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Public Management Program

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does it mean to be "in" the PMP?

Any student involved in any aspect of the PMP whether they choose to earn the Certificate in Public Management or join a club or committee or simply attend PMP events is considered to be "in" the PMP community. When we talk about PMP students, we're referring to the large group of individuals involved with any of the PMP's activities or offerings. To get an idea for the size and commitment level of this group, it's helpful to think about these statistics:

  • There are 11 PMP clubs, with membership in each ranging from a few dozen to more than 150.
  • Between 50 and 60 students play key leadership roles in those clubs and as general PMP leaders.
  • Approximately two-thirds of the GSB's student body signs up to receive weekly PMP emails.
  • About fifteen percent of each graduating class earns the Certificate in Public Management.
  • Nearly every student participates in at least one PMP event or course while at the GSB.

Ultimately, the PMP is an inclusive community of people who are committed to work or service in the social sector throughout their careers, and who contribute energy, time and ideas to make the PMP a success.

Why do students get involved in the PMP?

Reasons commonly given by admitted students who join are:

  • The people in the PMP are exciting and creative.
  • They want take part in developing the PMP program of events such as the Public Management Initiative.
  • They discover that the program does not force an "either-or" choice between the private and public sectors.
  • They see the PMP as an opportunity to hone their leadership skills and integrate the lessons they are learning in the classroom.

How does the PMP compare to a graduate program in public policy?

The PMP is founded on the belief that management skills and insight can be of great value to public sector organizations, both integrated with and distinct from the regular MBA and Sloan programs. The combination is a program that is attractive to people interested in influencing the public sector through business skills. There is also less of a focus on public policy analysis than is typically found in public policy programs.

Is the admission process for MBA and Sloan applicants who'd like to be involved in the PMP different from that for applicants who aren't interested in the PMP?

No. Because the PMP is an option within the MBA and Sloan programs, prospective students must apply and be accepted to the GSB first. The Certificate in Public Management is only an option for full-time GSB students and cannot be earned apart from a GSB degree.

What kinds of jobs do PMP students take? What kinds of public sector summer and career jobs are available to Stanford MBAs?

It's difficult to make generalizations about the kinds of jobs PMP students take, other than that students in some way incorporate public service criteria into their job choices. For some students this means pursuing careers in the public sector. For others it means a job search in the private sector characterized by close attention to product, corporate culture, and ethical issues. A significant number of PMP students plan to move back and forth between sectors during their careers.

The range of career public sector jobs available to Stanford MBAs is wide. Typically, about 10 percent of each class takes summer jobs with nonprofit or public sector organizations. Their employers have included:

  • New Schools Venture Fund
  • Nonprofit Performance Initiative
  • Roberts Enterprise Development Fund
  • Silicon Valley Community Ventures
  • Rocky Mountain Institute
  • Environmental Defense Fund
  • CARE International
  • Direct Relief International
  • The Rainforest Alliance
  • Mid-Peninsula Housing Coalition
  • Yosemite National Park
  • Bay Area School Reform Collaborative
  • Share Our Strength
  • Volunteers in International Development Save the Children
  • Children Now
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Kenya Export Development Service
  • The World Bank
  • U.S. Congressional Budget Office
  • Social Venture Network
  • Yosemite National Park
  • Partners in School Innovation
  • Youth & Family Assistances

Many of these jobs were made possible by grants from the Stanford Management Internship Fund (SMIF)a fund created by students to help support classmates who work in the public sector for the summer. Most students who take private-sector summer jobs donate a portion of their earnings to SMIF; GSB alumni, faculty and staff contribute to the fund as well.

The GSB has an extremely competitive GSB Nonprofit/Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for graduates working in the nonprofit and public sectors. Eligibility is determined according to a graduate's salary and debt load, with spousal income/debt load, dependents, childcare costs, etc. factored in.

How do MBA students interested in public sector jobs find them?

Both the PMP and the Career Management Center seek out challenging public sector positions with the active assistance of alumni and current students. Most nonprofit and government organizations do not come to campus to recruit, but many public and nonprofit organizations routinely send job listings to the Business School.

How can I get more information about the PMP?

Due to the demand, we are not able to respond to telephone calls or drop-in visits regarding individual questions from applicants. If, after reading the information provided, you still have unanswered questions, you may email the PMP Office. Speaking with a member of the PMP staff will not provide any advantage in the admissions decision.

How are the PMP and the Center for Social Innovation (CSI) related?

The PMP has been preparing MBA students for social sector leadership for more than 30 years. In 2000 CSI was officially launched to encompass all social sector-related research, teaching, and outreach at Stanford. The PMP continues to execute its twofold mission of preparing students to play leadership roles in the social sector and improving the effectiveness of social sector organizations, and is a significant feature in the landscape of CSI's offerings. In fact, the PMP served as a cornerstone for the Center's expansion. Along with the opportunities offered through the PMP, the Center's teaching activities include curricular and extracurricular offerings for undergraduate, graduate, and executive education. It also supports faculty in developing and disseminating innovative teaching materials and curricula to other educational institutions. See CSI Teaching for more information.