers from a quantitative background.

I am finishing a BSc in Econometrics and Data Science at the University of Amsterdam and am trying to decide how to best position myself for a career in development, international affairs, or public policy.

My background is quite quantitative (econometrics, statistics, machine learning, time series analysis), but over the last few years I have become increasingly interested in development economics, international relations, geopolitics, and social policy. I am also completing minors in International Relations and Development Studies.

My GPA is around 7.5, which is solid but not exceptional. Because of this, I am unlikely to be competitive for the most selective quantitative master's programmes in the UK (e.g. top economics/econometrics programmes at places like LSE).

As a result, I feel I have two broad options:

1. Pursue a more policy-oriented master's at a top institution, such as:
   • LSE MSc Economic Policy for International Development (EPID)
   • Oxford MSc Comparative Social Policy
   • Oxford MSc Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation (EBSIPE)
2. Stay in the Netherlands and pursue a more technical master's, such as Econometrics (Policy Track) at the University of Amsterdam, which would be much cheaper and preserve my quantitative skill set.

My concern is that while the UvA route may be stronger technically, it seems less internationally portable, whereas programmes like LSE/Oxford provide both specialization in my areas of interest and a stronger international brand. However, attending those programmes would require taking on significant debt.

Ultimately, I do not want to abandon quantitative work. My ideal career would involve applying statistical, econometric, and analytical methods to problems in development, international affairs, public policy, impact evaluation, or evidence-based decision-making.

For those working in development, policy, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks, or related fields:

• How valuable is a formal master's in development/policy compared to a technical degree?
• Would a quantitative master's still allow me to enter these fields?
• If you were in my position, would you prioritize technical training or institutional prestige/network?
• Would you recommend working for a few years before pursuing a master's?

I would especially appreciate hearing from people who entered development or policy careers from a quantitative background.