So, here is my story...I am a Policy Officer with the Canadian federal government. I think policy analysis leading to recommendations to senior management, and consulting are similar. On a daily basis, I analyze very complex issues, liaise with colleagues, Consultant(s), and related stakeholders, ask the relevant questions, conduct in-depth research on my own, and take all of those insights to help inform future directions senior management may take. These are crafted in the form of a position paper, or presentation (as appropriate) to senior management, and often to the Minister. We typically have to work with limited time/information, and in conjunction with the government's overall objectives.Now...I am exploring a career change. I am looking into getting my foot into the management consulting world. I possess an undergraduate business degree, and will be going for my masters. Should I aim for a masters in public policy/public admin. given my experience in government, or is MBA a better route given a prior degree in business? Please advise.

CAN ANYONE REPLY PLEASE????

I think you're almost certainly making the right choice.I'm sure this forum will be happy to help further if you have any further questions.Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

I agree with 'Go for it' - chose either the masters in public policy/public admin or the MBA

You guys are mean! Someone is seeking a piece of advice that would change his life/career for years to come, and here you are making joke out of it. I guess you are still recovering from the xmas hang-over.I think MBA is a better choice anyway.

MBA is generally better for consulting, all else being equal. However, you have to play to your own individual strengths. Realistically, you will end up in the government practice of any consultancy you join - an MPA would be a better match to both your past experience and your immediate future path post-graduation.

Where do you think you will end up after consulting? If you have any intention of returning to a government position, then the public policy masters route is likely to be more appropriate. However, if you foresee a longer-term move in to the private sector, the MBA is likely your best bet.

Hello, if I would be in your shoes I would do an MPA. The market values people with in-depth expertise. Moreover, this will help you to build upon existing skills. On the other hand, an MBA is not anymore that what it used to be. There is no further need to elaborate on that. A top MBA, IMHO, is only neccessary if you want to work for MBB/Investment banks maybe. Finally, did you make use of your analytical skills in order to assess the ROI of MBA/MPA? A top MBA could cost anything from 100-200k, including lost earnings, depending on where you plan to do it (Harvard - LBS or 1 year at Oxbridge). I do not think that an MPA would cost that much. Finally, the type of consulting you are aiming for, private sector strategy consulting, might not be as exciting as you think...you might also want to consider working for a think tank? - List of think tanks in the United Kingdom: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UK_think_tanks