<ol>
<li><p>What career paths could one take to a career in public policy? </p></li>
<li><p>Are the only job prospects in the public sector? </p></li>
<li><p>Is there any money to be made with a career in public policy ($100k+)?</p></li>
<li><p>What would be the best degree to become involved in this area? Public Relations? PoliSci? Master's in Public Affairs?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Any advice is appreciated!</p>
<p>Bump…</p>
<p>Hi – I think the nice thing about studying public policy as opposed to poli sci. is that you will be studying from political scientists, economists, attorneys, etc. but with an eye to an applied, real-world approach that can help you in the public, private or nonprofit sector. I know that at most public policy undergrad programs, a high percentage of students go onto the private sector, working in things like management consulting, govt. affairs for multinational corps., etc. The money can certainly be 6 figures in these areas, although not in your first year obviously! The question you might want to ask yourself is what you want to do with this sort of degree, besides just make money. Most students interested in policy studies have an issue they’re concerned about, whether its the environment, education reform, homeland security, financial regulation, healthcare, etc. </p>
<p>If you’re seriously looking at these programs I would consider Indiana, Michigan, Duke, UNC, and of course DC schools like Gtown and GW.</p>