From Wall Street to World Affairs: Embracing Unconventional Paths to SIPA

Coming to SIPA is a challenge in itself. One of the most frequent questions I get is whether experience in the public sector is necessary for admission. While prior work experience is certainly valued, it doesn’t have to be in government or public service. SIPA embraces diversity in all its forms—professional, cultural, and academic—because we believe this diversity enriches the learning experience for everyone.

This reflection reminded me of an inspiring conversation I had with a good friend of mine, Scott Song , MIA’26. Scott exemplifies how a non-traditional background can lead to SIPA. Contrary to the common advice that one must make their passion their career path, Scott took a different route. After graduating from Duke in 2018 with a double major in Economics and History, he entered the competitive world of finance in New York, first in private wealth management and later in private equity. Yet, his enduring love for history eventually drew him to pursue a new path—one rooted in public affairs and policy.

At first, I was puzzled. How could a passion for history translate into a career in policy? Scott once told me, “Policy and our society today are built on history. We learn from the past and use it to shape the policies of the present and future.” I was struck by the clarity of his insight. For Scott, SIPA offered the platform to transform his personal interests into meaningful action—a place where his desire to serve society could finally take form.

Balancing a full-time job in private equity with SIPA’s demanding coursework is no easy feat. I asked him how he manages it. He shared that he often works late into the night, juggling responsibilities at his firm while writing papers for Conceptual Foundations of International Politics.. While this lifestyle may seem overwhelming to many, Scott views it as balanced. For him, it's the realization of a dream.

Coming from an Asian American family, Scott has long been accustomed to high expectations and fast-paced environments. The skills he honed in finance, especially in time management, have prepared him well for SIPA’s academic rigor. As he puts it, “Career and passion don’t have to align. Finance keeps me alive physically. History and international affairs allow me to thrive intellectually.”

Scott’s story is a testament to the many paths that lead to SIPA. Whether your background is in finance, technology, education, or the arts, your experiences are valid and valuable. What matters most is a commitment to growth, service, and making a difference.