<p>Hi all,</p>
<p>I've recently come to the conclusion that I should go back to more schooling, but the options are overwhelming and I really need to start pinpointing which career track would be best for me. I don't know a whole lot about the details/logistics/paths of many graduate fields, and I thought this forum could be a huge help in that regard.</p>
<p>More than all other academic areas of study, I enjoy reading about the problems going on in the world and the theories/methods being presented to solve it. Although I don't always agree with their every statement, I enjoy reading the works of Jeffrey Sachs, William Easterly, Jagdish Bhagwati, etc. etc. (the list could go on forever). I loved Poor Economics by Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo. For those familiar with these authors, I'm sure you're beginning to get the picture.</p>
<p>To be vague (yet blunt), I'd like to become involved in this kind of study (and later, work) in some way. The thing is, I have no idea where to start. I don't have a specific, explicit career track in mind at the moment, but I just know I would like it to involve work and/or research in this overlapping world of economics/politics/international issues. (Maybe this is a good time to say that it seems like some people on this board are quick to jump down your throat if you haven't had your entire life's path planned out since high school; clearly, I'm not that way, so please keep your comments to yourself if you're not going to be helpful and supportive).</p>
<p>So would it be best to start looking at graduate degrees in economics? Political science? International Development (/Masters in Development Practice)? International relations? Are there any noteworthy programs that provide joint degrees in economics and political science, or at least in economics with a strong international political bent (or vice versa)? Or would this new "MDP" program at select schools be a better route to take?</p>
<p>Like I said, I'm just a bit overwhelmed and lost at the moment and I'm just trying to start narrowing down my options. Any information or advice that you could provide would be great, since, as I said before, I know there is a wealth of knowledge around these parts.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>