International MBA and Intergovernmental Agencies

Question

Hi everybody. I'm new here. I am thinking about applying to bschools in the fall. My goal is to get a job with the UN or another intergovernmental organization. I speak English, French and Russian and have always wanted to work in that sector. However, i know that most positions in the UN require a graduate degree and therefore my question is - how many MBAs go into governmental work, do you think it's worth getting an MBA to pursue it, and any advice in that area. Also how much emphasis is made on the International Affairs in an IMBA? What do you think are the best schools to get an IMBA?

redjam17 · Answer

I don't have the knowledge to give you a good answer but based on the little research that I have done in the past, I don't think an MBA is required to get into the UN or any other governmental agency. I mean sure, nothing's stopping you from getting it and you'd have to make a pretty good case for why but I think something like the Harvard Kennedy School is a lot more relevant for the field you want to pursue. I'd start by taking a look at that.

Also, a lot depends on what type of role you want to get into with the UN/other organisation. For example, if you want to become an economist with the World Bank, perhaps a Masters in Economics from LSE would be a lot more relevant.

Also, a lot depends on what type of role you want to get into with the UN/other organisation. For example, if you want to become an economist with the World Bank, perhaps a Masters in Economics from LSE would be a lot more relevant.

yaroslavl · Answer

Thanks, I really appreciate your input. And will def. check out the schools that you mentioned. I guess I was just wondering about how many MBAs actually go into or think about working for any governmental agencies.... But I guess not that many judging by the number of replies... LOL

enkie · Answer

Hi There

Perhaps I may be of assistance here. I have a MPA (Masters in Public Administration) from Columbia University with a concentration in international economic policy. In my opinion, if your goal is to work somewhere like the UN where it is highly development-focused, you would do well to target a top MPA school. These schools offer networks and connections to UN, World Bank, IMF, etc.

However, it kind of depends on what you want to do at these organizations. If it is policy or development related, you definitely should go for a MPA instead of a MBA (in my opinion). However, if it has to do with some finance or business functions within these organizations, then a MBA or a MPA may both work (in some cases, maybe even a MBA would be better).

hope this helps!

If you decide to go the MPA or masters of international affairs route, please feel free to private message me, as I know the rival programs to Columbia fairly well.

International MBA and Intergovernmental Agencies

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