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[Lloyd]

Hello out there. I'm looking for an honest answer.

I've been considering a return to school to get an M.P.A. degree, though I'm wondering how valuable it will be to me in the job market at this stage in my life. I'm 47 and already have two master's degrees -- one in English literature and one in economics.  For the last 10 years, I've been working in the film and video industry, but very much feel the need for a change.  (Sound familiar?) In my conversations with one of the deans of local M.P.A. program, he has practically assured me that I will be ready to step into a midlevel position upon completing my master's, considering I will have had quite a bit of internship time under my belt by then. Of course, this all sounds good, but I have my doubts as to whether it's really true.

So my question is, "Is this degree worth it for me?"  Or would I be better off just targeting the types of organizations I'd like to work for and doing some volunteer work in my free time in order to get some experience?

Any thoughts?  I'd greatly appreciate your input.  Thanks!

[MS]

It really depends what kind of nonprofit group you want to work for, and what kind of work you want to do. I am currently trying to hire a midlevel fund-raising professional, and would probably not consider an MPA candidate without experience or specific training in my area.

Would your MPA training teach you how to launch a successful direct-mail campaign?  Coordinate a stellar fund-raising gala?  Write a bang-up grant application?  If so, then yes, I'd definitely hire you.

But I'd also hire you if you could demonstrate those abilities without the degree.  The real question is, is that the kind of work you want to be spending your days doing, and if so, is that the best way to develop those skills?  Only you can answer that.