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How to get involved in Policy & Law as a Business Student?
I'm a senior in high school who has a new interest in political science and law and has a background in business and marketing. What should be my first steps to get more career experience this summer?
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11 answers
Updated
Evan’s Answer
Hi Arpan,
Lots of great answers already in the chat but I think my overall advice would be to take courses and/or get some form of experience now while you are early in your career to gauge if this is something you can envision yourself doing long term. The nice thing is most colleges the first year is sort of designed to give you the flexibility to try new courses and I would take advantage of this! For me my first year in college was great for seeing what I wanted to spend the rest of my time in school focusing on. Ultimately I really enjoyed my Political Science classes and ended up majoring in that, but I came to that decision after taking a few classes at the beginning of my time in college.
Outside of academics usually local elected officials have opportunities to volunteer and get experience working in politics. In college I interned for a state senator and it was a great way to learn about how local policy is made and what working in the field might be like.
To summarize, I think combining some academic exploration of new subjects that interest you and searching for ways to get involved in politics outside of school sets you up really well to make an informed decision about if you want to go into it as a career. Also remember that it is ok to try new subjects and pivot if you find that you are more interested in one area or another, I think it is easy to get so focused on one area that its possible to miss out on trying something you are passionate about because it might not fit into your original idea of what you wanted to do. I hope some of this helps and I wish you the best as you begin to figure out what career path you want to pursue!
Lots of great answers already in the chat but I think my overall advice would be to take courses and/or get some form of experience now while you are early in your career to gauge if this is something you can envision yourself doing long term. The nice thing is most colleges the first year is sort of designed to give you the flexibility to try new courses and I would take advantage of this! For me my first year in college was great for seeing what I wanted to spend the rest of my time in school focusing on. Ultimately I really enjoyed my Political Science classes and ended up majoring in that, but I came to that decision after taking a few classes at the beginning of my time in college.
Outside of academics usually local elected officials have opportunities to volunteer and get experience working in politics. In college I interned for a state senator and it was a great way to learn about how local policy is made and what working in the field might be like.
To summarize, I think combining some academic exploration of new subjects that interest you and searching for ways to get involved in politics outside of school sets you up really well to make an informed decision about if you want to go into it as a career. Also remember that it is ok to try new subjects and pivot if you find that you are more interested in one area or another, I think it is easy to get so focused on one area that its possible to miss out on trying something you are passionate about because it might not fit into your original idea of what you wanted to do. I hope some of this helps and I wish you the best as you begin to figure out what career path you want to pursue!
Updated
Julie’s Answer
Hi Arpan! There are so many great ways to combine a passion for Policy, Law, and Business. My recommendation would be to get started by looking for a job that will give you a look behind the scenes of something you might want to do, even if it's not the job you dream of one day, to see what the experience is like. You can intern at a law office in the summer as a file clerk or receptionist (especially small family owned law offices) and the same is true with political engagement - you can volunteer at a campaign office to see if that is something that would interest you longer term.
There is something to be said for trying one - even if it means you end up deciding it isn't the right fit for you! Good luck - you've got this!
There is something to be said for trying one - even if it means you end up deciding it isn't the right fit for you! Good luck - you've got this!
Updated
Will’s Answer
Hi Arpan! Great question. One thing you can do this summer is consider reaching out to a local law firm- even a small one- and asking if they had any interest in an intern? My younger brother did this to help him explore his interest in law and it helped him immensely in his decision making!
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Hi Arpan,
I have two kids in college, so I know a bit about exploring different majors. If you're interested in political science and law, here are some friendly tips to get more involved while you're in high school:
School Activities:
- Run for a position in student government to learn about leadership.
- Take history and government classes to understand politics and law better.
- Join clubs like Model UN or the debate team to practice public speaking and learn about diplomacy.
Internships:
- Try to find internships with local government offices, non-profits, or law firms for hands-on experience.
Community Involvement:
- Volunteer with local political campaigns to learn about political organizing.
- Attend meetings of local government groups like school boards or city councils to see how they work.
For the legal field:
- Join a mock trial program if your school offers one to learn about legal processes.
- Look for internships with law firms or non-profits to see what legal work is like.
- Shadow a lawyer to get a closer look at the legal profession.
Other opportunities:
- Get involved in youth leadership programs that focus on civic engagement.
- Join a debate club or Toastmasters to improve your speaking skills.
Hope this helps!
I have two kids in college, so I know a bit about exploring different majors. If you're interested in political science and law, here are some friendly tips to get more involved while you're in high school:
School Activities:
- Run for a position in student government to learn about leadership.
- Take history and government classes to understand politics and law better.
- Join clubs like Model UN or the debate team to practice public speaking and learn about diplomacy.
Internships:
- Try to find internships with local government offices, non-profits, or law firms for hands-on experience.
Community Involvement:
- Volunteer with local political campaigns to learn about political organizing.
