<p>Hello good people. I'm looking for feedback as I dive into grad school research and applications--still early in the process so bear with me.</p>
<p>I work in business development for a media company, and my undergrad is in journalism from a private arts school. I could ultimately see myself running a large non-profit organization like Ford Foundation, NPR, Planned Parenthood etc, or possibly programs within the UN (aim high, right?). I have substantial volunteer experience on top of the media/arts background and participated in a Fulbright summer program (I've been out of school for a few years). </p>
<p>I've looked into the backgrounds of people running these types of organizations and many seem to have a JD or MBA as their advanced degree. Law isn't for me, so I'm considering an MBA or MPA. Pending a good quant score on my GMAT/GRE, I have a 3.6 GPA so I'd like to apply to top schools like everyone else and have started visiting a few. Anyone with experience in these programs or similar goals who can weigh in? Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>How long have you been working? Although you do need an advanced degree to run large non-profits (and I think either an MBA or an MPA would be a good degree) your work experience is really going to be what gets you in there. I think if you’ve been working less than 3 years, you should wait until you have 3-5+ years of experience and then go get the MBA or MPA. Admissions to MPA and MBA programs are less about grades and more about experience and value that you can bring to the class.</p>
<p>The non-profit world is notoriously insular and a bit difficult to penetrate at the highest levels; I think most people who ascend to top spots start working in non-profits at least at the management level and move up rather than coming right in at the lead. Non-profits also tend to shuffle their heads around, so that the new leader of a non-profit is often the old leader of another non-profit. An MPA may give you a slight edge - not necessarily hiring wise, but knowledge wise - since many of those programs have a focus or concentration in nonprofit management and may focus on elements that are unique to nonprofits (when compared to for-profits), such as grant-writing and partnering with government agencies.</p>
<p>Thank you Juillet! I’ve been out of school for 5 years so it’s time to head back. No expectations on starting as the lead of a major organization right out of the gate, but this is certainly helpful knowledge. Much appreciated.</p>
<p>You should target an MBA degree if you want to run an organization(for-profit and non-profit) . An MBA from a top school will help you rise very fast. An MS doesn’t make too much sense if you ask me. Target taking the GMAT.</p>