<p>I'm applying to public policy graduate programs in the DC area, hoping to specialize in environmental policy and hoping to work in federal government, nonprofit sector, or consulting. This is for a career change, and I'm currently working at an entry-level job with a federal agency (non-competitive status) that is not related to the environment (at all). I'm debating whether it's a bad financial/career decision to go to school full time at 30 years old, and better to go part time, even if it means being finished at age 33 or 34. Part time I can at least cover my living expenses and only take out loans for tuition and books, which will leave me less financially crippled upon graduation. The downside is I won't be able to intern in my new field, at least in the first year, although hopefully I can bag a summer internship and get at least some experience. Any other late bloomers have some insights into full vs. part time in your early 30's? Thanks.</p>
<p>I am also 30 and making a career change. I suppose your decision should depend on your salary vs debt for the next 5 years or so. I am applying for this fall and I will work up until then, saving all I can and paying off any debt I have. I figure if this is what I truly want to do as a career, I want to focus all my time in my new field. With that said, I don’t have a mortgage, wife or kids. I have the ideal situation for a career changer. If you’re anything similar to me, I’d suggest you do the same. Each case is different, but I hope that helps. Sorry if any typos, I’m hurrying before I have to go to a job that I don’t find fulfilling in life. Live for a purpose! Best of luck. </p>
<p>Just to add, I will be pursuing a PhD so if you are only going for a master’s, it might be in your best interest to continue working and go to school pt. </p>
<p>I don’t mean to sound condescending. I simply mean a master’s is obviously a shorter commitment. </p>
<p>I think this is a very personal decision, that’s going to be related to your job and how much you like it, how much it will cost to take 2 years off, etc.</p>
<p>But I will say that lots of people move laterally in the federal government once they are already working in there, so it’s possible that you can go part-time while working in your job and then use your experience and your connections to move into environmental policy. Also, 33-34 isn’t that old - lots of people go back to school (especially in policy) after years of work experience. You won’t be the oldest.</p>
<p>Thanks. Yeah, that’s the thing. My current position is as a GS-5 Reader Assistant, so my job is largely administrative support, and I don’t do any policy work. My previous work experience was also entry level, and in yet another unrelated field (international education). Suffice to say it took me a long time to figure myself out. My environmental experience is all volunteer (Sierra Club). Making the move from where I am to an analyst job in a different area will require some otherworldy magic, or networking the hell out of grad school.</p>