9 answers
Princess
Student
Lipa, Calabarzon, Philippines
1
Question
Asked
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What course should an undecided student take up in college?
Honestly, I want to take courses about law but I am afraid since i learned that law school is not for faint hearted peeps like me, so...
#law #criminal-justice #law-enforcement #law-enforcement
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9 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1591
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Princess attending law school opens so many doors for someone interested in the justice system. Graduates go on to be judges, prosecutors, professors, legislators, mediators, and so much more. But getting into law school is no easy matter. While there is no pre-law major or set of required classes, you can still prepare for law school while in college. However, it is not possible to major in pre-law. You have to major in an academic subject, such as Political Science, Math, Philosophy, and so on. Unlike premed, there are no prerequisite courses you must take in order to be considered for law school. When people say “pre-law,” they simply mean that they approached college with the plan that, after graduating, they would one day apply to law school. Remember, the right major for you may be different than for someone else, depending on your interests and strengths. Regardless, make sure you choose something that improves your writing and critical reasoning. Beyond that, pick a field that interests you and work hard in it. Since just about every industry needs good lawyers, your field-specific knowledge may become quite valuable as you further specialize your legal practice.
I hope this was helpful Princess
Take classes on law and legal history. The more you know about how legislation is approached in the United States and abroad, the better prepared you will be for your first day of law school. Additionally, taking these classes will help you decide whether the study of law is interesting to you.
Join debate, newspaper, and writing clubs. Lawyers must have a strong command of logic and the written word. Your extracurricular activities will help you cultivate these qualities and make applying to law school that much easier.
Seek out internships with law firms, courts, and legal organizations. There are thousands of ways to practice law, from supporting large companies as a corporate lawyer to defending asylum-seekers with a non-profit organization. The more internship opportunities you pursue in your field, the better sense you will have of what type of law you want to pursue.
I hope this was helpful Princess
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Thank You Nick. “Help one another. There’s no time like the present, and no present like the time.” – James Durst
Doc Frick
Thank You Dexter for your continued support. Ambition, fueled by compassion, wisdom and integrity, is a powerful force for good that will turn the wheels of industry and open the doors of opportunity for you and countless others.
Doc Frick
Thank You Raquel for your continued support. You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.
Doc Frick
Sanober Charania
Registered Nurse (RN)
73
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Sanober’s Answer
Hi there!
I am not familiar with law classes, but I think that if you are interested in that field, it's OK to be hesitant and still try it out! There are many courses in undergraduate that you can take that give you a taste of what that field may provide. Look into the courses offered, and remember that there is no harm in trying out different classes during your first year, as that is what college is for when you are unsure what to major in! Your college may also offer classes that are required to take in order to graduate, and by taking those you will get to explore other career paths as well.
Best of luck :)
Sanober
I am not familiar with law classes, but I think that if you are interested in that field, it's OK to be hesitant and still try it out! There are many courses in undergraduate that you can take that give you a taste of what that field may provide. Look into the courses offered, and remember that there is no harm in trying out different classes during your first year, as that is what college is for when you are unsure what to major in! Your college may also offer classes that are required to take in order to graduate, and by taking those you will get to explore other career paths as well.
Best of luck :)
Sanober
Rachel Gardinier
Recruiter/ Technical and Non-Technical
2
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hello! It's been a little while since I've been in school but here a few suggestions that I hope will help!
First - DO NOT discredit yourself by any means. You might surprise yourself when you get into something that you really enjoy. You won't know unless you try and you may even gain new skills that help you feel more comfortable!
Second - Sometimes when we get to school, it feels like we're supposed to have everything figure out and know exactly what you're interested in and have a direct path. However, school is a great opportunity to explore your options. If you have room in your schedule, I would definitely recommend taking a law course or two and see how you like it. I know there can be concern for falling be hind by taking too many elective courses or taking a course and realizing that it's not what you want to do. So I would recommend knocking out your general education classes by really doing some research looking for classes that can double as multiple requirements. When I was in school 5 years ago, I was able to find at least 2 or 3 courses that counted towards more than 1 requirement to be filled. By doing this, it opened up my schedule to take more exploratory courses and the time and cost came out the same. You might be able to find courses that interest you and you want to explore, that can actually count towards credits you need for your degree. Unfortunately, I don't know if this is possible at all universities, but it's something to consider and look into!
Another thought: (and I believe this is an option - you might need to find out from your school) but I think you can sit in on a class you might be interested in before deciding to sign up. Think about what interests you and see what courses align to those interests that you could explore.
And back to the law topic - there are also a lot of options that can be related to law and not having to go into law school. You could look at Public Policy, Public Relations, Conflict Resolution, Social Work, etc. I'm leaving out a lot of options I'm sure. But just explore your options!
