3 answers
Devin
Student
Athens, Ohio
1
Question
Asked
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How do I utilize my degree in Political Science to most feel like I'm making a difference in the world, or to make my work feel meaningful in a way that isn't public office #Spring25?
Politics and law always excited me, when I was younger I wanted to be a lawyer, now I'm older and my goal in life is to feel like I've made a difference and been able to touch people through my work, I'm looking for advice from people who do feel like they've done that and what meaningful work means to them and how to achieve that.
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3 answers
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
121
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
First, Joseph's answer is a very good one.
The only thing I feel that I can add is to major in Political Science, and thereby learn more about the various ways to become involved, and take the degree and go on to law school. Political Science degrees are very standard degrees for applying to law school.
But you state that you had an interest in law, I'd go for it. Want to make a difference? Law is a career that can be much more than just making money. One can make a difference in the lives of people, perhaps also influencing political decisions , and even make a living at the same time.
The only thing I feel that I can add is to major in Political Science, and thereby learn more about the various ways to become involved, and take the degree and go on to law school. Political Science degrees are very standard degrees for applying to law school.
But you state that you had an interest in law, I'd go for it. Want to make a difference? Law is a career that can be much more than just making money. One can make a difference in the lives of people, perhaps also influencing political decisions , and even make a living at the same time.
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
421
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Wow - what a terrific first question, Devin! I think you will find a lot of like-minded people on this site. Let's look separately at work to make a living and work to feed your soul.
As for making a living, "how" you do your work and "whom" you choose to work for can make almost any job meaningful. Almost any teaching or medical role would give you the opportunity to change people's lives for the better. For example, normally tutoring for standardized tests does not immediately connect to changing the world. But through that, I have helped many students grow their love for learning, gain confidence, get into the colleges of their dreams, and build their careers.
Similarly, cosmetic medicine may be viewed more as self-indulgent than doing good in the world. But it could be used to correct a disfigurement that held back a person's career or comfort in the world. Wouldn't fixing that be doing good? Finance is not a field generally associated with improving the world, but if your expertise helps a non-profit thrive, it counts. Work for an organization that matches your values or at least does not offend them. There are more ideas in the link below.
There are so many opportunities to make a difference outside of work also. Choose based on your interests, such as helping in animal shelters or food banks, aiding libraries, helping non-English speakers , volunteering with candidates or political causes, etc. At the same time, you could make new friends and enhance your skills, which could help your career as well.
I agree with the saying that when you help one person, you are helping the world. Good luck!
Indeed.com - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-for-people-who-want-to-make-change
As for making a living, "how" you do your work and "whom" you choose to work for can make almost any job meaningful. Almost any teaching or medical role would give you the opportunity to change people's lives for the better. For example, normally tutoring for standardized tests does not immediately connect to changing the world. But through that, I have helped many students grow their love for learning, gain confidence, get into the colleges of their dreams, and build their careers.
Similarly, cosmetic medicine may be viewed more as self-indulgent than doing good in the world. But it could be used to correct a disfigurement that held back a person's career or comfort in the world. Wouldn't fixing that be doing good? Finance is not a field generally associated with improving the world, but if your expertise helps a non-profit thrive, it counts. Work for an organization that matches your values or at least does not offend them. There are more ideas in the link below.
There are so many opportunities to make a difference outside of work also. Choose based on your interests, such as helping in animal shelters or food banks, aiding libraries, helping non-English speakers , volunteering with candidates or political causes, etc. At the same time, you could make new friends and enhance your skills, which could help your career as well.
I agree with the saying that when you help one person, you are helping the world. Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Joseph Maltby
Analysis and Management
23
Answers
Richmond, VA
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
I would echo the idea that there are many ways to help people. The trick is finding something that intersects with your talents and what's needed in the job market. You can try to aim for public service-oriented organizations, whether it's nonprofits, for profit charitable companies, or government, but they won't necessarily have a monopoly on meaning. I would recommend doing what anyone needs to do when they're deciding on a career path: research different jobs, talk to people in different fields, and try different things through internships, volunteer service, and even temporary paying jobs. There are no wrong choices with a goal like that and you're also not locked into one field when you graduate. Your path will continue to evolve as you do and as you develop skills and experiences you can combine in new ways.
I'd also suggest that finding meaning is a skill in of itself that you can practice, whether for your work or your life as a whole. No matter how fulfilling a job is, there will be times it feels frustrating or meaningless. Some of your sense of meaning, and maybe most of it, comes from inside you and will sustain you during tough times.
I'd also suggest that finding meaning is a skill in of itself that you can practice, whether for your work or your life as a whole. No matter how fulfilling a job is, there will be times it feels frustrating or meaningless. Some of your sense of meaning, and maybe most of it, comes from inside you and will sustain you during tough times.