The MPA programme’s combination of academic rigour and professional application makes it an attractive prospect to employers. MPA students develop strong research skills throughout their studies and the Capstone experience and its focus on consultancy skills has proved particularly popular with graduate recruiters.
Although MPA alumni choose a wide variety of careers options, the three main areas of occupational interest are:
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Private sector consultancy: MPA students find the Capstone consultancy experience is particularly attractive to consultancy employers, and alumni are found in many of the leading consultancies. MPA students are often drawn to the public sector practice of consultancies where they are able deploy both their specialist public policy knowledge and the latest research skills. The annual Consultancy Fair is a great way to meet potential employers in this sector.
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NGOS and international organisations: the annual International Organisations Day is always popular with MPA students. Organisations such the United Nations and the World Bank are drawn to the excellent quantitative skills of MPA students.
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Public sector: There is often a strong connection between what students learn and the modern requirements of public sector organisations (whether this is specialist knowledge of public policy or particular relevant methodologies such as value for money reviews).