MPP for a career at MBB?

As it says on the tin, potentially considering public policy but want to work in private industry?

Probably not the forum for it but for advice on MBB, seems the best place?

Anyone know potential of me working into that field coming from MPP at say Columbia, Chicago, Penn or Georgetown??????

Thanks a lot and forgive my ignorance for posting a MPP question on a financial forum!

8 Comments
 

I've definitely met people from Kennedy School, and I know people with joint Wharton/SAIS degrees who have also been successful.

Life, liberty and the pursuit of Starwood Points
 

I think it's definitely doable; HKS would probably be your best bet. I still think an MBA would be better, though.

 
Best Response

Breaking into MBB with an MPP is definitely doable assuming you have some decent work experience heading into your masters. That said, the only two schools that will offer you legitimate top MBA style on-campus recruiting are probably Princeton's WWS (comparable to a T10ish MBA) and Harvard's Kennedy School (comparable to a T20ish MBA).

Though not strictly MPP programs, Johns Hopkins' SAIS and Georgetown's SFS will also set you up nicely with respectable recruiting. However, I would not expect a robust on campus presence by either of Bain or BCG. McKinsey recruits a little more broadly.

Neither Columbia or Chicago will really help you out all that much. Its definitely possible to network you way in from either, but you're resume, grades, and test scores will have to be pretty impressive as MBB generally only interview a few stars from each. Penn is not really a top MPP program so I wouldn't imagine it would add much to your resume. Carnegie Mellon (also in PA) is much better, but as with Penn, recruiting for MBB will be virtually non-existent.

 
ResetBreaking into MBB with an MPP is definitely doable assuming you have some decent work experience heading into your masters. That said, the only two schools that will offer you legitimate top MBA style on-campus recruiting are probably Princeton's WWS (comparable to a T10ish MBA) and Harvard's Kennedy School (comparable to a T20ish MBA).

Though not strictly MPP programs, Johns Hopkins' SAIS and Georgetown's SFS will also set you up nicely with respectable recruiting. However, I would not expect a robust on campus presence by either of Bain or BCG. McKinsey recruits a little more broadly.

Neither Columbia or Chicago will really help you out all that much. Its definitely possible to network you way in from either, but you're resume, grades, and test scores will have to be pretty impressive as MBB generally only interview a few stars from each. Penn is not really a top MPP program so I wouldn't imagine it would add much to your resume. Carnegie Mellon (also in PA) is much better, but as with Penn, recruiting for MBB will be virtually non-existent.

Thanks a lot for your detailed answer.

Penn, I have heard good things about. Would their brand name give me an opportunity for placements? having spoken to admissions, they seem confident that they would place.

HKS want prior WE, which I dont have a lot of. So thats probably a miss. WWS, definitely looking at it but was being careful choices and selecting programs with good rep and good placement.

I considered Carnegie Mellon but was more attracted to Penn, for its brand name but will rethink.

Chicago and Columbia really that bad in terms of recruitment? Would have thought being two premier universities in big markets would attract potential recruiters from all sectors/industries.

Any tips on what to do when networking?

Finally, important question! How would I show my interest in MPP and public sector if all I want is a private sector position?

 

Ratione enim consequatur aut ipsam. Ut voluptatem aperiam eum. Laudantium deserunt recusandae autem corporis dolor. Magni est qui ipsum sit omnis nobis. Dolorem enim hic dolore sunt possimus. A non ipsam et doloremque et cum.

Deserunt aut aut consequatur molestiae eos quis amet. Aut magnam aut numquam ad. Possimus tempore sed molestias rerum sequi similique perspiciatis quaerat. Quod perferendis aut ullam similique quo adipisci laborum aspernatur. Quo est consequatur voluptatem autem.

Maiores hic rerum consequatur adipisci dicta et. Esse nesciunt soluta natus debitis aut repudiandae libero. Eaque sit aliquam voluptas nisi nemo ut commodi.

Maxime placeat ut sit quaerat quam qui eveniet sint. Qui dolor eos mollitia atque quia id iure. Tempore odit nobis et possimus. At maxime assumenda maiores consequuntur fuga. Itaque molestias harum explicabo.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (48) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”