3 answers
Livia
Student
Santa Clara, California
3
Questions
Asked
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What should I choose as my major in college #Fall24?
I'm a junior in High school, super passionate about animal rights, vegan, and cofounded a related organization. I want to expand my organization through and after college, and hopefully make a living from it too. I don't want to do environmental science or biology, which I know seem related. I know money is something I need to think about, but my true real goal is to make the most amount of systemic change possible, in the movement to end factory farming. How do I make money while keeping animal rights campaigning at the forefront of my life? What should I do in college?
Thank you so much!
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3 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Livia !
This is certainly an outstanding question !
Livia, you certainly have keen insight. Your major in college does not have to be an animal science, rather a subject directly connected to Advocacy. You will be working FOR animals, not ON them. I have an idea for your education path. You seem delightfully ambitious .
The majors that you may want to consider are Mass Media Studies, Communication Studies, Film or Law or Government. Political Science may be a good option, too. As an Advocate, you will need to know the laws, the way government is set up, have excellent public speaking and writing skills and know the media that your subject can be promoted in. College will greatly help you advance in these necessary skills and you will get opportunities to network and work on projects while learning. Much of what you mentioned you'd like to do is held in television, websites, documentary film and social media. This is why a major in Communications Studies or Film is suggested. A minor in Political Science or Government would greatly help. When you go out there to advocate, you will want credibility so going for a Bachelors Degree or a Masters is highly recommended.
While you are in college, take a course or two in Public Speaking, English, Political Science, Government, and or Law. I think that taking a Grant Writing course in college or online will be a good idea, too. Most of these can be courses that very well may satisfy your general ed requirements of your college. You can decide by your experience and preference if you want to minor in one of these subjects.
Some things that you can do now and in the future will give you experience as well as a chance to network with like minded people. Attend your Town/City Hall Meetings and see how they are run and contribute if you feel you'd want to by speaking to the committees or panels. If you get a chance to ever go to Sacramento, visit the Capitol and try to find out when they are having assemblies open to the public. It can be for any issue for now. It will be a good way to observe politics in motion.
I would advise that you begin a Linked In account on which you can post things you write about animal advocacy. Follow others on Linked In that are in this field. I would also advise that you continue your advocacy group in college - create it for the college and interact with any other groups similar to yours.
Keep in mind that many people who do what you do are Writers, Lawyers, Journalists, and they do animal advocacy as a sideline. You can look for work in one of your local politicians offices or in a law office if you do not want to go to Law School or become a Journalist. So think about some work that you would like to do that has a definite salary, a paycheck you will be assured to get. You still have time to think about a major, so keep inquiring and make a decision when you are ready. Don't hesitate to return here to ask more questions. Also consider doing some social service work where you'd be advocating and serving people if there are any paid openings in your town.
About working while you are in college - apply for Work Study on your Federal Student Financial Aid Form. You can work on campus if you obtain Work Study and you could work in any department or building on campus. That will be great for your time in college. The four years you spend will take on a unique episodic experience and you will meet a lot of people and be aware of many things that can lead you to paying work. Try not to worry about that too much. I had no idea what my first career job would be, but it happened. Focus on one step at a time, and you'll see things fall into place as you go along. You'll have an individualized, unique path and educational experience !
I hope this is helpful for a start. Do return here if you have any other questions and best wishes in all you do !
This is certainly an outstanding question !
Livia, you certainly have keen insight. Your major in college does not have to be an animal science, rather a subject directly connected to Advocacy. You will be working FOR animals, not ON them. I have an idea for your education path. You seem delightfully ambitious .
The majors that you may want to consider are Mass Media Studies, Communication Studies, Film or Law or Government. Political Science may be a good option, too. As an Advocate, you will need to know the laws, the way government is set up, have excellent public speaking and writing skills and know the media that your subject can be promoted in. College will greatly help you advance in these necessary skills and you will get opportunities to network and work on projects while learning. Much of what you mentioned you'd like to do is held in television, websites, documentary film and social media. This is why a major in Communications Studies or Film is suggested. A minor in Political Science or Government would greatly help. When you go out there to advocate, you will want credibility so going for a Bachelors Degree or a Masters is highly recommended.
