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Michael Jaggers, 2010 MIA International and Economic Policy Concentrator
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Michael Jaggers began his second semester at SIPA in September 2008, and is pursuing an MIA degree with a concentration in International Economic Policy. Michael enrolled in SIPA in January 2008. He holds a BA from Brown University, where he graduated with honors, concentrating in both Business Economics and European History.
Prior to enrolling at SIPA, Michael held a variety of positions in the Private Sector over roughly four years, first based in Prague, Czech Republic, and then later in London, England. His work has focused on marketing analysis and data systems management. He worked most recently for Expedia EMEA, developing database analysis and reporting systems.
What attracted you to SIPA?
“My work in the Private Sector began to frustrate me. When I first started my career I was happy so long as I was being challenged, and performing any kind of analysis. After several years of dealing with the same kinds of business problems again and again, I realized that my passion for economics was coming back.
I first looked at Econ PhD programs, only to realize that I didn’t have the requisite background in math. A friend suggested I look at Public Policy schools. SIPA was the perfect fit. I wanted to further my studies focusing on applied, rather than theoretical, economics. I also wanted to be in New York. SIPA is allowing me to study what I want, where I want.”
What made you decide to apply for January enrollment?
“Timing was essential for me. Part of it had to do with business cycles, and another part was personal. Many projects were winding down at the end of December. From a technical position, then, starting in January made a lot of sense. I could tell my bosses I was leaving at the end of the year without upsetting our flow of work.
Personally, I was also impatient. I was ready to move on with my career and life. The idea of waiting until April to find out if I’d been accepted, and then until September to begin, wasn’t palatable. I liked the idea of beginning a new year in a new setting. I was encouraged that my personal and professional schedules were so aligned. I went ahead and applied.”
How is the January program different from the regular program?
“The January program really hits the ground running. I didn’t fully appreciate what it meant to enter SIPA in the middle of an academic year until I was on campus. January students have to wait until the next fall semester to be able to take many of the core classes that SIPA requires of all students.
As a result, our schedules don’t quite fit with the students who are already a semester ahead. It puts a real premium on understanding what courses you want to take, and how you will schedule those classes in the semesters ahead.”
What advice would you give someone thinking about applying for January enrollment?
“Go for it! In all seriousness, my experience as a January entrant has been fantastic. It can be difficult being on a different academic cycle from the other students, but the advantages more than make up for it. January students are a smaller group that wind up knowing each other very well.
We also benefit from two summers to look for jobs. I think that enrolling in January lends itself more to candidates who have more work experience than most. For anyone in that position, I would almost recommend enrolling in January over September.”
What internships were you able to get after only 1 semester at SIPA?
“I was very successful attracting offers for my first summer. In total I had four offers in both the public and private sectors. I settled on working at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, an employer I’d hoped to target from the beginning of my time at SIPA.
I found that most of my classmates were also successful at getting top offers. Most of the January entrants seem to have more experience than their September counterparts. This translates well to the job hunting process, even if we had less time at SIPA.”