Looking for advice on pursuing a Master's in Public Policy (MPP).
My background:
- Investment finance - passed CFA Levels 1 & 2, 1+ year exp at a foreign fund manager
- From a developing country in SEA that's going through significant economic transformation
Why I'm considering MPP instead of a Master's in Finance
I don't want to repeat what I already know - corporate finance, valuation, portfolio theory are already part of my day-to-day. What I feel I'm missing is the macro and policy layer: how regulations are made, how capital markets get developed at a national level, how governments make financial decisions. I think a finance + policy combination could be a rare and valuable profile in my home country, especially as it pushes toward emerging market status and undertakes major financial sector reforms.
My questions:
Does this career logic make sense, or am I being naively optimistic? Is a finance background actually valued in MPP programs and in policy-adjacent careers?
Which schools would you recommend? I'm open to UK and Europe
For those with a similar background - finance professional going into policy - what was the actual career outcome? Did the degree open the doors you expected?
Any honest perspective appreciated, including if you think this is a bad idea.