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anonymous International Relations vs MBA For a while now, I have been contemplating on what type of Masters to do. MBA was definitely on top of the list but lately I have been considering International Relations. I would like to know if having an engineering background with public service/nonprofit experience is in any way a hurdle. Thanks in advance #MBA #internationalrelations {{ 1429799695089+1-1 | date : 'short' }} mba internationalrelations All Replies User Picks
Eric Allen expert Not at all. I'm a chemical engineer and I have an MBA. You can actually get an MBA and focus in international business or you could go the MS in international relations route. The former is going to give you a broader degree and allow you to go into many of the same areas as an IR masters, but will give you more "cushion" if you want to pivot your career. MS in IR grads tend to go more towards a think tank, international development or politics. There is also the dual degree route - Wharton has a great dual-degree option with SAIS; HKS / HBS, etc. Start with the end in mind and go from there. I hope that helps! {{ 1429827779737+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
anonymous Thanks for the reply. Several factors such as economic and cultural have been a bit limiting towards building up a profile matching up to the standards of the top MBA programmes. While M.I.R. seems to be a tradeoff since I want to pursue an education abroad as soon as possible to start building an international career. It is at this junction that I remain confused. Do you have any thoughts on this? {{ 1430109022596+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Eric Allen expert Sai, you could certainly go after the MIR now and the MBA later if you would like to get your foot in the door in international relations. The MIR will give you a solid background to go work in the some of the areas I mentioned before and will give you strong work experience for a potential future MBA if you even need it. Just make sure you know what you want out of the degree and look for where the graduates are going after graduation (in terms of jobs) and make sure it is aligned with your general interests. {{ 1430137820929+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
anonymous @Eric Allen Your insights are rather helpful. I would really like to do an MBA as with it, I hope to gain experience and connect with expertise on social enterprise on an international level. I currently work for an NGO and have been involved in the social sector ever since I graduated as that has somewhat been my calling even though I was initially supposed to go the 'Engineer' way. The social enterprise scene needs a good boost in India, where it is still common to expect working in a social sector to be equivalent to nothing more than wishful thinking and low pay. I also see that other than in the few metros, a good deal of NGOs based out of rural areas and small towns are largely dependent on external funding. I wish to change this mindset and to innovate in this area and perhaps initiate a platform where similar small NGOs can collaborate and be educated about the potential of the social enterprise ecosystem. I am not an IT male I. I have neither studied in an IIT nor have I worked in a major/well-known MNC soon after graduation. I have a 680 GMAT. Do you think my line of thinking is appropriate to consider an MBA? I think the way this platform has been made available is great. The fact the experts like yourself go through these questions and answer back are of great help to people from small towns like I am. Thank you again. {{ 1433159458408+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Eric Allen expert No problem @mbaaspvzg You are doing great work and I'm sure it will pay off for you. I do think an MBA can really help you in your vision as it will give you the business acumen and foundation to help you make structural changes to the NGO space. That being said, it is about return on your investment given what you want to do in your career, so keep that in mind. There may be an opportunity for for fellowships/scholarships, but you want to make sure your invested money is going to give you what you want for your career and you won't be burdened with too much debt! Something to keep in mind. {{ 1433171640817+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Linda El Awar expert @mbaaspvg I would definitely suggest thinking about what you want to do after you complete graduate school, and where you want to work. Then you can map out the necessary steps to get to your goal! {{ 1433215024522+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
anonymous @Linda El Awar I do want to gain more insight into the social enterprise ecosystem and build a proper foundation and work at one where I can gain experience and replicate successful models back home here in India. India, as you know, has a large population of youngsters, who can be used to drive change, as in Dosomething.org. That's an example of the type of initiative I am looking at after a few years of post MBA experience at a well established and global social enterprise/non-profit. Brand names sell in India much faster and dispel apprehensions quicker. What do you think of this? Thank you for your comment! {{ 1433217748638+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
anonymous @Eric Allen You are right again. The financing part seems to be the burden for now and I think if I should go ahead soon, I will have to cross my fingers and hope that I can score a scholarship. Do you think aiming for the top 20-40 schools worldwide is reasonable? Perhaps Yale or Oxford since they have a wonderful environment for what I am looking for? Or am I just being impractical? Do you have any school suggestions that I can look into? {{ 1433218006404+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Linda El Awar expert @mbaaspvg, based on your last comment, it sounds like an MBA might provide you with a stronger and broader base to achieve your career goals. You would be amazed at how much non-profit organizations can benefit from strong business expertise! The nice thing about an MBA is your options afterward are tremendous, whereas you might be more limited with International Relations. {{ 1433218125100+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
anonymous @Linda El Awar I totally get that and for a large part you have helped me understand better should I ever face a 'Why MBA' question. I am also relieved that I was able to articulate my intentions. I can't express enough how good this platform is so far! Thanks Linda! {{ 1433228558591+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Aagni Das I have a law degree (from India) and I am considering International relations course. I would like to work with policy drafting. What is the best approach for this? {{ 1520401202897+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Eric Allen expert Good question. @Jennie Rothman @Christina Taber-Kewene may have some thoughts on this. Can you clarify what you mean by policy drafting? Are you talking about government policy as it relates to international relations? Thanks. {{ 1520461817188+1-1 | date : 'short' }}