7 answers
Jason
Student
Lynn, Massachusetts
1
Question
Asked
577 views
I don't know exactly what i want to do. At first i felt like i wanted to do something in law, that also may partain to psychology but then i wanted to maybe do something in politics.
I am a very pesistant person. I always push for what i want or need. I want the best for people and help the greater good. I do feel as though we need more morally right people in this world and i want to be that person. Any way I can if thats with doing law or politics or something else for that matter #law #government #law-enforcement #politics
Login to comment
7 answers
Amanda Nelson
Learning Communications Manger
3
Answers
Westminster, Colorado
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Hi Jason! I was a psychology and English double major in college, but I don't do anything that has to do with psychology in my professional career. Still, I feel like psych is relevant to any future career as you learn how people are motivated and how to help support them. That information helps you connect with people better, no matter what field you end up in!
I would encourage you to check out classes in psychology, law, and politics during your freshman year of college so you can get a little more exposure to each of these before declaring exactly what you want to do.
It might also be helpful to set up a work shadow program with someone in your community who works in each of these fields so you can truly understand what life would look like if you pursued a career in that field. Good luck!
I would encourage you to check out classes in psychology, law, and politics during your freshman year of college so you can get a little more exposure to each of these before declaring exactly what you want to do.
It might also be helpful to set up a work shadow program with someone in your community who works in each of these fields so you can truly understand what life would look like if you pursued a career in that field. Good luck!
Joseph Maltby
Analysis and Management
19
Answers
Richmond, VA
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
I can't speak to everything you asked about, but here are two answers which might help you:
1. Should you study law?
I have a law degree and a law license, but I don't practice. My perspective is that you should only go to law school if you want to be a lawyer. I see a lot of smart people with broad interests go into law because they aren't sure what they want to do and they are smart in that kind of way. Law school is really expensive and most of the time it doesn't lead to a huge paycheck the way it used to. If you think you want to be a lawyer, try working and interning in law offices before you commit to see if it suits you. It is a degree you can use in a lot of different ways, but there are other ways to serve the public. Don't forget that the amount of debt you graduate with will limit the kinds of jobs you can take, which might lock you out of really interesting but lower-paying careers.
2. How can you serve the greater good?
The good news is that there are a lot of different ways to serve others. You are not alone in wanting to make the world a better place, especially not in your generation. When you have a big goal like that, it means you have a lot of options and none of them are wrong. Some people have one specific goal and so they need to plan out how to reach it. You should try different things inside and outside school to see how you feel about them. Every experience will help you understand yourself and find the intersection between your talents, your interests, and what the world needs. Talk to people with different kinds of careers in law, politics, psychology, or other kinds of public service. This will help you create a network and give you realistic expectations. Do a lot of internships, volunteer for non-profits and political campaigns, and take a lot of different classes. Try working for your local, state, or federal government. Pay attention to what you like and don't like about each experience. And don't stress out about it. You're supposed to be wondering right now. You'll find many equally valid paths to a useful and fulfilling career.
1. Should you study law?
I have a law degree and a law license, but I don't practice. My perspective is that you should only go to law school if you want to be a lawyer. I see a lot of smart people with broad interests go into law because they aren't sure what they want to do and they are smart in that kind of way. Law school is really expensive and most of the time it doesn't lead to a huge paycheck the way it used to. If you think you want to be a lawyer, try working and interning in law offices before you commit to see if it suits you. It is a degree you can use in a lot of different ways, but there are other ways to serve the public. Don't forget that the amount of debt you graduate with will limit the kinds of jobs you can take, which might lock you out of really interesting but lower-paying careers.
2. How can you serve the greater good?
The good news is that there are a lot of different ways to serve others. You are not alone in wanting to make the world a better place, especially not in your generation. When you have a big goal like that, it means you have a lot of options and none of them are wrong. Some people have one specific goal and so they need to plan out how to reach it. You should try different things inside and outside school to see how you feel about them. Every experience will help you understand yourself and find the intersection between your talents, your interests, and what the world needs. Talk to people with different kinds of careers in law, politics, psychology, or other kinds of public service. This will help you create a network and give you realistic expectations. Do a lot of internships, volunteer for non-profits and political campaigns, and take a lot of different classes. Try working for your local, state, or federal government. Pay attention to what you like and don't like about each experience. And don't stress out about it. You're supposed to be wondering right now. You'll find many equally valid paths to a useful and fulfilling career.
