Anonymous
Post 05/21/2025 22:24     Subject: I Don't Think I'll Ever Make it in DC, Thinking of Giving Up
What's the use of policy if there is nobody to implement or no jurisdiction? What are all these unelected NGOs doing in other countries? How do you hold them accountable?
Anonymous
Post 05/21/2025 20:14     Subject: I Don't Think I'll Ever Make it in DC, Thinking of Giving Up
GTFO while you still can. Wish I had.
Anonymous
Post 05/21/2025 20:00     Subject: I Don't Think I'll Ever Make it in DC, Thinking of Giving Up
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Get a corporate job. Seriously, any kind of professional job, while working on your policy area on the side. This is a lot like the 2008/2009 job market was in DC: it blows. It will get better.


OP, I'm 20 years into the career you want, and I second the advice above. DC non-profits/ think tanks are soul sucking, underpaid, and home to some of the nastiest people you'll meet outside of DCUM. Oh sure, they're well enough socialized to hide it for a while; but the level of micromanagement, bullying and backbiting, especially from colleagues who did time on the Hill, is wild.

Go corporate. There are jerks everywhere, but at least a corporate job won't bludgeon you with "the mission" and you'll be paid enough to make living here affordable. And you won't be taking shlt from a egomaniacal former Hill staffer who thinks she's the queen wonk of all wonks.

I am the frog, and the water is up to a simmer. I'd love to be where you are and never get into the damn pot in the first place.

This is the right advice. You are actually lucky to be graduating in this catastrophe that will likely force you to pivot to a private sector job. If you stick it out, best case you get a handful of low paying jobs filled with non talented colleagues (dc is full of non stars in non profits) which you feel indifferent to in a few years. And be honest, federal education policy jobs aren’t achieving anything but shuffling paper across desks. I mean, federal education policy is currently being driven by a wrestling ceo. Even during dem administrations, the only people with any sway over education policy are rich tech bros. The rest of the minions are just drafting reports to justify their organizations existence. Shift to private now, make better money, and have a job with more impact.
Anonymous
Post 05/21/2025 17:28     Subject: I Don't Think I'll Ever Make it in DC, Thinking of Giving Up
Sorry OP. Start applying to good law schools while finishing your degree. Being an attorney with an MPP will get you a job. Sorry, but this is the reality.
Anonymous
Post 05/19/2025 09:31     Subject: Re:I Don't Think I'll Ever Make it in DC, Thinking of Giving Up
Op here. Thanks so much for all the kind and uplifting responses in this thread, as well as the helpful advice. It means so much. Just came back to say there is a happy ending: I got an internship and an invitation to interview for a leadership position at a fellowship. Thanks again, everyone!
Anonymous
Post 05/13/2025 11:07     Subject: I Don't Think I'll Ever Make it in DC, Thinking of Giving Up
Anonymous wrote:Get a corporate job. Seriously, any kind of professional job, while working on your policy area on the side. This is a lot like the 2008/2009 job market was in DC: it blows. It will get better.


OP, I'm 20 years into the career you want, and I second the advice above. DC non-profits/ think tanks are soul sucking, underpaid, and home to some of the nastiest people you'll meet outside of DCUM. Oh sure, they're well enough socialized to hide it for a while; but the level of micromanagement, bullying and backbiting, especially from colleagues who did time on the Hill, is wild.

Go corporate. There are jerks everywhere, but at least a corporate job won't bludgeon you with "the mission" and you'll be paid enough to make living here affordable. And you won't be taking shlt from a egomaniacal former Hill staffer who thinks she's the queen wonk of all wonks.

I am the frog, and the water is up to a simmer. I'd love to be where you are and never get into the damn pot in the first place.
Anonymous
Post 05/13/2025 10:11     Subject: I Don't Think I'll Ever Make it in DC, Thinking of Giving Up
Anonymous wrote:The Master of Public Policy is not useful. It's a throwaway degree that only had perceived value in DC, not because of its use, but because it was one of the checkboxes for degrees. I would use it as toilet paper and then burn the diploma. Next time, get it in something practical like STEM, or don't get one at all.


There are some policy degrees that are quant focused or smaller degree programs that are essentially free (Princeton comes to mind). Those are worth it and usually have great alumni networks too.
Anonymous
Post 05/13/2025 09:59     Subject: I Don't Think I'll Ever Make it in DC, Thinking of Giving Up
The Master of Public Policy is not useful. It's a throwaway degree that only had perceived value in DC, not because of its use, but because it was one of the checkboxes for degrees. I would use it as toilet paper and then burn the diploma. Next time, get it in something practical like STEM, or don't get one at all.
Anonymous
Post 05/13/2025 09:44     Subject: I Don't Think I'll Ever Make it in DC, Thinking of Giving Up
You need to look outside of top places to intern. Look at local organizations, state government, school districts, etc. I think education policy might be difficult in the future, so that is something to also think about.

Is your program helping to place you? Only applying to Brookings and World Bank was a mistake as thousands apply to those internships. Many internships had deadlines that have now passed, so I would keep looking and connect with any alumni who might need interns over the summer. Is there a journal you can write for? A professor who needs a research assistant over the summer?