5 answers
Grace
Student
Frederick, Maryland
4
Questions
Asked
724 views
Career advice/College major advice?
Hello!
After getting accepted into colleges and trying to narrow down majors , I am still stuck on what type of job I want to have in the future. I know I want to make a difference in the world but I don't know which degree could help me do that to get to the job I want to.
I know that I want to do things listed below :
How to stop systemic racism
How to help poorly treated/abused children
How to stop human trafficking
How to stop world hunger
How to solve issues between other countries and issues in countries
How to stop border control's inhumane actions
How to stop economic inequality
How to stop homelessness
How to effectively stop crime
How to stop police brutality
How to stop global warming
How to reform the healthcare system
How to stop poverty
How to stop corruption
How to reform the workforce
I am also interested in what it takes to be a victim advocate or a mediator but I don't know what places hire those types of occupations?
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5 answers
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
607
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Those are all pretty amazing thoughts. Sounds like you might want to explore a path within the non-profit community. You could explore working your way into a director role and commanding resources to make a real impact in the world.
The other path would be to go into the private sector, but find work where you have access to direct and support charitable giving.
I went the second route, but I dedicate a certain amount of time each month to non-profit work.
Hope this helps!
The other path would be to go into the private sector, but find work where you have access to direct and support charitable giving.
I went the second route, but I dedicate a certain amount of time each month to non-profit work.
Hope this helps!
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
750
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Grace, I want to first thank you for reaching out and asking your questions regarding your important questions about potential career paths aimed at making a difference in the world. I hope the information that I have below provides you with some insight and/or help.
It is very admirable that you're passionate about addressing pressing social issues and seeking ways to contribute positively to society. While narrowing down your options can feel overwhelming, there are several steps you can take to explore potential career paths and gain clarity on the best degree and job opportunities to pursue your goals.
Firstly, consider conducting informational interviews or shadowing professionals working in fields related to your interests. This hands-on experience can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of various occupations. Reach out to local organizations, advocacy groups, or nonprofits focused on issues such as systemic racism, child welfare, human trafficking, hunger relief, international relations, immigration rights, economic inequality, homelessness, crime prevention, police reform, environmental conservation, healthcare advocacy, poverty alleviation, anti-corruption efforts, and workforce development. These organizations often employ professionals who work directly on the front lines of these issues and can offer guidance and mentorship. While the availability of such organizations may vary depending on your specific location, here are some examples of the types of organizations you might find in your community or region:
• Organizations like the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) or local grassroots movements and civil rights organizations focused on racial justice and equality.
• Nonprofits such as Child Welfare League of America or local foster care agencies and advocacy groups dedicated to promoting the well-being of children and families.
• Organizations like Polaris or local task forces and coalitions combating human trafficking and supporting survivors.
• Food banks, pantries, and organizations like Feeding America or local hunger relief nonprofits working to address food insecurity and hunger in communities.
• Organizations such as the United Nations Association or local chapters of international diplomacy and peacebuilding organizations.
• Immigrant advocacy organizations like the American Immigration Council or local immigrant rights groups and legal aid clinics.
• Organizations like Oxfam or local community development corporations focused on economic empowerment and addressing poverty.
• Homeless shelters, transitional housing programs, and organizations like the National Alliance to End Homelessness or local homeless advocacy groups.
• Community policing initiatives, neighborhood watch programs, and organizations promoting restorative justice and violence prevention.
• Police accountability organizations, advocacy groups like Campaign Zero or local chapters of Black Lives Matter focused on police reform and racial justice.
• Environmental organizations like the Sierra Club or local conservation groups focused on protecting natural resources and combating climate change.
• Healthcare access nonprofits, patient advocacy organizations like Families USA, or local health clinics and community health centers.
• Anti-poverty organizations like the Center for American Progress or local nonprofits providing social services and economic support to low-income individuals and families.
• Government watchdog organizations, transparency and accountability nonprofits, or local initiatives promoting ethical governance and fighting corruption.
• Workforce development agencies, job training programs, and organizations like Goodwill Industries or local workforce development boards.
Additionally, research academic programs and majors that align with your interests and career goals. Fields such as social work, psychology, sociology, public policy, international relations, law, public health, environmental science, and nonprofit management can provide valuable knowledge and skills for addressing the complex social, economic, and environmental challenges you're passionate about.
Regarding specific career paths such as victim advocacy and mediation, there are various avenues to explore. Victim advocates often work for government agencies, law enforcement agencies, nonprofits, or advocacy organizations, providing support and resources to individuals who have experienced trauma, violence, or abuse. Similarly, mediators may work independently, for law firms, court systems, government agencies, or community organizations, facilitating communication and resolution between parties in conflict.
