3 answers
Finlay
Student
Santa Monica, California
1
Question
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What advice do you have for college freshman deciding on a career path? What do you wish you would have thought about as a first year college student when making career choices? I am a political science major, not looking to go to law school. #Fall25
Freshman, political science major at Vanderbilt.
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2 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
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Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
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Wong’s Answer
Hi Finlay. Political science opens many doors. You need to explore widely and stay curious.
Political science teaches valuable skills like critical thinking, research, communication, and understanding how systems of power and policy work. These abilities are useful in many fields beyond law, such as public policy, journalism, education, consulting, and even business. You can take classes in different subjects (like economics, sociology, or data science) to see how your political science studies connect to real-world careers. You may discover new interests that guide your direction.
Next, you should get hands-on experience early. Internships and volunteer opportunities can help you test out what kinds of work you enjoy. For example, you might intern with a nonprofit organization. Even if you find that certain experiences aren't the right fit, you'll still gain useful skills and a clearer idea of what you want.
It's also important to build relationships with mentors. Talk to professors, career advisors, and older students about your interests and goals. They can offer insights about different career paths, recommend opportunities, and help you understand how to apply your major in practical ways. Sometimes, hearing how others found their careers can give you ideas you hadn't considered before.
All the best!
Political science teaches valuable skills like critical thinking, research, communication, and understanding how systems of power and policy work. These abilities are useful in many fields beyond law, such as public policy, journalism, education, consulting, and even business. You can take classes in different subjects (like economics, sociology, or data science) to see how your political science studies connect to real-world careers. You may discover new interests that guide your direction.
Next, you should get hands-on experience early. Internships and volunteer opportunities can help you test out what kinds of work you enjoy. For example, you might intern with a nonprofit organization. Even if you find that certain experiences aren't the right fit, you'll still gain useful skills and a clearer idea of what you want.
It's also important to build relationships with mentors. Talk to professors, career advisors, and older students about your interests and goals. They can offer insights about different career paths, recommend opportunities, and help you understand how to apply your major in practical ways. Sometimes, hearing how others found their careers can give you ideas you hadn't considered before.
All the best!
Steward "Tony" Pacheco
Minister, USMC Vet, John C. Maxwell Cert. Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Teacher, Straight Shooter
193
Answers
Kyle, Texas
Updated
Steward "Tony"’s Answer
Constututional Law would be the route to go as the polical climate is set to go back to strict constitution based & soveriegn legislation. The need for educators in this area will be in high demand as the admiralty laws we have been subjected too will be dead in the water if not already. Common Law will be the law of the land and you, my friend can be part of lifting us up in the very principles that were intende for this country. Wishing you the best. Remember that your degree won't be in a subject that made up for the times and fabricated industry as in recent past. It will have weight, unlike much of the paper on walls today. Semper Fi!
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Finlay