5 answers
Arianna
Student
San Miguel, California
2
Questions
Asked
672 views
How do I know if this is the right path for me?
I’ve often been unsure of what I wanted to pursue, with switching around career prep pathways in high school, and often jumped from career to career about what I wanted to do.
For a while recently, I’ve looked into going into the legal profession. I found myself interested in reading since childhood, and writing. My strengths and interests tend to lean towards advanced English and Social Science classes, than STEM related courses, which I struggled in. I find myself as well engrossed in political topics.
I may intend on majoring in Political Science with a minor in Literature or Journalism, on a pre-law track, but am not definitely certain yet.
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5 answers
Yashasvi Raikwar
Marketing Coordinator
13
Answers
Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
Updated
Yashasvi’s Answer
Hi Arianna, it’s completely okay to feel unsure, most people don’t truly know what fits them until they try things out. Switching interests or exploring different paths doesn’t mean you’re scattered it means you’re learning.
Being drawn to law because of reading, writing, politics and social sciences makes sense especially if those are the subjects you naturally do better in. But liking the idea of something and enjoying the day-to-day reality of it can be very different.
Instead of worrying about finding the “right” path immediately, focus on experimenting. Look into careers related to English, Political Science, Journalism, policy or law, read about what people actually do in those roles and try to get small experiences via internships, campus orgs, writing opportunities, shadowing or volunteering.
Experience will give you clarity much faster than overthinking majors or longterm plans. And remember your first job or first major doesn’t have to be your forever choice. Many people change directions and that’s normal.
There’s no single right or wrong path while you’re figuring things out. The more you explore the clearer things will become. Trust the process you’re doing fine. 💗
Being drawn to law because of reading, writing, politics and social sciences makes sense especially if those are the subjects you naturally do better in. But liking the idea of something and enjoying the day-to-day reality of it can be very different.
Instead of worrying about finding the “right” path immediately, focus on experimenting. Look into careers related to English, Political Science, Journalism, policy or law, read about what people actually do in those roles and try to get small experiences via internships, campus orgs, writing opportunities, shadowing or volunteering.
Experience will give you clarity much faster than overthinking majors or longterm plans. And remember your first job or first major doesn’t have to be your forever choice. Many people change directions and that’s normal.
There’s no single right or wrong path while you’re figuring things out. The more you explore the clearer things will become. Trust the process you’re doing fine. 💗
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1093
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Arianna,
It's good (and perfectly normal) that you are worried about career choices and your future path. You identified your strengths and interests as being in English and social sciences (rather than STEM) as well as politics, literature and journalism. That's a great starting point! Studying political science, literature and/or journalism would fit this profile well. Please don't cram too many majors and minors into your time at university. Most of the time it's not necessary and not helpful but just prolongs your studies and increases cost. You'll need time to read/write, do projects and internships. Instead of double majoring/minoring, you can round out your profile by picking interesting electives to go along with your major and getting practical experiences.
It's important to understand yourself and your talents and interests. But also understand that there is more than just ONE perfect career for you. Your major does not lock you into one specific career and you don't stop learning and developing when you graduate from university. In careers like political science, literature and even journalism, you are more likely to have to carve out your own path anyway. You can follow different paths and you might also have different jobs/careers during your lifetime.
Law school is a graduate degree, so you would first get your bachelors in something you enjoy, e.g. political science, literature or journalism. There is no particular major required, but something that is reading and writing intensive and develops your critical thinking skills would prepare you well. Then you take the LSAT to get into law school if that's still your goal. If your goals and interests have changed, you can develop a career as e.g. a journalist, a writer, a diplomat, or a political analyst. You can also decide to go to graduate school for a masters in something you want to specialize in.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
It's good (and perfectly normal) that you are worried about career choices and your future path. You identified your strengths and interests as being in English and social sciences (rather than STEM) as well as politics, literature and journalism. That's a great starting point! Studying political science, literature and/or journalism would fit this profile well. Please don't cram too many majors and minors into your time at university. Most of the time it's not necessary and not helpful but just prolongs your studies and increases cost. You'll need time to read/write, do projects and internships. Instead of double majoring/minoring, you can round out your profile by picking interesting electives to go along with your major and getting practical experiences.
