political science job rumors

Things may get weird. Trying to fix the problems.

1. ChinaDC
   Member

   Hi, I am an international student who just enrolled into the IA master program at GW and need your suggestion. If my ultimate goal is to be an East Asia (especially China) expert in a DC think tank or a private consulting company like RAND and Eurasia, shall I try to get an entry-level job in a think tank or go for a PhD degree immediately after MA? If a PhD is suggested, shall I stay in DC or apply for other Top10 IA schools?

   I have heard that the competition for an entry-level job in think tanks is extremely heated. Also, the job choice for a PhD student who does not want to work in academia is quite limited. So I am feeling a bit stressed. Shall I give up my IA plan and do something more REALISTIC? I need your suggestion. Thanks.

   Posted 10 months ago #

2. ChinaDC
   Member

   
   

   Posted 10 months ago #

3. whaaaa
   Unregistered

   You have persistence, that is good.

   Posted 10 months ago #

4. ChinaDC
   Member

   said:
   You have persistence, that is good.

   I did not notice there have been so many same posts till now... I could not post just now, so I tried many times... There was probably something wrong with the website... Sorry for that if it disturbs you.

   Posted 10 months ago #

5. anon
   Unregistered

   Get a PhD, become truly expert, hone your presentational and writing skills, learn theory but be guided by your applied interests. Oh, and do not expect to get a job in a major think tank until after you have established yourself in a career in academia or government.

   Posted 10 months ago #

6. anon
   Unregistered

   Don't count on working for RAND if you aren't an US citizen. Security clearance required for many, though not all, their positions.

   With regard to becoming an "expert" at a think tank, start writing op-eds and other things like that. If you can independently establish your ability to get published often in the journalistic press, many think tanks will love you.

   My final suggestion, instead of becoming a think tank "expert," go do something useful. Work for a government or company and actually get real experience, so you can provide advice grounded in real world experience. We don't need more pontificating talking heads who have never actually done policy work.

   Posted 10 months ago #

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