I hope some of this helps and I'm sure you'll find what you like. At the end of the day, school is a way to help us learn but doesn't have to define what you do for the rest of your life. Just make sure to diversify your learning and don't be afraid to challenge yourself.
Search course curriculum at your university and see if classes can double for certain requirements
Think of things that interest you and look at what classes might be relevant
Talk to your guidance counselor as well
Look at school career job boards and see if there are certain roles that interest you for the future and then see what kind of classes could relate to that type of work.
First - DO NOT discredit yourself by any means. You might surprise yourself when you get into something that you really enjoy. You won't know unless you try and you may even gain new skills that help you feel more comfortable!
Second - Sometimes when we get to school, it feels like we're supposed to have everything figure out and know exactly what you're interested in and have a direct path. However, school is a great opportunity to explore your options. If you have room in your schedule, I would definitely recommend taking a law course or two and see how you like it. I know there can be concern for falling be hind by taking too many elective courses or taking a course and realizing that it's not what you want to do. So I would recommend knocking out your general education classes by really doing some research looking for classes that can double as multiple requirements. When I was in school 5 years ago, I was able to find at least 2 or 3 courses that counted towards more than 1 requirement to be filled. By doing this, it opened up my schedule to take more exploratory courses and the time and cost came out the same. You might be able to find courses that interest you and you want to explore, that can actually count towards credits you need for your degree. Unfortunately, I don't know if this is possible at all universities, but it's something to consider and look into!
Another thought: (and I believe this is an option - you might need to find out from your school) but I think you can sit in on a class you might be interested in before deciding to sign up. Think about what interests you and see what courses align to those interests that you could explore.
And back to the law topic - there are also a lot of options that can be related to law and not having to go into law school. You could look at Public Policy, Public Relations, Conflict Resolution, Social Work, etc. I'm leaving out a lot of options I'm sure. But just explore your options!
I hope some of this helps and I'm sure you'll find what you like. At the end of the day, school is a way to help us learn but doesn't have to define what you do for the rest of your life. Just make sure to diversify your learning and don't be afraid to challenge yourself.
Rachel recommends the following next steps:
Thank you!
Princess
Dexter Arver
Senior Manager, Web Applications
232
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Dexter’s Answer
Hi Princess,
It sounds like to me Law courses are the perfect ones that you should take. I feel that the introductory classes will allow you to better understand that field, and will help you in deciding if you should concentrate on law in the future.
For me, I was an undecided engineer going into my college, and that helped me solidify my love of engineering and solving problems, so I'm very happy that I went in undeclared, took various courses, and found myself in the process. I hope it's a similar experience for you. :)
I wish you the best in 2021 and beyond!
--
Dexter
It sounds like to me Law courses are the perfect ones that you should take. I feel that the introductory classes will allow you to better understand that field, and will help you in deciding if you should concentrate on law in the future.
For me, I was an undecided engineer going into my college, and that helped me solidify my love of engineering and solving problems, so I'm very happy that I went in undeclared, took various courses, and found myself in the process. I hope it's a similar experience for you. :)
I wish you the best in 2021 and beyond!
--
Dexter
Every day is a good day, and if you don't believe me, just try missing one of them.
Doc Frick
Haha! That's a great quote John :)
Dexter Arver
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1738
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Princess,
Did you ever go to a swimming pool and jump off the high dive?
Let's talk about self-confidence. It's very important that you learn to believe in yourself, and to speak up with confidence. Throughout life, there will be situations where you must "Step-up." It could be in personal relationships, to ask for a pay raise, to negotiate the price of a car, or who knows what! When you run from what you are afraid of, you do not grow personally and professionally.
Some examples: When I went to college, as a Sociology major, I took a course in Constitutional Law. The professor was very demanding of us. The other students sounded so smart, I was afraid to speak up! But, a group of us got together to study for the midterm, and it was then that I learned they were just as "lost" as me. I participated more during the second half of the class. In retrospect, I wish I had gone to law school at that time. It wasn't even in my thoughts, and, had I, I would likely have failed, because I had so little self confidence!
Instead, I went into law enforcement. For the next 25 years, I drew my self-confidence from the uniform. But I also got involved in the police association, started meeting with city leaders to ask for changes to the department (pay and compensation, benefits, training, etc) and people started listening to me. However, I shied away from activities that required public speaking, something I totally feared, and declined opportunities to become a training instructor.
And then, I retired, and got another job. All of a sudden, I had lost my self-confidence when I hung up the uniform! And worse, this job required me to teach classes! Surprise! After I got over the jitters, I found that I actually ENJOYED doing this! And I look back on what I could have done 25 years ago, had I believed in myself.
