r/PublicPolicy

My starter for ten is the low pay commission

I genuinely don’t know what to do. I graduated with my masters in public policy last November. However, since then I’ve yet to get a job in my field. I’m a progressive who is from a rural, conservative community. It seems impossible to get a job in the field that both pays a living wage and doesn’t compromise my political views. It’s to the point where I waited tables up until June and now work in sales because I have bills to pay. I love policy studies and the research I have done. I want to get into the field so badly but my professional, paid experience doesn’t have anything other than an internship in a state capitol in 2023. I’ve applied to so many jobs across the country in the field, yet I’ve not gotten so much as an internship. I don’t know what to do. I feel hopeless. Does anyone have any advice? Thanks.

I’m a current student in UVA’s MPP program at Batten, and honestly, I’m struggling with the experience. Between leadership changes, funding concerns, and unclear communication about where the school is headed, it’s been hard to feel confident in the program.

Most students I’ve spoken with feel underprepared and unsupported in the job search, which is especially frustrating in a professional degree program. We’re making a significant investment of time and money, and I expected to feel more prepared for what comes next.

I don’t expect a degree to guarantee anyone a job. But I do expect useful career guidance, help connecting what we learn to actual opportunities, and a clearer understanding of how the program is preparing us for the workforce. It’s discouraging to be working toward a degree while questioning whether you’ll leave with the skills and support you need.

Student leadership also hasn’t seemed effective at getting clear answers from the school. It’s hard to tell whether student concerns are being addressed or whether anything is actually going to change. I don’t know where that communication is breaking down, but from a student’s perspective, it’s frustrating.

I understand that some restrictions and decisions come from UVA rather than Batten, and that leadership transitions can be difficult. But students only have so much time here. Even when something can’t be fixed immediately, clear explanations about what’s happening and what we can realistically expect would go a long way.

There are good professors and people here who care, and I don’t want to dismiss their efforts. But overall, the experience hasn’t been what I hoped for. I don’t want to speak for everyone, but I’m not alone in feeling disappointed, and at this point, I would have a hard time recommending the program.

I’m posting partly as a heads-up for prospective students, but also because I genuinely want things to improve. For anyone considering Batten, I’d encourage you to talk privately with several current students before committing. Ask about their actual experiences with career support, communication, and whether they would choose the program again—not just what they like about it.

Are students at other MPP or MPA programs facing similar issues? For anyone whose program went through a difficult period, what helped students get a meaningful response? I’m trying to understand whether this is a broader problem or something more specific to our experience, and what we can realistically do to make it better.

I'm asking as someone who has an MPP, works in government as a data analyst, and is considering back for a JD in 2028 to work in impact litigation, administrative law, or direct services. I'm struggling with how to frame how the MPP would make me a stronger attorney in my application, so it would be helpful to hear any concrete stories about a time the skills/knowledge from the master's have served your work.

Hi! I am tentatively thinking about pursing an MPP degree as a way to switch careers and would love some advice.

About me: I'm in mid-twenties with three years of work experience in nonprofit communications and fundraising. I graduated from a relatively respected liberal arts college in the midwest with a high GPA (3.9+) with a degree in communications (and a minor in data science). I am interested in switching from the grant writing and nonprofit world into the program evaluation/grantmaking side of philanthropy. I've applied for and been rejected for a few roles in that area and I'm wondering if pursuing an MPP/MPA would help me gain entry into the world of philanthropy, program evaluation, etc.

If anyone works in foundations/philanthropy or used their MPP to switch out of nonprofit work, I would love to know your thoughts -- is pursuing an MPP/MPA worthwhile for making this kind of switch? Is it better to try for some lower level or lateral philanthropic positions first before I pursue an MPP?

thanks in advance!!