Straight From Undergrad to Mid-Career: What Current Students Wish They Knew Before Applying

No two paths to SIPA are the same. Every year, our student body brings together recent graduates, mid-career professionals, and seasoned leaders from all over the world - each with their own story of how they got here. I spoke with four current SIPA students, representing 0 to 20 years of professional experience, and asked them to share one piece of advice they’d give to applicants at a similar stage in their career journey.

Mark McCormick is a second year MPA student concentrating in ISP and specializing in TMac that applied with 20+ years of work experience.  

“As a person with a previous career in the U.S military, I came to SIPA with many years of professional experience. I served in the U.S. Coast Guard and had an exciting and fulfilling career performing as a musician across the globe. I can say without reservation that SIPA offers incredible opportunities for career transformation. The amazingly diverse and energetic atmosphere at SIPA is welcoming to students from all backgrounds. Here I have found informed perspectives and the ability to engage in fascinating cross-cultural and intellectual exchanges. SIPA’s curriculum is giving me the expertise to move from my previous career into my passion for international affairs, public policy, and cybersecurity. I have found my previous experiences are not only respected but fit right in with the experiences and careers my fellow Seeples have also enjoyed.

For those seeking a new career path, SIPA provides access to world-class faculty, hands-on workshops, informed discourse, and a global alumni network. My two cents? highlight how your unique passion equips you with adaptability, discipline, and vision, which are qualities SIPA actively seeks out. Here at SIPA, I say without hesitation that lifelong learning and reinvention are not only possible but celebrated. Jump in with confidence and see firsthand how the SIPA community will position you for meaningful change ahead!”

Itai Singer is a second year EMPA student that applied with 7 years of work experience.

“When I applied to SIPA, I already had seven years of professional experience in the public sector. That stage of my life shaped the way I approached the process. I saw my background not as something to set aside, but as a lens through which to explore new ideas.

My advice to anyone applying after time in the workforce is to embrace that lens - the experiences, instincts, and questions you bring - while staying open to having them challenged. Graduate school is not only about gaining new skills; it’s also about unlearning, rethinking, and growing as a person.

Even after years in a professional environment, I found that being open-minded - to new perspectives, disciplines, and people - made the experience far more meaningful. SIPA is full of classmates whose paths look nothing like yours, and that’s exactly what makes it transformative.

Ultimately, your application should reflect both where you’ve been and your willingness to evolve. The most rewarding part of SIPA is realizing that growth doesn’t stop when your career starts - it just takes on new forms.”

Emily Grip is a second year MIA student concentrating in ISP that applied with 4 years of work experience

“I started SIPA after working for four years. My single most important piece of advice to someone applying from a similar point in their career is to take the time before starting the program to write down everything you hope to get out of the experience and why you’re making this career pivot. There are so many incredible classes, clubs, and opportunities at SIPA it can feel overwhelming and sometimes make you second guess your own goals. Having a written list of goals and intentions prior to starting school has been really grounding for me. When I feel unsure or stretched too thin, I look back at what I wrote before I started. It reminds me why I’m here and helps me stay focused and grateful for this experience.

I had known about SIPA since college, but chose to work first because I’m the kind of person who needs to experience things firsthand to understand what I like. Having worked at a large private sector law firm and a smaller boutique consulting firm, I entered SIPA with a better understanding of what energizes me and what doesn’t. That clarity helped me be more decisive about how I’ve spent my time. Whether it’s choosing classes, internships, or jobs, this clarity has helped narrow the search and allowed me to stay focused on my end goal.

One transition I hadn’t fully anticipated was adjusting from a high intensity job with long hours and more structure to having more autonomy over my time. Learning how to manage my schedule and create focused, distraction free environments has been essential.

Lastly, be inquisitive and assertive! Many of the most valuable opportunities I’ve had at SIPA came from asking my peers and professors lots of questions. Don’t be afraid to reach out cold to people. Some of the best jobs, classes, and events aren’t always widely advertised and you never know where a 10 min chat with someone may lead you. 

SIPA is an incredible place. At times it can feel like a lot, but I try to think ahead to graduation and ask myself: What would I regret not having tried or explored during my time here? Then go after it.”

Avisha Somu is a second year MPA student concentrating in CEE that applied straight from her undergraduate degree (4 + 1 program). 

“As someone who entered graduate school through a 4+1 program, I’ll admit that I was initially intimidated. I assumed everyone around me would be older, wiser, and have far more life experience. The imposter syndrome was real – it felt like everyone had impressive careers and deep expertise, and I kept wondering what I could possibly bring to the table.

But once I actually started the program, I realized how wrong that assumption was. Most people were genuinely impressed that I was pursuing my Master’s degree so soon after college. In many ways, being fresh out of undergrad worked to my advantage – I was already in the rhythm of classes, exams, and building relationships with professors. I found that I adjusted faster than most, and before long, classmates were turning to me for advice on things like submitting assignments or navigating life in New York City.

The imposter syndrome didn’t disappear overnight, but giving myself time to settle in helped a lot. My biggest piece of advice would be: don’t shrink yourself just because you think others have more experience. Everyone is figuring it out in their own way. The sooner you put yourself out there, the sooner you’ll realize that you belong just as much as anyone else.”

Ready to start your SIPA experience? Make sure you are familiar with upcoming deadlines!