Can’t decide between degrees

Hello hello,

Alr so I’m having a hard time trying to decide between a few degrees (Economics, PPE, International Development with Economics, Management for Social Change etc) and I’m aiming long-term for social impact work things like:
Designing and running mental health programmes, Behaviour change interventions (e.g.rehabilitation, education access), NGO / charity programme leadership, Possibly social policy roles (Civil Service / large institutions)
I’m trying to understand what actually matters most in this space.
Specifically:
1. How important is university prestige for roles in NGOs, policy, or behavioural/social impact work?

2. How much do university networks actually influence entry into these sectors?

3. Is having econometrics / strong quantitative training genuinely important for progression, or can you succeed more on programme design, strategy and implementation skills?

I’m not aiming for banking/consulting, I care about impact. But I also don’t want to accidentally cap my ceiling by underestimating the value of quant or institutional reputation.

Would really appreciate insight from anyone in policy, NGOs, behavioural science, or social enterprise.

Thank you 🫶

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

ClarisseG59

Original post

by Alfie O

Hello hello,
Alr so I’m having a hard time trying to decide between a few degrees (Economics, PPE, International Development with Economics, Management for Social Change etc) and I’m aiming long-term for social impact work things like:
Designing and running mental health programmes, Behaviour change interventions (e.g.rehabilitation, education access), NGO / charity programme leadership, Possibly social policy roles (Civil Service / large institutions)
I’m trying to understand what actually matters most in this space.
Specifically:
1. How important is university prestige for roles in NGOs, policy, or behavioural/social impact work?
2. How much do university networks actually influence entry into these sectors?
3. Is having econometrics / strong quantitative training genuinely important for progression, or can you succeed more on programme design, strategy and implementation skills?
I’m not aiming for banking/consulting, I care about impact. But I also don’t want to accidentally cap my ceiling by underestimating the value of quant or institutional reputation.
Would really appreciate insight from anyone in policy, NGOs, behavioural science, or social enterprise.
Thank you 🫶

Hey! I totally get where you’re coming from, dude. I suggest that you pick a degree you enjoy and that will give you skills you’ll actually use. Mix in internships, volunteering, or side projects that show you can deliver impact. Hope that helps! You’re asking the right questions early :smile:

)

Reply 2

Alfie O

Original post

by ClarisseG59

)

Hi thank you for the reply, yeah I was thinking to do this and studying economics for the skill set. However it would have to be at a lesser ranked university, still solid somewhere like Sheffield or York as no A-level Math😔. Or I was thinking doing something like management or international development both of which I’d still be interested in but it would mean I’d be able to get into a more elite uni like Bristol or Warwick where the connections and opportunities might outweigh slightly the less rigorous courses. I’m just unsure on the emphasis placed on university’s ranking and the importance of having strong connections for this field of work. Appreciate the time again man.

Reply 3

Tayto_n1816

Original post

by Alfie O

Hello hello,
Alr so I’m having a hard time trying to decide between a few degrees (Economics, PPE, International Development with Economics, Management for Social Change etc) and I’m aiming long-term for social impact work things like:
Designing and running mental health programmes, Behaviour change interventions (e.g.rehabilitation, education access), NGO / charity programme leadership, Possibly social policy roles (Civil Service / large institutions)
I’m trying to understand what actually matters most in this space.
Specifically:
1. How important is university prestige for roles in NGOs, policy, or behavioural/social impact work?
2. How much do university networks actually influence entry into these sectors?
3. Is having econometrics / strong quantitative training genuinely important for progression, or can you succeed more on programme design, strategy and implementation skills?
I’m not aiming for banking/consulting, I care about impact. But I also don’t want to accidentally cap my ceiling by underestimating the value of quant or institutional reputation.
Would really appreciate insight from anyone in policy, NGOs, behavioural science, or social enterprise.
Thank you 🫶

Hey!

I’m only a first year uni student but I want to go into social policy/ social research. I do sociology and criminology which I both enjoy and has lots of skills I can later use. Uni may help as lectures who do their own research may be able to give you an idea of the type of jobs you want and help you get some experience. So, I’d say make sure the course you pick you’d enjoy as well as at least somewhat being related to your job aspirations. Then make sure you talk to your lecturers about it at some point in first year!
Hope this helps a bit :smile:

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