Hello,
I have a BSc in Economics and Econometrics and currently studying for the MPA at the LSE. Given that I want to pursue a PhD at any cost, my question is whether a PhD in Economics, a PhD in Public Policy, or a PhD in Political Science would suit me best. To explain my situation please bear in mind the following:
1. I am not presently particularly fascinated by any areas of either Economics, Politics or Public Policy. Although I have an inclination towards Public Policy as it seems to address more practical matters, the main reason for wanting to get a PhD is not for becoming an academic.
2. Although I would not exclude the possibility of becoming an academic, my aspirations lie particularly in analyst positions in an international organisation, public sector consulting or a think tank.
3. If I were to pursue a PhD in Econ I would specialise in Public Sector/Development Economics. If the case was for a PhD in Political Science it would be Political Economy, Public Choice. Lastly, for Public Policy I have not yet made my mind up.
4. Finally, after troubling you with all my reasoning the main issue is that I do not know what would suit me best given that the primary reason for getting a PhD is not research but of getting high positions elsewhere. I understand the fact that with a PhD in Econ you can mostly do everything but not vice versa necessarily, and given that I would hope to attend a PhD in one of the top schools the dilemma is this:
Is it worth to first do a Masters in Economics and then do a PhD in Econ (with an MPA I would doubt that I would get selected) or go for a PhD in Public Policy directly.
Any ideas/comments would be welcome,
Many thanks