Yes, you heard correctly; MDD is one of the departments where
MAS scholars are usually posted to, and for good reason. The work is fast-paced, high-value and there's quite a bit of it, but on the plus side you get to work with and learn from smart, hardworking people.
That being said,
MAS is rather egalitarian in that scholars and farmers are treated more equally based on performance, unlike other public agencies that automatically reserve higher CEP and performance grade quotas for scholars.
There are plenty of opportunities and experience is relevant to private sector, so it's also more like private sector workload, hours and progression than the typical "sit-around-do-nothing" perception of public service.
So,
If you are the ambitious driven type who likes a fast-paced environment, wants to prove yourself, get promoted quickly and maybe go private sector after, good.
If you are the chill slacker type who prioritises work-life balance, wants to sit around, do minimal work, go home on time every day, not good.
Depends on what you want.