I am a high school student heading into my Junior year. If anything is certain it’s this: I want to become a politician. I want power, I want money, and I want fame. Thing is though, there is no textbook guide to becoming one. Let me set another thing straight, I am not going into Political Science, and possibly, not going to attend Law School. In my undergrad year I’d like to take up a major that tests my intellect, as I am an all round student. I excel in everything from maths, to history, to science, to language arts, so it’s tough to say I have a specific interest. My main attention right now is to Chemical Engineering as I have family in the business and seems like a good way to support myself straight out of college. Thing is I’m not certain and it’s bothering me that I haven’t picked something yet. So, I take to the internet to ask, what should I do?
“You can’t get rich in politics unless you’re a crook.” - Harry S. Truman
Do you want political power because there’s things you want the ability to change, or for the joy of having power and celebrity as its own end? If it’s the latter, and working your way through years of lower level positions fighting for local issues under the radar seems like a chore, you’re very likely to find politics a relatively thankless (and probably not particularly lucrative) job.
It sounds like you need to separate the non-identical notions of “being a politician” (as in dedicating one’s life to the practice of shaping society through legislative means) and holding prominent political office. If you want the latter and not the former, your best bet might be to try to work your way into a mayoral position or something in a small city by establishing yourself as a long-term benefactor to that city (like, by doing serious non-profit work there that seriously helps build up the city, or starting some sort of very successful business that makes you a prominent figure, a la McAfee. If you want to do engineering, you might be able to get there by establishing a startup that somehow serves some crucial need for said city). From there, you could work your way into higher positions if you really wanted, by virtue of whatever you accomplished as mayor. However, if you’re successful enough to get to that position in the first place, you may well realize that sticking with whatever got you there serves you better than going through the decades-long grind of working up the political ladder.
nac7890, I want political power because I want the ability to change, I want to climb the ladder, I want to earn my positions through my influence and actions through my community. I don’t mind not getting rich in politics, but I do mind being set up correctly. I stated wanting to do chemical engineering because I have family in the industry, but that’s it, I have no interest otherwise. I can do anything as long as I can see it leading me to be a politician. Through another post, I might not want to do chemical because I don’t see it as an endgame, politics is my endgame, any suggestions?
There isn’t some map for success in politics, but an path often used is starting from business/finance. Get rich or successful in a field of business, get involved in local politics(make donations), make connections, and work your way up through your party.
Another option is to become a prominent lawyer. One who often argues cases for the Supreme Court.
ben69420, I will not pursue a major in business/finance. But I am open into getting into business by entrepreneurship. I have already stated that I am likely to not become a lawyer, as like business majors, is overly saturated, student debt is too high, and one needs massive luck to become successful.
Not trying to sound too rude or anything (not my intention) but can you please explain the logic more? If it is effectively too difficult to become a politician through law or business, wouldn’t chemical engineering make it even more difficult and require even more luck to break through?
@bopper I want the power so I can help people. I come from a third world country where everyone is bathing in shit everyday, while the corrupt leaders burn away any sign of hope for change. I want to become a big man so I can help them one day.
@MPC6789 The path probably will become harder but, you don’t need prerequisites to become a politician. Yes we have lawyers and business people, but they are far too overly represented in our government, what about the scientists and engineers, who represents them? Those who will build our future. I have better prospects as an engineer, who builds upon my community, and eventually transition to a political position. Why should I dump money on a major that is so populated and saturated when I can take my skills in math and science and apply them to a place where many haven’t gone. Reality is, I might not become a politician, but what do I fall back on? That is why I dare not to pick the traditional law or business major Mr. MPC, job security.
“I want power, I want money, and I want fame.” I think you want to reevaluate your reasons for wanting to be a politician if these are your primary goals for going into public service. You may find that you are greatly limited in your ability to achieve these things and it is a less glamorous job than you make it out to be
I understand what you are saying, but in an above post you claimed you had no interest to go into chemical engineering and are only doing it because a family member is in the field. I would not spend 4 years getting a degree in something you have no interest in, let alone spending the rest of your life in the field.
ChemE is hard even for people who have an interest. You’re going to feel like you’re working your butt off for no reason, and that doesn’t bode well for grades or quality of life while in college.