- Attend meetings of local government groups like school boards or city councils to see how they work.
For the legal field:
- Join a mock trial program if your school offers one to learn about legal processes.
- Look for internships with law firms or non-profits to see what legal work is like.
- Shadow a lawyer to get a closer look at the legal profession.
Other opportunities:
- Get involved in youth leadership programs that focus on civic engagement.
- Join a debate club or Toastmasters to improve your speaking skills.
Hope this helps!
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hey Arpan,
It's great you have an interest in business and law. I would recommend seeing if there are any courses online that you might be able to take on the subject. Edx is a great platform for this as many top universities offer some of their popular courses here. Some of those might include courses on the topics of policy and business for you to get a taste of what you think you are interested. as well as saying you took a Harvard or MIT course over the summer is sure to be a good look for you as you prepare for college.
https://www.edx.org
It's great you have an interest in business and law. I would recommend seeing if there are any courses online that you might be able to take on the subject. Edx is a great platform for this as many top universities offer some of their popular courses here. Some of those might include courses on the topics of policy and business for you to get a taste of what you think you are interested. as well as saying you took a Harvard or MIT course over the summer is sure to be a good look for you as you prepare for college.
https://www.edx.org
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Arpan !
As a high school student, nearing graduation, interested in political science and law, you can definitely obtain experience, not necessarily "career" experience, but valuable time around the political and law realms. I have some suggestions for you before and during college that may be beneficial to your career interest.
Start now looking for volunteer work at one of your local politician's offices, your local school board or at a local law firm. Volunteer work is very valuable and puts you in the environment of your preferred interests. Even though you would not be doing a career level job while volunteering, it is important that you surround yourself with professionals in these careers, even if it's to do data entry, reception or whatever volunteer work they have available. You'll pick up a lot of information, experience and tips. Try asking for volunteer work at your local City or Town Hall and any city, town or county department offices.
As for what is called "internships", keep in mind that Internships are for College Students in their Junior and Senior year at college or for College students who have just graduated college. You will do well with Volunteer Work as an initial introduction to politics, government or law. Since your interests require heavy people contact, you should do a volunteer experience in person, on site and not online.
For college, you will do well to Major in Political Science or Government. Very few colleges offer an actual Bachelors Degree in Pre-Law, however, so either Political Science or Government will prepare you for the future if you can't find an actual college that offers Pre-Law. During your path for your Bachelors Degree, you will discover if you want to go to Law School after you obtain your Bachelors Degree. Give it time and take it one step at a time. In college for your Bachelors Degree, you'll start to gain more experiences through course projects, activities, groups, assignments and networking. So, you will definitely learn in a step by step fashion.
If you apply for Work Study on your Federal Student Financial Aid Application for college, that would be a great way to obtain a job on campus in the Political Science or Government Department at your college. I highly recommend this and the Work Study jobs you do for the four years you are in college will mean a lot on your resume.
I hope this helps. Remember to make strong in-person contacts, do volunteer work over the Summer and apply for a Work Study job on your financial aid application so that you can work in the subject of your interest while in college. Best wishes to you !
As a high school student, nearing graduation, interested in political science and law, you can definitely obtain experience, not necessarily "career" experience, but valuable time around the political and law realms. I have some suggestions for you before and during college that may be beneficial to your career interest.
Start now looking for volunteer work at one of your local politician's offices, your local school board or at a local law firm. Volunteer work is very valuable and puts you in the environment of your preferred interests. Even though you would not be doing a career level job while volunteering, it is important that you surround yourself with professionals in these careers, even if it's to do data entry, reception or whatever volunteer work they have available. You'll pick up a lot of information, experience and tips. Try asking for volunteer work at your local City or Town Hall and any city, town or county department offices.
As for what is called "internships", keep in mind that Internships are for College Students in their Junior and Senior year at college or for College students who have just graduated college. You will do well with Volunteer Work as an initial introduction to politics, government or law. Since your interests require heavy people contact, you should do a volunteer experience in person, on site and not online.
For college, you will do well to Major in Political Science or Government. Very few colleges offer an actual Bachelors Degree in Pre-Law, however, so either Political Science or Government will prepare you for the future if you can't find an actual college that offers Pre-Law. During your path for your Bachelors Degree, you will discover if you want to go to Law School after you obtain your Bachelors Degree. Give it time and take it one step at a time. In college for your Bachelors Degree, you'll start to gain more experiences through course projects, activities, groups, assignments and networking. So, you will definitely learn in a step by step fashion.
If you apply for Work Study on your Federal Student Financial Aid Application for college, that would be a great way to obtain a job on campus in the Political Science or Government Department at your college. I highly recommend this and the Work Study jobs you do for the four years you are in college will mean a lot on your resume.
I hope this helps. Remember to make strong in-person contacts, do volunteer work over the Summer and apply for a Work Study job on your financial aid application so that you can work in the subject of your interest while in college. Best wishes to you !