And the moral of the story is: Find your self-confidence before tackling law school. Join a Toastmasters speaking group, join debate, find activities where you are forced to take and defend a certain position. Find ways to challenge yourself. Perhaps join the military. And, if you want to do law without going to law school, consider pursuing a career as a paralegal!
Hope this helps!
Kim
Did you ever go to a swimming pool and jump off the high dive?
Let's talk about self-confidence. It's very important that you learn to believe in yourself, and to speak up with confidence. Throughout life, there will be situations where you must "Step-up." It could be in personal relationships, to ask for a pay raise, to negotiate the price of a car, or who knows what! When you run from what you are afraid of, you do not grow personally and professionally.
Some examples: When I went to college, as a Sociology major, I took a course in Constitutional Law. The professor was very demanding of us. The other students sounded so smart, I was afraid to speak up! But, a group of us got together to study for the midterm, and it was then that I learned they were just as "lost" as me. I participated more during the second half of the class. In retrospect, I wish I had gone to law school at that time. It wasn't even in my thoughts, and, had I, I would likely have failed, because I had so little self confidence!
Instead, I went into law enforcement. For the next 25 years, I drew my self-confidence from the uniform. But I also got involved in the police association, started meeting with city leaders to ask for changes to the department (pay and compensation, benefits, training, etc) and people started listening to me. However, I shied away from activities that required public speaking, something I totally feared, and declined opportunities to become a training instructor.
And then, I retired, and got another job. All of a sudden, I had lost my self-confidence when I hung up the uniform! And worse, this job required me to teach classes! Surprise! After I got over the jitters, I found that I actually ENJOYED doing this! And I look back on what I could have done 25 years ago, had I believed in myself.
And the moral of the story is: Find your self-confidence before tackling law school. Join a Toastmasters speaking group, join debate, find activities where you are forced to take and defend a certain position. Find ways to challenge yourself. Perhaps join the military. And, if you want to do law without going to law school, consider pursuing a career as a paralegal!
Hope this helps!
Kim
Ma. Edgie C.
24
Answers
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Updated
Ma. Edgie’s Answer
Hi Princess, I have a cousin who really wanted to be a lawyer someday if God permits, so he did took Legal Management during college days. You may also search something about Degree Program such as BS Legal Management program or AB Political Science program (Pre-Law I think is what they usually known for). We have colleges and Universities here in the Philippines who offer Degree Program like what I've mention. I hope this helps.
All the best! I know you're going to be amazing! :)
All the best! I know you're going to be amazing! :)
Is Law Management a course you would recommend an undecided student take to see if law is for them?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Hi Gurpeet Lally, If you really want to see if you Law is in your passion, I can say yes, you can take course subjects that focuses about law such as constitutional law, maybe read something about bill of rights. Maybe along the way, it help your realization if you want to pursue Law management or if you think that you really want that. I hope it helps :)
Ma. Edgie C.
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1790
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
It's best to take courses in the fields you're considering sooner rather than later so you can find out if they work for you. I would recommend avoiding getting a degree with an undeclared major; it won't do nearly as much for you in your job search as if you had a declared major. If you're not sure, I'd recommend getting a general business degree. You can use business degrees in many different industries and it'll give you more time to find your place in the world.
Ada Ingram
Accounting
5
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Ada’s Answer
My suggestion is to get your basis out of the way while you decide. Now if your thinking of anything science based remember those Bios don't always transfer. So, keep that in mind when completing your basics and needing to transfer later on down the line to another school.
My advice to my son was to choose a career that he enjoyed doing. A passion. Remember you will be doing this for the majority of your time in your adulthood. Don't make it a rough on. Enjoy it! Now if you happen to make money while doing it, great but let's not make that the driving force of your decision.
Research courses transferable to other colleges. Especially bio.
My advice to my son was to choose a career that he enjoyed doing. A passion. Remember you will be doing this for the majority of your time in your adulthood. Don't make it a rough on. Enjoy it! Now if you happen to make money while doing it, great but let's not make that the driving force of your decision.
Ada recommends the following next steps:
Bridget Sherman
Recruiting Associate - HR & Administrative Services
16
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Bridget’s Answer
It's easy to let fear get in the way of trying something new, and that's ok! However, it's going to be important to take a leap of faith sometimes, especially when pursuing higher education. This is your time to try out new things and if you think law is something that you could really like and be good at it is absolutely worth giving it a shot. Take a few introductory courses in departments like Legal Studies, Sociology, Political Science, Social Policy, or Criminal Justice/Criminology. It could even be worth it to take some classes related to Race and Ethnicity or Gender and Sexuality, as these types of courses will allow you to gain a more holistic perspective if you do end up pursuing a career in law. By exploring all the different facets of what law might entail, you could find something you didn't even know you liked or were interested in, and that's the most exciting part!