If you were me what would you do?

Question

I am in college and am not sure of what to major in. I want to get from point A (college) to point C (a home in a non-high crime area (starting at 200,000), savings for vacations, able to support a young boy's extra activities (music, karate, scouts, etc). I am in my junior year because I transfered and am open to suggestions. I am a single parent and that needs to be considered. Health care is out --I really do not need to know what came out of where and what it looked like. I would really like to get a masters or other professional degree. I have thought about law but am unsure about the hours. My interests are in cultural studies, legal studies, writing, research, and just about anything else. That is why this is difficult. My perfect job would involve research (paper based is great) and writing. In school I love research papers and even do extra one for extra credit. I would love to get a 8 hour a day job doing research. Any idea or suggestions on a major or career?

Answer 1

If you like writing and technical writing (and research)... think about becoming a grant writer. Many grant writers work for nonprofits, educational institutions and research institutions. (Some even work as independent contractors!)

Before you decide, go talk to a grant writer at your university/school (I know they have one... they ALL do! Check with the school's foundation or grant department.) Ask them about what they do, how they got their job, and what education or back ground they have.

I've listed a job description of a grant writer so you can get an idea of what they do.

Good luck!

Answer 2

It looks like you could go to law school. The first thing I would do is to have a great GPA (above 3.7) If you decide for law school you would do plenty of research. It is a great career, and if you are smart, and you make the right kind of contacts, you can make lots of money. Law school is very competitive to get in, and there are lots of more applicants (highly qualified) than there are spots. Probably 20 to 1, at least. Do not let that scare you. The LSAT (graduate test for law school) is a toughie. However, it can be done. You would need also lots of service to your community, and great recommendations. These are better if they come from lawyers or judges. Are you freaking out yet? I hope not. You could try to work as a paralegal in the meantime. it involves lots of research.
The other option, is to get a PhD in order to do research. Psychology is a good field. However, the money is not there.
Many researchers make good money but it just depends on the field. The hours are sometimes very odd. Well, I hope this helps.

Answer 3

Why don't you do what I am pursuing to do: become a School Psychologist! You have to have a Master's in School Psychology and you get to help little kids figure out their problems whether it be in school (not being able to pay attention) or at home problems (abuse, etc.). Since it is Psychology, you will be doing research (I like researching as well). One of my favorite parts is the work period. You have a regular 8 hour work day, weekends off, holidays off, Christmas Break, Spring Break, SUMMER BREAK!! In other words, you work the same days as teachers, only you get paid way more because you are a Psychologist! This way, you would have plenty of time to spend with your son and still have plenty of money. Just type in School Psychology in any search engine and you will get tons of info. I hope I helped! Good Luck with everything!

Answer 4

I don't see any spirtual in your life plan ; that;s a set up for failure b/c most jobs will suck the life out of you after a while; give yourself some good foundation and any job you do will be rewarding; I always tell my children, pick up the phone and call a company in the line of work and just ask them pros cons ; what they would do differently if they could; people always willing to give an opinion and help someone so they don't end up in the wrong boat if that is where they are; insight tip is always good; everything looks good on paper; such as doctor's offices, cheap with money, raises, benefits; lawyers the same etc

P.S I am a paralegal ; have to fight for pay, little reward other than your like for the law; health insurance you have to fight for it and most have to pay 80% towards ; no pension; 401k your money if you are lucky ; cheap with vacation time; sick time; they are there to make money and keep as much as possible ; few large law offices that money trickles downward; I am a paralegal and can give at least 20 or more who would say the same ; call law offices and ask to get inside view for your reference before you give up your time and effort; also some Attys are really jerks so look out ; hard to work in an environment where they think they are better than you. One person cleaned off an attys desk and got fired for it. Good Luck ; do your research now for your occupation for life

Answer 5

One possibility is journalism/communications...and working at a television/cable network in the news research area...helping/backing up the stories that the reporters, etc. are working on.

Person above makes a great point...working as a researcher/fact-checker at a magazine or newspaper might also be appealing to you. I'd imagine journalism/communications/english could work for you there...

Another possibility is legal...but perhaps not becoming an attorney, becoming a paralegal.

I'm not sure re: pay of either, but I figure the hours wouldn't be as taxing vs. becoming/working as a lawyer, etc.

Good luck! Sounds like you're on the right track and have some great goals for yourself and your child. Pass along your love of learning and commitment to work to him!

Answer 6

Look to what kind of papers you are writing for an answer. It seems like you would make a great technical writer, a copy editor, or a researcher. Keep your degree broad enough to cover any of the possibilities that interest you. My brother in law is a technical writer and has told me that most people in the field have degrees but are working outside of their degree field.

Answer 7

Become an Intelligence Analyst. If you have no outstanding criminal record, no drug use and are a US Citizen, it is a great career choice. The pay is VERY good.

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FBI Intelligence Analysts (IAs) piece together disparate bits of information to form integrated views on issues of national security and public safety. IAs are responsible for projects and activities within specifically defined geographical and/or functional areas (e.g., China, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Al Qaeda, etc.). In the course of their work, IAs make use of local and national intelligence information databases and review investigative/intelligence reports from FBI Special Agents as well as from other intelligence and law enforcement agencies. IAs also form and maintain extensive liaison with local, national, and international contacts within the intelligence and law enforcement communities. Based on these and other sources, IAs collect and evaluate all available information and prepare briefings, reports, and communications for senior FBI executives and other Intelligence Community and Law Enforcement entities. FBI Intelligence Analysts are based in FBI Headquarters and all 56 FBI Field Offices.

Answer 8

If you are looking for a career of interest, start asking those who are working in the field for a job shadow or work experience, as that can show you the day to day routines and help you deicide if you want to spend the years in school or just a certification in addition to your undergrad work. In law, you work wacky hours in some offices while in others they are very structured, depending on your position. If you are a lawyer, then you will be spending long hours doing paper work, but also in the office.
At your local community college, there might be classes through the human resource development type of departments that can help you choose a career. There are also websites that can help you decide according to your personality as well.
In every county in the US there is an Employment Security Commission, who can lead you to your local "one-stop" for employment training and career help. We call them Joblinks here in NC, but your ESC will know the location and local name.
The Career Key is the online quiz you can take, which many of our participants found helpful. When taking your son into consideration, also think about online classes and flex classes. For your MA degree it is easier if it is related to your undergrad, but not required for many programs.
I too love to do research and wish to base my career on research, but I found not many can create the wanted income for our standards. Two researchers I know live well, but not rich by all standards. Many researchers teach their field to gain income, so if that if your dream, also think about other types of income or grant funding to help suppliment it, as I am planning on teaching my field of CJ to fund and gain thesis grants to research the fields of interest.

Good luck and best of respect!

Answer 9

Okay, I know you don't like to write papers but, Anton Chekhov, was a doctor, he wrote a very wonderful short story called the Bet. I know you like writing research papers, but writing stories are kind of like that. They will be wonderful, because legal studies are one of your interest.