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What should I be doing in college to be preparing for my future?
I want to go to law school but I also want to travel and work for some non-profits and hopefully end up in some sort of environmental or international law.
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Kim’s Answer
Aubrey,
Your path to law school does not have to be linear. That is, you can go out into the real world after college for a few years before going to law school. I know several police officers who turned lawyers.
I'd encourage you to get some coursework in your undergrad that aligns with your environmental law interests. Learn about the Clean Air Act, Climate Change, Endangered Species. You are in the perfect place to get involved with local environmental groups - such as Barton Springs, or in San Marcos.
Learn public speaking, how to put together a professional-level presentation, debate. Take a logic course. Truly learn time management, how to stay up with the course syllabus, study skills, etc., as you will need them in law school. Learn to juggle your personal life and academics. Join student groups, or start your own. Try to get some leadership experience. Somewhere along the way invest in an LSAT study program. Take a look at that test now- it's challenging, to say the least!
You do not have to major in political science or pre-law . Choose a career field that interests you, so even if you don't go to law school, you have a marketable degree.
If you also have interests in International Law, take some relevant courses - perhaps in business law. Get proficient in a foreign language.
I hope these ideas help. Thanks for your interests in law!
Your path to law school does not have to be linear. That is, you can go out into the real world after college for a few years before going to law school. I know several police officers who turned lawyers.
I'd encourage you to get some coursework in your undergrad that aligns with your environmental law interests. Learn about the Clean Air Act, Climate Change, Endangered Species. You are in the perfect place to get involved with local environmental groups - such as Barton Springs, or in San Marcos.
Learn public speaking, how to put together a professional-level presentation, debate. Take a logic course. Truly learn time management, how to stay up with the course syllabus, study skills, etc., as you will need them in law school. Learn to juggle your personal life and academics. Join student groups, or start your own. Try to get some leadership experience. Somewhere along the way invest in an LSAT study program. Take a look at that test now- it's challenging, to say the least!
You do not have to major in political science or pre-law . Choose a career field that interests you, so even if you don't go to law school, you have a marketable degree.
If you also have interests in International Law, take some relevant courses - perhaps in business law. Get proficient in a foreign language.
I hope these ideas help. Thanks for your interests in law!
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Hi Aubrey: What you should be doing is enjoying this time of your life. College should be a great experience. A chance to learn new things, meet new people, see new opportunities. As the old saying goes: You're only young once!" So enjoy. Don't worry about law school yet. Look at all options! You may take a class in physics and find out you love it - or music - or drama - or geology. The possibilities are endless. Just because you think you want to go to law school does not mean you have to close yourself off to other possibilities!
Plus, the best lawyers are the best people. People who are well rounded and enjoy themselves make the best lawyers.
All the advice from everyone is great and very sound advice. Follow what you feels is best for you. However, remember you are still a kid. Being old and serious lasts a long time. Enjoy the kid time!
If it makes you feel any better, after college I worked for two years, went to Europe, then went to grad school and then worked for two years at assorted jobs then went to law school. I have been practicing law for 45 years. The road to a career does not have to be straight and narrow. The road can involve many twists and turns as long as they're all fun and you learn from them! So go enjoy! Good luck!
Plus, the best lawyers are the best people. People who are well rounded and enjoy themselves make the best lawyers.
All the advice from everyone is great and very sound advice. Follow what you feels is best for you. However, remember you are still a kid. Being old and serious lasts a long time. Enjoy the kid time!
If it makes you feel any better, after college I worked for two years, went to Europe, then went to grad school and then worked for two years at assorted jobs then went to law school. I have been practicing law for 45 years. The road to a career does not have to be straight and narrow. The road can involve many twists and turns as long as they're all fun and you learn from them! So go enjoy! Good luck!
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Enlist. Army or Air Force National Guard, Navy Or Marine Corps Reserve.
You will be exposed to more information and experiences, travel, and can concurrently sign up for ROTC and earn a Commission while you earn your degree.
You will be exposed to more information and experiences, travel, and can concurrently sign up for ROTC and earn a Commission while you earn your degree.
Shahriyor Abdulazizov
Student (Computer Science & Cybersecurity Focus)
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Shahriyor’s Answer
If you’re intentional in college, you won’t just “prepare for law school” — you’ll start building the foundation for the kind of lawyer you want to become.
Updated
semi’s Answer
Focus on building a clear story that connects your interests:
Keep a strong GPA and take writing, policy, and ethics-related courses.
Travel with purpose, study abroad, or volunteer in programs tied to global or environmental issues.
