Hello! I just wanted to get your opinion on a life-changing decision. I am a Mechanical Engineer currently holding the position of Assistant Manager, with 15 years of experience in Quality Assurance within the New Product Development department. I hold a diploma in Mechanical Engineering as well as an ITI diploma in the Electrician trade. Currently, I am earning in hand ₹65,000 per month working for a Japanese MNC that is in collaboration with a leading Indian group.

My dilemma is that, based on my ITI diploma, I have been selected for a government job of lineman. It is a field-based role that requires handling live electrical wires, managing utility poles, and dealing with breakdowns, with a salary of in hand ₹42,000. Due to family pressure, I am considering quitting my current job to join the government sector. Would this be a beneficial move? Aside from the electrical hazards, the anticipation of the 8th Pay Commission, job security and the advantage of a hometown posting are the key factors influencing my family's preference.

Hello all!

Please, I am seeking a profile review, improvements, and admissions chances from you to be better set up for success when applying to masters programs.

I will apply EA in late 2027 for the Fall 2028 semester, and my goal is to attend Columbia SIPA (MIA, focus on international security and diplomacy).

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26M
American citizen, NY resident
Half European, half Hispanic

Academic:
BA political science (w/ history minor)
CUNY undergrad, honors college
3.7 GPA, completed an honors thesis
Business club, pre-law club, debate team, ROTC

Professional:
Currently an active duty army officer in Europe with NATO experience, will be at 5 years of active time when beginning the masters
4 years enlisted army national guard
1.5 years intern on a political campaign
3 months intern for a county executive
1 month intern with Dept of War

Career Goal:
Federal government public service (ie. Directly out of masters - Dept of State civil service, Dept of War policy, congressional foreign affairs/armed services committee).

Target Schools:
Columbia SIPA (MIA, top choice)
Georgetown (foreign service)
Cornell (MPA)

Funding:
GI bill, will apply for Yellow Ribbon and other scholarships.

Concerns:

Quant Scores: D in applied calculus and C- in honors microecon. My first semester I had a hard time adapting to college life. Almost all of my classes after that was qualitative, except 3x science classes (A, A, B+) which were later in my undergrad. I hope those science classes will show quant improvement.

GRE/GMAT: I’m not the best at math in standardized testing, especially being out of college for a few years now. I am studying but am still worried about a low quant score, I hope it won’t break my chances of admission.

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Any reviews, feedback, and estimated chances of admission would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for your time and support.

Hi,

I'm interested in applying to UCLA but I'm hesitating for which program. Something which will be genuinely interesting and stuff.

Pls give me advice, cause I'd like to do a business graduate degree afterwards, but still have interest in international relations and political science.

Should I go for Political Science or Public Affairs?

Give me honest opinions/info pls