To find opportunities in victim advocacy and mediation, consider researching job openings on websites such as Idealist.org, Indeed.com, or LinkedIn. Additionally, reach out to local victim advocacy organizations, legal aid clinics, mediation centers, or community dispute resolution programs to inquire about internship, volunteer, or employment opportunities. Networking with professionals in the field, attending workshops or conferences, and pursuing relevant certifications or training programs can also enhance your qualifications and increase your chances of securing a position in victim advocacy or mediation.
Remember that making a difference in the world often requires a combination of passion, perseverance, and collaboration. By exploring your interests, gaining relevant experience, and pursuing educational and professional opportunities aligned with your goals, you can work towards creating positive change and contributing to a more just and equitable society.
It is very admirable that you're passionate about addressing pressing social issues and seeking ways to contribute positively to society. While narrowing down your options can feel overwhelming, there are several steps you can take to explore potential career paths and gain clarity on the best degree and job opportunities to pursue your goals.
Firstly, consider conducting informational interviews or shadowing professionals working in fields related to your interests. This hands-on experience can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of various occupations. Reach out to local organizations, advocacy groups, or nonprofits focused on issues such as systemic racism, child welfare, human trafficking, hunger relief, international relations, immigration rights, economic inequality, homelessness, crime prevention, police reform, environmental conservation, healthcare advocacy, poverty alleviation, anti-corruption efforts, and workforce development. These organizations often employ professionals who work directly on the front lines of these issues and can offer guidance and mentorship. While the availability of such organizations may vary depending on your specific location, here are some examples of the types of organizations you might find in your community or region:
• Organizations like the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) or local grassroots movements and civil rights organizations focused on racial justice and equality.
• Nonprofits such as Child Welfare League of America or local foster care agencies and advocacy groups dedicated to promoting the well-being of children and families.
• Organizations like Polaris or local task forces and coalitions combating human trafficking and supporting survivors.
• Food banks, pantries, and organizations like Feeding America or local hunger relief nonprofits working to address food insecurity and hunger in communities.
• Organizations such as the United Nations Association or local chapters of international diplomacy and peacebuilding organizations.
• Immigrant advocacy organizations like the American Immigration Council or local immigrant rights groups and legal aid clinics.
• Organizations like Oxfam or local community development corporations focused on economic empowerment and addressing poverty.
• Homeless shelters, transitional housing programs, and organizations like the National Alliance to End Homelessness or local homeless advocacy groups.
• Community policing initiatives, neighborhood watch programs, and organizations promoting restorative justice and violence prevention.
• Police accountability organizations, advocacy groups like Campaign Zero or local chapters of Black Lives Matter focused on police reform and racial justice.
• Environmental organizations like the Sierra Club or local conservation groups focused on protecting natural resources and combating climate change.
• Healthcare access nonprofits, patient advocacy organizations like Families USA, or local health clinics and community health centers.
• Anti-poverty organizations like the Center for American Progress or local nonprofits providing social services and economic support to low-income individuals and families.
• Government watchdog organizations, transparency and accountability nonprofits, or local initiatives promoting ethical governance and fighting corruption.
• Workforce development agencies, job training programs, and organizations like Goodwill Industries or local workforce development boards.
Additionally, research academic programs and majors that align with your interests and career goals. Fields such as social work, psychology, sociology, public policy, international relations, law, public health, environmental science, and nonprofit management can provide valuable knowledge and skills for addressing the complex social, economic, and environmental challenges you're passionate about.
Regarding specific career paths such as victim advocacy and mediation, there are various avenues to explore. Victim advocates often work for government agencies, law enforcement agencies, nonprofits, or advocacy organizations, providing support and resources to individuals who have experienced trauma, violence, or abuse. Similarly, mediators may work independently, for law firms, court systems, government agencies, or community organizations, facilitating communication and resolution between parties in conflict.
To find opportunities in victim advocacy and mediation, consider researching job openings on websites such as Idealist.org, Indeed.com, or LinkedIn. Additionally, reach out to local victim advocacy organizations, legal aid clinics, mediation centers, or community dispute resolution programs to inquire about internship, volunteer, or employment opportunities. Networking with professionals in the field, attending workshops or conferences, and pursuing relevant certifications or training programs can also enhance your qualifications and increase your chances of securing a position in victim advocacy or mediation.