Get nonprofit or advocacy experience early (internships, campus orgs, volunteering).
Explore law through shadowing, legal aid, or policy internships to confirm your interest.
Build skills in writing, research, and communication — these matter most for law school.
Think less about doing everything and more about doing experiences that point toward environmental or international law.
Keep a strong GPA and take writing, policy, and ethics-related courses.
Travel with purpose, study abroad, or volunteer in programs tied to global or environmental issues.
Get nonprofit or advocacy experience early (internships, campus orgs, volunteering).
Explore law through shadowing, legal aid, or policy internships to confirm your interest.
Build skills in writing, research, and communication — these matter most for law school.
Think less about doing everything and more about doing experiences that point toward environmental or international law.
Updated
Baljit’s Answer
Hi Aubrey,
Keep your options open when choosing a law specialty. You might change your mind during law school.
1. Prepare a list of colleges, both near and far from home.
2. Complete internship applications.
3. Consider summer jobs, whether they are non-profit or not.
4. Study for the LSAT.
5. Join school clubs to network.
6. Ask family and friends for career advice.
7. Research international law schools early, as transcript evaluations can take time.
8. Check how financial aid will affect school costs.
Good luck!
Keep your options open when choosing a law specialty. You might change your mind during law school.
1. Prepare a list of colleges, both near and far from home.
2. Complete internship applications.
3. Consider summer jobs, whether they are non-profit or not.
4. Study for the LSAT.
5. Join school clubs to network.
6. Ask family and friends for career advice.
7. Research international law schools early, as transcript evaluations can take time.
8. Check how financial aid will affect school costs.
Good luck!
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you have interest in Law and would like to work in NGOs.
Below are my suggestions :
1. You firstly would need to obtain a law degree before you choose the specialization. To enter a Law school, you can attend the information session hosts by the law school and find out the entry criteria. Work hard on your academic to meet the criteria.
2. Speak to the professors and alumni on the path to specialize in environmental and international law
3. Explore intern opportunities working law firms that specialize in environmental and international law
4. If you plan to work overseas, you may need to check the requirements to practise law in a different jurisdictions.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. You firstly would need to obtain a law degree before you choose the specialization. To enter a Law school, you can attend the information session hosts by the law school and find out the entry criteria. Work hard on your academic to meet the criteria.
2. Speak to the professors and alumni on the path to specialize in environmental and international law
3. Explore intern opportunities working law firms that specialize in environmental and international law
4. If you plan to work overseas, you may need to check the requirements to practise law in a different jurisdictions.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
If you're aiming for law school, your grades really matter. You don't need to major in pre-law. Many lawyers have backgrounds in political science, history, environmental studies, or even sciences. Choose something you like that also helps improve your writing and critical thinking. Start practicing research, writing, and analyzing complex information now. These skills will make law school easier.
It's also important to gain experience. Internships, volunteer work, and studying abroad are great if you want to travel and work with non-profits. Even small roles in environmental or international organizations can help you discover what you enjoy and will look good on law school applications. Try to find internships related to environmental policy, human rights, or international work if you can.
Networking is key too. Professors, non-profit contacts, and alumni can help you later on. Join clubs, attend talks, and get involved in advocacy groups to meet people in the field. Keep your options open. Traveling, short-term work, or volunteer programs can help you figure out which area of law excites you before committing to a long-term path.
It's also important to gain experience. Internships, volunteer work, and studying abroad are great if you want to travel and work with non-profits. Even small roles in environmental or international organizations can help you discover what you enjoy and will look good on law school applications. Try to find internships related to environmental policy, human rights, or international work if you can.
Networking is key too. Professors, non-profit contacts, and alumni can help you later on. Join clubs, attend talks, and get involved in advocacy groups to meet people in the field. Keep your options open. Traveling, short-term work, or volunteer programs can help you figure out which area of law excites you before committing to a long-term path.
Updated
Mae Janice’s Answer
A few years ago came this thing called gap year where high school students did not go straight to college to see where their interests lie. On second though, if you wish to go to law school, you may want to seek firms or ask college school support & ask them if you can witness live trials personally, just to see if you see yourself going that route - although there are other branches to law like corporate. Or you can also try travelling first - there are some organizations that you can apply to that are offering short term contracts. Good luck to whatever you choose. You can always decide on another route even if you started a different thing.
Updated
Horizon’s Answer
Focus on building practical skills alongside your degree—internships, networking, and real-world projects matter as much as grades. Develop communication, problem-solving, and digital skills to stay adaptable in any career path.