It's important to understand yourself and your talents and interests. But also understand that there is more than just ONE perfect career for you. Your major does not lock you into one specific career and you don't stop learning and developing when you graduate from university. In careers like political science, literature and even journalism, you are more likely to have to carve out your own path anyway. You can follow different paths and you might also have different jobs/careers during your lifetime.
Law school is a graduate degree, so you would first get your bachelors in something you enjoy, e.g. political science, literature or journalism. There is no particular major required, but something that is reading and writing intensive and develops your critical thinking skills would prepare you well. Then you take the LSAT to get into law school if that's still your goal. If your goals and interests have changed, you can develop a career as e.g. a journalist, a writer, a diplomat, or a political analyst. You can also decide to go to graduate school for a masters in something you want to specialize in.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
92
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
What you're going through is quite normal, especially if you're someone who likes to think things through and follow your interests instead of rushing into a decision. It's great that you've noticed what really grabs your attention, even if you haven't figured everything out yet.
Instead of looking for one "right" answer, try to find common themes in what you enjoy. Your love for reading and writing, your skills in English and social sciences, and your interest in politics all suggest fields where critical thinking and communication are key, like law, political science, journalism, or policy work. Not being strong in STEM subjects doesn't mean you can't succeed, especially when your strengths are elsewhere.
Remember, you don't need absolute certainty to move forward. Majoring in political science with a minor in literature or journalism can open many doors, such as law, public policy, advocacy, communications, and research. A pre-law track is just a way to build useful skills, even if you decide not to go to law school later.
Also, notice how you feel when you're doing the work. Do you enjoy reading closely, writing arguments, debating, and analyzing social systems, even when it's tough? If it feels rewarding, that's a good sign you're on the right path. You can grow and change as you learn more about yourself, and choosing a path that matches your interests is a smart way to do that.
Instead of looking for one "right" answer, try to find common themes in what you enjoy. Your love for reading and writing, your skills in English and social sciences, and your interest in politics all suggest fields where critical thinking and communication are key, like law, political science, journalism, or policy work. Not being strong in STEM subjects doesn't mean you can't succeed, especially when your strengths are elsewhere.
Remember, you don't need absolute certainty to move forward. Majoring in political science with a minor in literature or journalism can open many doors, such as law, public policy, advocacy, communications, and research. A pre-law track is just a way to build useful skills, even if you decide not to go to law school later.
Also, notice how you feel when you're doing the work. Do you enjoy reading closely, writing arguments, debating, and analyzing social systems, even when it's tough? If it feels rewarding, that's a good sign you're on the right path. You can grow and change as you learn more about yourself, and choosing a path that matches your interests is a smart way to do that.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2431
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, finance manager, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, finance manager, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
L T
Sales
11
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
L’s Answer
Arianna,
Hi! As others have said, there is no such thing as a "right path". The best suggestion, I feel, is to explore as many of your interests as you can - while you are Young, and have fewer obligations...
E.g. after I "grew up" (btw, try not to! 😂) I didn't like my job - but it paid pretty well (btw - not even remotely related to what I majored in at University). I explored becoming a Veterinarian, since I love animals...
...but they wanted 2 years of experience at a Veterinarian's office, which I literally could not afford (they don't pay much).
Had I explored this at a younger age, when I had fewer "obligations", I might be a Veterinarian - and happier.
🤔
Learn as much as you can about what you think you may like
Be open to other paths
Understand your interests may evolve
It is a cliche, but try to find your "passion". There could be more than one!
"If you do what you love, it's not Work!"
Hi! As others have said, there is no such thing as a "right path". The best suggestion, I feel, is to explore as many of your interests as you can - while you are Young, and have fewer obligations...
E.g. after I "grew up" (btw, try not to! 😂) I didn't like my job - but it paid pretty well (btw - not even remotely related to what I majored in at University). I explored becoming a Veterinarian, since I love animals...
...but they wanted 2 years of experience at a Veterinarian's office, which I literally could not afford (they don't pay much).
Had I explored this at a younger age, when I had fewer "obligations", I might be a Veterinarian - and happier.
🤔
L recommends the following next steps: