5 answers
Chau
Student
Maricopa, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
367 views
As an international high school student, how do I know which major is the right college major for me?
Hi, I am Chau, an international student studying in a US high school. I am currently a senior, and I am still confused about what major I should go to in college. I started discovering my major when I was a sophomore, there are Criminal Psychology/International Relations/International Law.
What kind of job/How can I find a job in these fields as an international student?
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5 answers
Charles Ituah
School Counsellor
13
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Charles’s Answer
Hello Chau, I understand that you have three choices as regards a possible major you would like to study in the University, so let us make it easier for you by first of all answering these five questions for more clarity.
1. What impact I am going to make with my chosen major that will positively change the world and enhance the quality of life for people in my community?
2. What are the current problems in the world that I can solve with my chosen major?
3. What are my strengths and weaknesses and how can I align it with my purpose and goals?
4. What is my why and how can I use that as leverage to succeed in my career?
5. Whose life can I change positively with my skills?
Once you can answer these questions, you are on a sure path to success in life and choosing your desired major won't be so hard or challengng.
You got this Chau.
1. What impact I am going to make with my chosen major that will positively change the world and enhance the quality of life for people in my community?
2. What are the current problems in the world that I can solve with my chosen major?
3. What are my strengths and weaknesses and how can I align it with my purpose and goals?
4. What is my why and how can I use that as leverage to succeed in my career?
5. Whose life can I change positively with my skills?
Once you can answer these questions, you are on a sure path to success in life and choosing your desired major won't be so hard or challengng.
You got this Chau.
Nicole Selkov
Project Manager
21
Answers
Saint Johns, Florida
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Be sure to take advantage of your school's resources. Each university offers robust counseling services for each major. You can speak to those specialists to understand career paths and get connected to career events (like job fairs or special interest lectures).
Also, keep in mind that you don't have to make a forever decision on day one. The majority of college students will change their major up to three times before graduating. While its important not to overly invest time and money in classes which don't go towards your final degree, there is still plenty of time to try things out. Most universities have you take general classes for the first two years which apply to all degrees - this buys you time to see what works for you.
Also, keep in mind that you don't have to make a forever decision on day one. The majority of college students will change their major up to three times before graduating. While its important not to overly invest time and money in classes which don't go towards your final degree, there is still plenty of time to try things out. Most universities have you take general classes for the first two years which apply to all degrees - this buys you time to see what works for you.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
616
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Chau,
Good question! Choosing a college major can be a big decision, especially when you have multiple interests. Criminal Psychology, International Relations, and International Law each offer exciting opportunities and distinct career paths, and you can start narrowing down your options by exploring each field’s career possibilities, academic requirements, and relevance to your long-term goals.
1. Research Each Field and Career Pathways
- Criminal Psychology: This field focuses on understanding criminal behavior, which can lead to careers in forensic psychology, criminal profiling, or working with law enforcement agencies. To work in this area, you may need a bachelor’s in psychology or criminology, followed by specialized graduate studies in forensic psychology.
- International Relations (IR): IR involves studying global affairs, diplomacy, and international policy. Careers here include diplomat, foreign service officer, policy analyst, or international consultant roles. This major is usually broad and can be paired with other subjects to tailor your focus, such as political science or economics.
International law focuses on laws governing relations between countries, human rights, and international trade. A law degree (JD or LLM for international students) is necessary to work in law, especially as a lawyer, often after completing an undergraduate program in political science, international relations, or pre-law.
2. Assess Your Career Goals and Interests
Consider what excites you most about each field. For instance:
- Are you more interested in analyzing and understanding human behavior, particularly criminal behavior?
- Do you enjoy learning about different cultures, and policies, and working towards solutions to global issues?
- Do you see yourself advocating for justice on an international scale or working within legal frameworks to shape policy?
3. Look for Internships and Volunteer Opportunities
Each of these fields offers unique internships and volunteer experiences that can give you firsthand insights. For example:
-For criminal psychology, consider internships with local or state law enforcement or research assistant roles in psychology labs.
- For international relations, consider internships with non-profits, think tanks, or government organizations that focus on foreign affairs.
- For international law, many organizations and non-profits seek legal interns or volunteers, which can help you understand if this pathway is right for you.
4. Understand the Job Market for International Students
- Work Authorization: After graduation, international students can work in the U.S. under OPT (Optional Practical Training) or apply for H-1B visas if they have employer sponsorship. Certain fields, like STEM, may offer extended OPT periods, which can be helpful if you choose a double major or minor that qualifies under STEM.
- Networking and Career Resources: Most colleges offer career counseling and networking resources tailored to international students. Attending career fairs, joining student organizations, and connecting with alumni can be valuable.
5. Explore Courses in College Before Declaring a Major
If you’re unsure, most colleges allow students to take introductory courses across different disciplines before officially declaring a major. Taking courses in psychology, political science, and introductory law classes can give you insights into each field and help you determine which aligns best with your interests.
If you’re still uncertain, consider schools that allow flexibility or have programs that combine multiple interests, like a double major or a major with a minor.y
Best wishes!
Good question! Choosing a college major can be a big decision, especially when you have multiple interests. Criminal Psychology, International Relations, and International Law each offer exciting opportunities and distinct career paths, and you can start narrowing down your options by exploring each field’s career possibilities, academic requirements, and relevance to your long-term goals.
1. Research Each Field and Career Pathways
- Criminal Psychology: This field focuses on understanding criminal behavior, which can lead to careers in forensic psychology, criminal profiling, or working with law enforcement agencies. To work in this area, you may need a bachelor’s in psychology or criminology, followed by specialized graduate studies in forensic psychology.
- International Relations (IR): IR involves studying global affairs, diplomacy, and international policy. Careers here include diplomat, foreign service officer, policy analyst, or international consultant roles. This major is usually broad and can be paired with other subjects to tailor your focus, such as political science or economics.
International law focuses on laws governing relations between countries, human rights, and international trade. A law degree (JD or LLM for international students) is necessary to work in law, especially as a lawyer, often after completing an undergraduate program in political science, international relations, or pre-law.
2. Assess Your Career Goals and Interests
Consider what excites you most about each field. For instance:
- Are you more interested in analyzing and understanding human behavior, particularly criminal behavior?
- Do you enjoy learning about different cultures, and policies, and working towards solutions to global issues?
- Do you see yourself advocating for justice on an international scale or working within legal frameworks to shape policy?
3. Look for Internships and Volunteer Opportunities
Each of these fields offers unique internships and volunteer experiences that can give you firsthand insights. For example:
-For criminal psychology, consider internships with local or state law enforcement or research assistant roles in psychology labs.
- For international relations, consider internships with non-profits, think tanks, or government organizations that focus on foreign affairs.
- For international law, many organizations and non-profits seek legal interns or volunteers, which can help you understand if this pathway is right for you.
4. Understand the Job Market for International Students
- Work Authorization: After graduation, international students can work in the U.S. under OPT (Optional Practical Training) or apply for H-1B visas if they have employer sponsorship. Certain fields, like STEM, may offer extended OPT periods, which can be helpful if you choose a double major or minor that qualifies under STEM.
- Networking and Career Resources: Most colleges offer career counseling and networking resources tailored to international students. Attending career fairs, joining student organizations, and connecting with alumni can be valuable.
5. Explore Courses in College Before Declaring a Major
If you’re unsure, most colleges allow students to take introductory courses across different disciplines before officially declaring a major. Taking courses in psychology, political science, and introductory law classes can give you insights into each field and help you determine which aligns best with your interests.
If you’re still uncertain, consider schools that allow flexibility or have programs that combine multiple interests, like a double major or a major with a minor.y
Best wishes!
Joseph Ford
175
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
WOW. you got alot going on here. :-) This link may provide some clarity.
https://catalog.northeastern.edu/undergraduate/social-sciences-humanities/international-affairs/international-affairs-criminal-justice-ba/
https://catalog.northeastern.edu/undergraduate/social-sciences-humanities/international-affairs/international-affairs-criminal-justice-ba/
Landon Massey
Human Resources
2
Answers
Wilmington, North Carolina
Updated
Landon’s Answer
Hey Chau!
It may seem cliche but the most important thing to consider could be doing what you are passionate about. One study suggests one of the most important factors in job satisfaction is doing meaningful work. That is, doing something that has a purpose and you feel makes a positive impact. Of course, doing that in a top notch organization can be even more fulfilling.
This is a great article to review. Good luck!
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracybrower/2023/11/26/30-careers-with-the-most-satisfaction/
It may seem cliche but the most important thing to consider could be doing what you are passionate about. One study suggests one of the most important factors in job satisfaction is doing meaningful work. That is, doing something that has a purpose and you feel makes a positive impact. Of course, doing that in a top notch organization can be even more fulfilling.
This is a great article to review. Good luck!
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracybrower/2023/11/26/30-careers-with-the-most-satisfaction/