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What are careers other than law where I can leverage my interest in model UN and debate?
I love participating in model UN and am on the debate team. I know law is a related career but I'm thinking about other careers where this skill could be applied but not just in law. I'd love to hear what majors come to mind for someone good at debate and interested in model UN - maybe political science?
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6 answers
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Katherine’s Answer
If you're interested in policy-making, I recommend Political Science. Depending on your college, you should be able to take courses in International Relations and Comparative Politics. I took some of these courses in college as a PoliSci major and found them interesting. In terms of careers, you could work at international governing bodies like the UN or focus on US public policy in the US government working as a policy aide to legislators. If you like this area of work, you could consider a Masters degree in Public Affairs/Policy.
I would agree with Katherine! Political Science is a good selection for a major in your instance. In addition, you might enjoy Public Policy. This may be a helpful resource for you to explore for general exploration of options.
https://www.publicservicedegrees.org/resources/degrees-for-a-career-in-politics/
Jayda Harwell
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Baljit’s Answer
If you like to debate you could also look towards teaching degree. I have law degree and I am working as a tutor. Also teaching law as a college professor might be of interest to you. Law school requires a tonne of debating skills in most, if not all of your classes. English major could also be of interest to you due to the discussions that are required verbally and written.
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Alex’s Answer
Based on my time in Model UN in high school and college there are a number of skills you learn that I believe are broadly applicable to many careers including:
- ability to collaborate with people you don't know
- negotiating
- evaluating trade-offs between different solutions
- working to align stakeholders who all have different perspectives and opinions
These skills can be used in careers ranging from product management, customer success, engineering, general business. For example, when working with customers or evaluating different projects to solve a customer problem you'll call upon these skills you first developed in your Model UN days.
- ability to collaborate with people you don't know
- negotiating
- evaluating trade-offs between different solutions
- working to align stakeholders who all have different perspectives and opinions
These skills can be used in careers ranging from product management, customer success, engineering, general business. For example, when working with customers or evaluating different projects to solve a customer problem you'll call upon these skills you first developed in your Model UN days.
Updated
Richard’s Answer
As a former debater, I have come to realize that a career in consulting serves as an excellent extension of skills acquired through participating in debates. The core skills developed in debating - such as deep analysis, critical thinking, effective communication, and persuasive skills - align well with the requirements of consulting, leading to a smooth transition among the two fields.
One significant aspect of consulting that appeals to me is the exposure to diverse industries, which can be likened to participating in a debate on varied topics. This requires a continuous learning process, where we delve into the depths of several areas we might have never explored otherwise. Consequently, our knowledge broadens and we become better equipped to tackle new challenges, similar to the ones encountered during debates.
Moreover, the process of developing compelling arguments is fundamental to both debating and consulting. In a consulting environment, we need to persuade clients on the benefits or drawbacks of adopting a certain action, offering strategic recommendations based on thorough research, analysis, and logical reasoning. This aspect closely resonates with the art of debating, where well-structured arguments backed by evidence and coherent reasoning often lead to success.
The dynamic atmosphere of the consulting industry is another factor that brings it closer to my debating experiences. Working alongside highly-intelligent and motivated peers creates an environment that is both stimulating and competitive, pushing us to constantly improve, learn, and adapt. This atmosphere is somewhat reminiscent of the one I experienced while being a part of a debate team.
As we progress in the consulting field and attain senior positions, effective communication and persuasive abilities become increasingly critical. The more we engage with clients and convince them to adopt specific actions or solutions, the closer we are brought to the essence of debating. This also highlights the overlapping skill sets required in both areas.
In conclusion, consulting serves as an excellent progression for experienced debaters due to the similarities in required skills and stimulating environments. The continuous learning, exposure to different industries, and opportunities to establish and defend solid arguments make consulting an ideal career choice for those who have honed their skills through participation in debates.
One significant aspect of consulting that appeals to me is the exposure to diverse industries, which can be likened to participating in a debate on varied topics. This requires a continuous learning process, where we delve into the depths of several areas we might have never explored otherwise. Consequently, our knowledge broadens and we become better equipped to tackle new challenges, similar to the ones encountered during debates.
Moreover, the process of developing compelling arguments is fundamental to both debating and consulting. In a consulting environment, we need to persuade clients on the benefits or drawbacks of adopting a certain action, offering strategic recommendations based on thorough research, analysis, and logical reasoning. This aspect closely resonates with the art of debating, where well-structured arguments backed by evidence and coherent reasoning often lead to success.
The dynamic atmosphere of the consulting industry is another factor that brings it closer to my debating experiences. Working alongside highly-intelligent and motivated peers creates an environment that is both stimulating and competitive, pushing us to constantly improve, learn, and adapt. This atmosphere is somewhat reminiscent of the one I experienced while being a part of a debate team.
As we progress in the consulting field and attain senior positions, effective communication and persuasive abilities become increasingly critical. The more we engage with clients and convince them to adopt specific actions or solutions, the closer we are brought to the essence of debating. This also highlights the overlapping skill sets required in both areas.
In conclusion, consulting serves as an excellent progression for experienced debaters due to the similarities in required skills and stimulating environments. The continuous learning, exposure to different industries, and opportunities to establish and defend solid arguments make consulting an ideal career choice for those who have honed their skills through participation in debates.
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Tom’s Answer
I also loved model debate, and I chose to go into a career in business communications. If you like the knowledge gathering and preparation for model debates, you may be interested in a career in marketing or communications. Communications would give you an opportunity to research, get to know the issue you are working to solve, and work with strategic partners to come to a solution. Communication is also focused on thoughtfully delivering a message - a skill you are already honing in debating. Many times as professional communicators our work requires us to not only deliver a message, but also anticipate how audiences will respond to the message, and how we will manage that response. Although the subject of your communications will be different in a professional setting, you will be able to leverage the skills you are building in your day-to-day job.
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Tet’s Answer
Hi! You could look into International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, Global Economics. You might want to minor in psychology or philosophy so you can understand human development as it relates to causes and how to influence effectively, maybe even communications.