Krista Bistline
Government Affairs
34
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Krista’s Answer
If you are considering politics then volunteer for a local, state or federal campaign to determine if you like a political environment. Every career has pros and cons to consider. Also find a person or a mentor in politics and ask for their guidance. This can be as simple as contacting your local legislator and ask for a meeting or to shadow them for a day. As a constitutent, more than likely an elected official will respond to your request. In the end, the choice is up to you to evaluate which skills and interests align with your philosophy. Good luck!
Tammy Vericker
Criminal Investigator
7
Answers
Updated
Tammy’s Answer
Jason,
As indicated in the above response, law enforcement and politics are strange bedfellows. In my opinion, in today's environment and past experience, they are almost synonymous. As a young person, I too wanted to go into law and wasn't sure which direction to follow. Take those courses that interest you such as criminal justice and/or psychology. Those social science classes will open your eyes into the direction that you should take and, who knows, you may be directed into a direction that you never thought. For example, I wanted to be an attorney and ended up in the Federal world as a Special Agent. It ended up fitting me well and, for 20 years, I got to interact with people, enforce the law, and make a difference. The psychology classes and follow-up training sharpened the skills necessary to perform the job. As an added note, learn to write well, concisely, and without opinion (unless it's an argumentative paper for those pesky speech classes).
You are young and opportunities are yours if you open your mind to its possibilities. Just keep an open mind, ask the questions of advisors, look for opportunities to intern in jobs that may interest you and enable you to obtain college credits, insight, and connections. Sometimes, in the LEO world, it is not what you know but WHO you know that opens doors.
Finally, learn how to shake hands firmly, look up and into the eyes of those you are speaking to, and be confident without cockiness. This retired LEO wishes you luck in your endeavors.
As indicated in the above response, law enforcement and politics are strange bedfellows. In my opinion, in today's environment and past experience, they are almost synonymous. As a young person, I too wanted to go into law and wasn't sure which direction to follow. Take those courses that interest you such as criminal justice and/or psychology. Those social science classes will open your eyes into the direction that you should take and, who knows, you may be directed into a direction that you never thought. For example, I wanted to be an attorney and ended up in the Federal world as a Special Agent. It ended up fitting me well and, for 20 years, I got to interact with people, enforce the law, and make a difference. The psychology classes and follow-up training sharpened the skills necessary to perform the job. As an added note, learn to write well, concisely, and without opinion (unless it's an argumentative paper for those pesky speech classes).
You are young and opportunities are yours if you open your mind to its possibilities. Just keep an open mind, ask the questions of advisors, look for opportunities to intern in jobs that may interest you and enable you to obtain college credits, insight, and connections. Sometimes, in the LEO world, it is not what you know but WHO you know that opens doors.
Finally, learn how to shake hands firmly, look up and into the eyes of those you are speaking to, and be confident without cockiness. This retired LEO wishes you luck in your endeavors.
Andy Kessler CAI, BS
Law Enforcement/Corrections/Security
28
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Andy’s Answer
I would recommend looking into the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit if you have a passion for law and psychology. It’s not quite as glamorous as Criminal Minds makes it out to be, but it does give a good over view of what the unit actually does. To even be looked at by the FBI you must have a four-year college degree, so I would recommend earning a psychology degree and also possibly going to law school and getting your law license as well.
Michael Helo
Student
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Jason,
I think you should look into a degree in Public Leadership Management. that field allows you to pivot from policy and law enforcement infrastructure.
I hope this helps
Mike
PS:: I believe CSUN has an excellent program!
I think you should look into a degree in Public Leadership Management. that field allows you to pivot from policy and law enforcement infrastructure.
I hope this helps
Mike
PS:: I believe CSUN has an excellent program!
Harold Evans
Dedicated Operations Manager
43
Answers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Harold’s Answer
This is a difficult question. To me law enforcement and politics are strange bed fellows. I would take classes in criminal justice as well as psychology. This might help you.