Remember that making a difference in the world often requires a combination of passion, perseverance, and collaboration. By exploring your interests, gaining relevant experience, and pursuing educational and professional opportunities aligned with your goals, you can work towards creating positive change and contributing to a more just and equitable society.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6182
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Grace,
Choosing a College Major for Making a Difference in the World
When it comes to choosing a college major that aligns with your goal of making a difference in the world, there are several fields of study that can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to address the issues you mentioned. While it may not be possible to find a single degree that covers all of these areas, you can explore interdisciplinary approaches or consider multiple majors/minors to gain a broader understanding.
Social Work or Psychology: If you are interested in helping poorly treated/abused children, victim advocacy, or addressing issues related to poverty and homelessness, majors such as social work or psychology can be a good fit. These fields provide knowledge about human behavior, social systems, and intervention strategies to support individuals and communities in need.
International Relations or Global Studies: To address issues between countries, global conflicts, and human rights violations, majors like international relations or global studies can equip you with a deep understanding of political systems, diplomacy, international law, and cultural dynamics. These fields often focus on fostering peace, resolving conflicts, and promoting cooperation among nations.
Criminal Justice or Criminology: If your interests lie in combating crime, police brutality, and reforming the criminal justice system, pursuing a degree in criminal justice or criminology can provide you with insights into the causes of crime, law enforcement practices, and strategies for criminal justice reform.
Environmental Science or Sustainability Studies: To tackle global warming and promote environmental sustainability, majors such as environmental science or sustainability studies can offer knowledge about climate change, renewable energy sources, conservation efforts, and policy-making related to environmental issues.
Public Health or Healthcare Administration: If you are passionate about healthcare reform and improving the healthcare system, majors like public health or healthcare administration can provide you with an understanding of healthcare policies, management strategies, public health initiatives, and community health promotion.
Economics or Political Science: To address economic inequality, poverty, and corruption, majors such as economics or political science can equip you with the knowledge of economic systems, policy analysis, development strategies, and governance structures. These fields often focus on understanding the root causes of inequality and proposing solutions for a fairer society.
Conflict Resolution or Mediation: If you are interested in becoming a mediator or conflict resolution specialist, you can explore programs that offer courses in negotiation techniques, communication skills, and conflict management strategies. These programs can be found in various disciplines such as law, psychology, or peace studies.
In terms of finding employment as a victim advocate or mediator, there are several avenues to explore. Victim advocacy positions can be found in organizations such as domestic violence shelters, child advocacy centers, non-profit organizations focused on human rights, or government agencies dealing with crime victims. Mediators often work in legal settings such as courts, law firms, community mediation centers, or private practice.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive information on various occupations, including job outlooks, educational requirements, and median salaries. It is a reliable source for understanding the potential career paths related to different majors.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW): NASW is a professional organization that provides resources and information about social work careers. Their website offers insights into different areas of social work practice and the educational requirements needed to pursue a career in this field.
Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR): ACR is an organization dedicated to promoting conflict resolution and mediation practices. Their website provides information about careers in mediation and conflict resolution, including training requirements and job opportunities.
These sources were used to gather accurate and up-to-date information on various majors and career paths related to making a difference in the world.
OK Let's get some fuel into your brain if it was deficient in the nutrients that are required for academic psychological and mental work you're going to notice a really big quantum leap in capability of academic study. Your achievements will double in half the time mark my words if you replete nutrients that were missing from your resume of foods so just look at the autobiography of James Constantine amen
Choosing a College Major for Making a Difference in the World
When it comes to choosing a college major that aligns with your goal of making a difference in the world, there are several fields of study that can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to address the issues you mentioned. While it may not be possible to find a single degree that covers all of these areas, you can explore interdisciplinary approaches or consider multiple majors/minors to gain a broader understanding.
Social Work or Psychology: If you are interested in helping poorly treated/abused children, victim advocacy, or addressing issues related to poverty and homelessness, majors such as social work or psychology can be a good fit. These fields provide knowledge about human behavior, social systems, and intervention strategies to support individuals and communities in need.
International Relations or Global Studies: To address issues between countries, global conflicts, and human rights violations, majors like international relations or global studies can equip you with a deep understanding of political systems, diplomacy, international law, and cultural dynamics. These fields often focus on fostering peace, resolving conflicts, and promoting cooperation among nations.
Criminal Justice or Criminology: If your interests lie in combating crime, police brutality, and reforming the criminal justice system, pursuing a degree in criminal justice or criminology can provide you with insights into the causes of crime, law enforcement practices, and strategies for criminal justice reform.