Updated
Greg’s Answer
Hi Arpan,
There are several great answers here! Just had a couple things to add that I thought might be helpful.
I double majored in Business (with an emphasis in Marketing) and Political Science in college. Many of the requirements for these majors overlapped, so I was able to manage coursework with volunteering, campus involvement, and social activities. Having a dual-major allowed me to get exposed to multiple areas that I was passionate about.
Ultimately, these two majors helped me find a career in government consulting that utilizes skills I learned in both fields before and during college.
I absolutely echo everything that others have said about volunteering early and often, but wanted to add that it might make sense to look for a dual-major opportunity in college as well!
There are several great answers here! Just had a couple things to add that I thought might be helpful.
I double majored in Business (with an emphasis in Marketing) and Political Science in college. Many of the requirements for these majors overlapped, so I was able to manage coursework with volunteering, campus involvement, and social activities. Having a dual-major allowed me to get exposed to multiple areas that I was passionate about.
Ultimately, these two majors helped me find a career in government consulting that utilizes skills I learned in both fields before and during college.
I absolutely echo everything that others have said about volunteering early and often, but wanted to add that it might make sense to look for a dual-major opportunity in college as well!
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi Arpan, I don't have any direct experience in policy & law but I took a course in college as part of the business school curriculum and I absolutely loved it! If it interests you, reach out to local law firms to see if they have any opportunities for you to shadow or get involved with their firm this summer. This is a great way to see if you like the environment and if see yourself "being one of them" and pursuing this as your career. I would also check out online courses to get more familiar with topics in field, and again to see if this is something you want to pursue. If you love it, I would pursue a major in Political Science and minor in Business (since you have that current experience). I think having this major / minor combo will open you to all of different careers and opportunities. If you want to become a lawyer then that would be the next step after undergrad. Good luck!
Updated
Shreya’s Answer
How to Gain Experience in Political Science and Law:
Volunteer: Help at local government offices, law firms, or community organizations—any role is valuable.
Prioritize In-Person Work: Builds people skills and networks.
College Major: Choose Political Science or Government (few schools offer Pre-Law).
Work Study: Apply for campus jobs in your field via FAFSA.
Get Involved: Join student government or debate clubs in college.
Network: Connect with professionals and professors for guidance.
Keep track of your experiences—they’ll help with future applications.
Volunteer: Help at local government offices, law firms, or community organizations—any role is valuable.
Prioritize In-Person Work: Builds people skills and networks.
College Major: Choose Political Science or Government (few schools offer Pre-Law).
Work Study: Apply for campus jobs in your field via FAFSA.
Get Involved: Join student government or debate clubs in college.
Network: Connect with professionals and professors for guidance.
Keep track of your experiences—they’ll help with future applications.
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Hi Arpan,
Online courses and volunteer opportunities are excellent pieces of advice from some of the above responses. In planning beyond this summer, I would speak with the career office in whichever college you end up deciding to go to in order to see if there are any opportunities on campus that you can take advantage of once you get there.
Online courses and volunteer opportunities are excellent pieces of advice from some of the above responses. In planning beyond this summer, I would speak with the career office in whichever college you end up deciding to go to in order to see if there are any opportunities on campus that you can take advantage of once you get there.
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
First, study Michelle's answer as it is very comprehensive and stressed some volunteering with your local political party, keeping in mind that you would probably start as a Gofer and work your way up.
You also might want to check in at the local office of your representative in the House of Representatives. Sometimes they are willing to take on a Gofer.
The only other thing I would add is if you decide to major in Political Science that should be as a route to later applying to law school, and it is a very traditional major in so doing. But getting advanced degrees in Political Science is no longer a very good route to a career and many universities are cutting back on the programs in the social sciences in favor of technology, finance, the sciences, math and so forth. And that's just the way it is.
Therefore, as an undergraduate, I would follow your passion, and then carry on with a law degree or become firmly involved in the political party of your choice or an elected official or both (?) as a paid professional.
You also might want to check in at the local office of your representative in the House of Representatives. Sometimes they are willing to take on a Gofer.
The only other thing I would add is if you decide to major in Political Science that should be as a route to later applying to law school, and it is a very traditional major in so doing. But getting advanced degrees in Political Science is no longer a very good route to a career and many universities are cutting back on the programs in the social sciences in favor of technology, finance, the sciences, math and so forth. And that's just the way it is.
Therefore, as an undergraduate, I would follow your passion, and then carry on with a law degree or become firmly involved in the political party of your choice or an elected official or both (?) as a paid professional.
Thank You! Would you say Majoring in Business and Minoring in political science would be the best route?
Arpan
Yes, majoring in business may do it, but I'd see a counselor regarding specific courses that would help you in the future. And, of course minor in Political Science and enjoy!
Jerry Tingstad