3 answers
1
Question
Asked
238 views
How do you know what the right path for you is?
I am about to graduate from my BA and will soon pursue my MA in Forensic Psychology, but there are so many paths I could choose, and I don't know how to choose which path is the best for me. Additionally, I have always been very passionate, active, and vocal about criminal justice reform, but many of my career paths would be working for the system I've been so ashamed of. How do I use my passions in these career paths while working in the system?
Login to comment
3 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1403
Answers
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Gabrielle,
You’re asking a question that sits at the intersection of identity, values, and career strategy, and that’s exactly where real clarity comes from.
First, redefining what a "right path" is could be helpful. In reality, there are usually several aligned paths instead of a single ideal choice. The goal is to select a course that aligns with your values, strengths, and the kind of influence you wish to make at this time, then make adjustments as you go, rather than searching for the one perfect option.
Your passion for criminal justice reform is particularly remarkable. It's actually your differentiator and not a conflict. Feeling uneasy with certain aspects of the system doesn't always mean that you don't belong there; rather, it often indicates that you are the type of person who can question, enhance, and push for internal change.
People intentionally manage this tension in a few different ways. Some decide to advocate for better moral and compassionate procedures while working in the system (courts, prisons, and law enforcement). Others operate at the edge of the system, where they can have a more direct impact on change, such as in research, policy, nonprofit organisations, or rehabilitation programs. Both approaches are valid and provide distinct contributions to reform. Instead of asking, “Which path is best?”, try asking:
- Where can I have the most meaningful impact right now?
- What environments align with my values, not just my interests?
- Do I want to change the system from inside, alongside, or outside it?
You don’t have to resolve this perfectly before your MA. In fact, your graduate experience is designed to help you test these directions through internships, research, and fieldwork. A practical approach would be to:
- Seek internships in different settings (e.g., correctional facilities, advocacy groups, research labs)
- Pay attention to how each environment makes you feel energized, conflicted, or motivated?
- Build relationships with professionals who are already doing reform-focused work
Working “in the system” doesn’t mean you’re endorsing everything about it. It means you’re positioning yourself to understand it deeply enough to influence it. Your passion is not something you need to set aside; it’s something you can channel strategically into your career choices. You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. You just need to take the next step in a way that stays true to what matters to you, and let clarity build from there.
Best wishes!
You’re asking a question that sits at the intersection of identity, values, and career strategy, and that’s exactly where real clarity comes from.
First, redefining what a "right path" is could be helpful. In reality, there are usually several aligned paths instead of a single ideal choice. The goal is to select a course that aligns with your values, strengths, and the kind of influence you wish to make at this time, then make adjustments as you go, rather than searching for the one perfect option.
Your passion for criminal justice reform is particularly remarkable. It's actually your differentiator and not a conflict. Feeling uneasy with certain aspects of the system doesn't always mean that you don't belong there; rather, it often indicates that you are the type of person who can question, enhance, and push for internal change.
People intentionally manage this tension in a few different ways. Some decide to advocate for better moral and compassionate procedures while working in the system (courts, prisons, and law enforcement). Others operate at the edge of the system, where they can have a more direct impact on change, such as in research, policy, nonprofit organisations, or rehabilitation programs. Both approaches are valid and provide distinct contributions to reform. Instead of asking, “Which path is best?”, try asking:
- Where can I have the most meaningful impact right now?
- What environments align with my values, not just my interests?
- Do I want to change the system from inside, alongside, or outside it?
You don’t have to resolve this perfectly before your MA. In fact, your graduate experience is designed to help you test these directions through internships, research, and fieldwork. A practical approach would be to:
- Seek internships in different settings (e.g., correctional facilities, advocacy groups, research labs)
- Pay attention to how each environment makes you feel energized, conflicted, or motivated?
- Build relationships with professionals who are already doing reform-focused work
Working “in the system” doesn’t mean you’re endorsing everything about it. It means you’re positioning yourself to understand it deeply enough to influence it. Your passion is not something you need to set aside; it’s something you can channel strategically into your career choices. You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. You just need to take the next step in a way that stays true to what matters to you, and let clarity build from there.
Best wishes!
Updated
Ali’s Answer
This is where brainstorming helps. Instead of listening to many opinions, take some time to think about what you like and dislike, what is popular in the market, and what you are passionate about. Don't choose to be a doctor just for the money, because if you don't enjoy it, you'll be unhappy. You need a mix of what you like, what you are passionate about, and what is in demand to be fulfilled
Shawndra Winter
Content Strategist, Organizational Development
22
Answers
Updated
Shawndra’s Answer
Hi - Coming from someone who used to work as a Crime Analyst and Victim Advocate, I don't think people always know the right path right away. Sometimes it becomes clearer by paying attention to what matters most to you, what kind of work feels meaningful, and what values you do not want to give up; or compromise In your case, it sounds like this decision is not just about choosing a career, but also about choosing how you want to make an impact.
I also think caring deeply about criminal justice reform does not automatically mean you cannot work within the system. Some people create change from the inside by advocating for better practices, supporting others, and bringing more awareness and humanity into the work. Others make more of a difference outside the system through research, policy, advocacy, or community-based work. The most important thing is finding a path that allows you to stay connected to your values while doing work that feels meaningful to you. Hope this helps!
I also think caring deeply about criminal justice reform does not automatically mean you cannot work within the system. Some people create change from the inside by advocating for better practices, supporting others, and bringing more awareness and humanity into the work. Others make more of a difference outside the system through research, policy, advocacy, or community-based work. The most important thing is finding a path that allows you to stay connected to your values while doing work that feels meaningful to you. Hope this helps!