Environmental Science or Sustainability Studies: To tackle global warming and promote environmental sustainability, majors such as environmental science or sustainability studies can offer knowledge about climate change, renewable energy sources, conservation efforts, and policy-making related to environmental issues.
Public Health or Healthcare Administration: If you are passionate about healthcare reform and improving the healthcare system, majors like public health or healthcare administration can provide you with an understanding of healthcare policies, management strategies, public health initiatives, and community health promotion.
Economics or Political Science: To address economic inequality, poverty, and corruption, majors such as economics or political science can equip you with the knowledge of economic systems, policy analysis, development strategies, and governance structures. These fields often focus on understanding the root causes of inequality and proposing solutions for a fairer society.
Conflict Resolution or Mediation: If you are interested in becoming a mediator or conflict resolution specialist, you can explore programs that offer courses in negotiation techniques, communication skills, and conflict management strategies. These programs can be found in various disciplines such as law, psychology, or peace studies.
In terms of finding employment as a victim advocate or mediator, there are several avenues to explore. Victim advocacy positions can be found in organizations such as domestic violence shelters, child advocacy centers, non-profit organizations focused on human rights, or government agencies dealing with crime victims. Mediators often work in legal settings such as courts, law firms, community mediation centers, or private practice.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive information on various occupations, including job outlooks, educational requirements, and median salaries. It is a reliable source for understanding the potential career paths related to different majors.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW): NASW is a professional organization that provides resources and information about social work careers. Their website offers insights into different areas of social work practice and the educational requirements needed to pursue a career in this field.
Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR): ACR is an organization dedicated to promoting conflict resolution and mediation practices. Their website provides information about careers in mediation and conflict resolution, including training requirements and job opportunities.
These sources were used to gather accurate and up-to-date information on various majors and career paths related to making a difference in the world.
OK Let's get some fuel into your brain if it was deficient in the nutrients that are required for academic psychological and mental work you're going to notice a really big quantum leap in capability of academic study. Your achievements will double in half the time mark my words if you replete nutrients that were missing from your resume of foods so just look at the autobiography of James Constantine amen
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
335
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
What noble aspirations you have, Grace - that's wonderful! You have gotten sound advice from James and Jerome. I might add/reiterate:
- Jerome mentioned finding work in the private sector that support public objectives. Many companies have environmental or sustainability objectives and/or corporate social responsibility programs that would allow you to incorporate your aspirations directly into your career. For example, I have been able to support STEM education and access to capital for underrepresented groups through my work and loved it!
- Depending upon the issue, governments (local, state, and federal) deal with many of these issues and should not be forgotten. The news tends to focus on the federal level, but you may be able to have more impact at the state and local levels.
- Addressing all these issues - even over a whole career - likely would be extremely difficult. And once you get involved with one set of issues, you may want to continue delving deeper into them. But you could move around by honing a particular set of skills needed by most non-profits, such as marketing, fundraising, or program management.
- James provided a great list of potential majors. See also what your college/university offers. There may be interdisciplinary options for a focus area, such as the environment or social justice, that will intrigue you. Seek volunteer and/or internship opportunities in different types of organizations and for different causes. This will help you at least winnow down your list if not identify the exact path.
Good luck!
- Jerome mentioned finding work in the private sector that support public objectives. Many companies have environmental or sustainability objectives and/or corporate social responsibility programs that would allow you to incorporate your aspirations directly into your career. For example, I have been able to support STEM education and access to capital for underrepresented groups through my work and loved it!
- Depending upon the issue, governments (local, state, and federal) deal with many of these issues and should not be forgotten. The news tends to focus on the federal level, but you may be able to have more impact at the state and local levels.
- Addressing all these issues - even over a whole career - likely would be extremely difficult. And once you get involved with one set of issues, you may want to continue delving deeper into them. But you could move around by honing a particular set of skills needed by most non-profits, such as marketing, fundraising, or program management.
- James provided a great list of potential majors. See also what your college/university offers. There may be interdisciplinary options for a focus area, such as the environment or social justice, that will intrigue you. Seek volunteer and/or internship opportunities in different types of organizations and for different causes. This will help you at least winnow down your list if not identify the exact path.
Good luck!
Moneca Surida Clyburn, MBA, MS HRM
Senior Consultant
3
Answers
Waldorf, Maryland
Updated
Moneca’s Answer
As you explore your future career interests, you might consider volunteering within the various areas of interest to get a first-hand understanding of the various fields of interest. Additionally, you might consider getting involved in your community, school clubs, etc. to allow you to make a difference/impact in the specific work that you seek to do.