<p>I was considering doing a Masters in International Affairs, and mostly concentrating on economics... but talking to some people I am starting to have second thoughts on this and wondering if I am wasting my time. </p>
<p>I was thinking instead for long term future success instead I should work a few more years (I have worked 5 professionally) and instead do an MBA with a focus also on economics? </p>
<p>I am thinking now that I should do the MBA instead and focus on the GMAT and a few more years of quality work professionally. </p>
<p>I had thought going into this... do the masters now, and maybe in the future to do the MBA ... but I am thinking now I should skip the masters entirely and continue work... </p>
<p>I am thinking and talking to some friends that the International Affairs would be looked down upon from an economic and business perspective and more of an Arts type degree for UN or GOV work even though its an MA/MS program.</p>
<p>I have been told that it will also limit my choice of cities to find work down to basically NYC and DC in the US... </p>
<p>Which route would serve me better? I am mostly interested in International Trade/Investments/Finance.</p>
<p>I originally did Information Systems and have been working in IT for 5-6 years… and would like to do work for a multinational company in their trade and investments… or some kind of NFP or NGO (though pay there… is very limiting)… I would prefer a company operating in and helping out developing countries… but, that is quite limited. I would also like to stay in Chicago. Though I am currently elsewhere… and if I did what is proposed above (MBA) I would look to do one at one of the Chicago schools after a few more years of work sticking it out. </p>
<p>I really love International Economics and how they relate to how countries develop, but not so much any other aspects of it. In summary I am trying to do a bit of a career switch as a lateral move in another area thus my original reasoning doing the Masters in International Affairs with concentration in Economics… Probably right now could not get into a Masters in <em>pure</em> economics as I just don’t have the background, so going a middle of the road route. I am starting to think it would be kind of pointless though, especially that I would be paying out of pocket about 10K for it and 2 years of my life for something I might not get out of, and a degree that isn’t really valued. </p>
<p>Management Information Systems… database engineer and QA lead, widely traveled, have worked for NFPs over 10 people group, some other stuff. IT just isn’t that fulfilling for me, too narrowed and I have always had a flair for economics and international relations. I am also scared that switching field even WITH a masters in IR I will be making less than I am making now looking around the board at some of these salaries! I make 52k a year plus bonuses, last year was 58K earned income(just did my taxes)</p>
<p>I won’t sacrifice if you don’t have to; go for the economics degree and do what it takes to get it. Talk to an admissions counciler at schools you want to go to, you may only need a few courses to qualify.</p>
<p>If they still you’re crazy, go with the MBA with IR if you can’t get a job doing what you want without it.</p>
<p>Yeah that is kind of the issue… just their specific admissions criteria… still doing some talking with several unis and seeing whats what but I actually think it would be easier for me with my background to do an MBA than the econ.</p>