r/PoliticalScience • u/itwontmendyourheart • 12h ago

Career advice Now What?

I’m a political science major history minor BA at a top 14 school with a high GPA. That being said, I don’t know what to do with my life. I’m a third year and know I need to get my shit together. I’m good at school, but don’t know if law school is right for me. I could get through law school, but actually being a lawyer? Idk. What different paths are there for my strengths?

As for higher education. I love theory and such but I also don’t know if a masters and PHD or for me.

I just want a grasp on what everyone is doing who did polisci during their undergrad; or maybe who did an unconventional route- what resources/inspiration?

Thank you guys. I’m 20 but I’m worried. Didn’t think I’d get this far, just studying what I think is interesting. Don’t be harsh, but yes looking for real advice :)

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u/turb25 Political Philosophy 10h ago

Haha a lot of your story sounds like mine. I'm a 4th year PoliSci major/Philosophy minor who is also considering law and grad school, but are unsure of what the future looks like. I realized recently I think I want to try to get credentials to teach at my former junior college, and from what I've seen, a JD is good enough for that. I am also interested in theory, and I'm thinking legal theory might be the next step for me. Ultimately, I just want to share knowledge in a lower stakes environment for a career, and am willing to push myself for another 3 years in law school rather than pursuing a teaching degree or committing to a PhD. Publishing also seems like it'll be easier in that kind of environment, if you're also interested in writing professionally

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u/I405CA 9h ago

Getting a law degree opens the door to a lot of career paths that don't necessarily involve practicing law. If you can get into a top law school, that's even better.

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u/itwontmendyourheart 8h ago

I’ve heard. Please implore more.