While you are in college, take a course or two in Public Speaking, English, Political Science, Government, and or Law. I think that taking a Grant Writing course in college or online will be a good idea, too. Most of these can be courses that very well may satisfy your general ed requirements of your college. You can decide by your experience and preference if you want to minor in one of these subjects.
Some things that you can do now and in the future will give you experience as well as a chance to network with like minded people. Attend your Town/City Hall Meetings and see how they are run and contribute if you feel you'd want to by speaking to the committees or panels. If you get a chance to ever go to Sacramento, visit the Capitol and try to find out when they are having assemblies open to the public. It can be for any issue for now. It will be a good way to observe politics in motion.
I would advise that you begin a Linked In account on which you can post things you write about animal advocacy. Follow others on Linked In that are in this field. I would also advise that you continue your advocacy group in college - create it for the college and interact with any other groups similar to yours.
Keep in mind that many people who do what you do are Writers, Lawyers, Journalists, and they do animal advocacy as a sideline. You can look for work in one of your local politicians offices or in a law office if you do not want to go to Law School or become a Journalist. So think about some work that you would like to do that has a definite salary, a paycheck you will be assured to get. You still have time to think about a major, so keep inquiring and make a decision when you are ready. Don't hesitate to return here to ask more questions. Also consider doing some social service work where you'd be advocating and serving people if there are any paid openings in your town.
About working while you are in college - apply for Work Study on your Federal Student Financial Aid Form. You can work on campus if you obtain Work Study and you could work in any department or building on campus. That will be great for your time in college. The four years you spend will take on a unique episodic experience and you will meet a lot of people and be aware of many things that can lead you to paying work. Try not to worry about that too much. I had no idea what my first career job would be, but it happened. Focus on one step at a time, and you'll see things fall into place as you go along. You'll have an individualized, unique path and educational experience !
I hope this is helpful for a start. Do return here if you have any other questions and best wishes in all you do !
Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
177
Answers
India
Updated
Angel’s Answer
It’s wonderful that you’re so passionate about animal rights! Since you want to make a systemic change while ensuring financial stability, consider majors like social sciences (like sociology or political science) or communications. These can equip you with skills to advocate effectively and build networks. Look into courses in nonprofit management or public policy to help you expand your organization. Internships in animal rights organizations or advocacy groups during college can also provide valuable experience and connections. Balancing your passion with practical skills will help you create impactful change while finding financial sustainability. Good luck!
Tony Roig
Volunteer
45
Answers
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Hi Livia,
Glad to see you already have some detailed ideas regarding your future career aspirations as it will really help you target a university or college that matches your needs and the admissions folks will definitely take notice. Universities are specializing in many fields and you may find universities with pre law or communication programs specializing in advocacy. I found Michelle's reply to you excellent and comprehensive. I would just add considering some coursework in psychology/marketing or related subjects that focus on influencing attitudes and behavior. We know how impactful those that seem to master that craft can be. As you go about your research, take some time to study the backgrounds and leaders of those you admire and how they helped develop and grow their organizations, how they prepared themselves, etc. You can do this when you network and you will often find surprising and new ideas you haven't thought about. Successful people generally love to help those committed to shared beliefs and it will be a valuable skill for you to develop and use throughout your career. It may be intimidating in the beginning but push yourself for the team or better said "cause". Your off and running -All the best on your journey! Tony
Glad to see you already have some detailed ideas regarding your future career aspirations as it will really help you target a university or college that matches your needs and the admissions folks will definitely take notice. Universities are specializing in many fields and you may find universities with pre law or communication programs specializing in advocacy. I found Michelle's reply to you excellent and comprehensive. I would just add considering some coursework in psychology/marketing or related subjects that focus on influencing attitudes and behavior. We know how impactful those that seem to master that craft can be. As you go about your research, take some time to study the backgrounds and leaders of those you admire and how they helped develop and grow their organizations, how they prepared themselves, etc. You can do this when you network and you will often find surprising and new ideas you haven't thought about. Successful people generally love to help those committed to shared beliefs and it will be a valuable skill for you to develop and use throughout your career. It may be intimidating in the beginning but push yourself for the team or better said "cause". Your off and running -All the best on your journey! Tony