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HKS sounds like a cash cow program, is there any benefit other than the Harvard name?
I would just go for a Wharton MBA
Coach
My last $0.02 is that MBB recruits at HKS, but HKS does not have access to HBS recruiting for banks, etc. HKS also does not have any formalized recruiting process, because everyone at HKS is different. Some people recruit for MBB, and others aim for the UN, Gates Foundation, etc. So you sort of have to drive your own recruiting at HKS.
Coach
Honestly, I wanted to do the combined degree as well but the $$ may not be worth it.
For the combo above Harvard>Wharton in terms of network, but Wharton people are paid well.
I think do the MBA. In terms of degrees the MBA has better ROI.
For the HKS degree, what is the loan situation? You can also get into MBB from HKS with just the MPP. I know many people who have done this.
Coach
One advantage of the MPA is that there are some country-based scholarships that offer full tuition rides. Wharton doesn’t really offer this.
Also it’s easier to get into the HKS MPA, than the Wharton MBA.
I don’t think it’s worthwhile if you want to do MBB.
You can do the Lauder program at Wharton, or take public policy classes at UPenn if it’s more academic
2 year program. You need to know another language to get into it. Technically not part of the mba program but you take classes with it.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I’ve always been interested in studying policy. If I came from $$, I would definitely do this joint degree and explore public sector work (even with low pay). A part of me is wondering if I’ll be inspired once I go there or discover new opportunities to apply my policy education to interesting work that pays. Also, the Harvard name is a plus, but is far from my main motivation for attending HKS.
Coach
I did a part-time job at HKS, so I know way too much about it.
Community Builder
I’m applying for hks this year OP message me.