MPP for a career at MBB?

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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.

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?