<p>I have switched majors about a thousand times! I am about to go insane! You may remember my earlier post, in which I talked about majoring in Political Science and Psychology. Well now, I am thinking about doing something else. I recently enrolled into a intro paralegal course, and I was thinking about getting a B.S. in Political Science with a concentration in Paralegal Studies. I was frightened by all the stories I hear of honor college grads living in homeless shelters in my hometown and I figured that my "paralegal" skills could at least, land me a job immediately after graduation. Now, I am hearing from recent paralegals that this is not the case. There are paralegals who have graduated from certificate programs in Paralegal studies for four years and still have yet to find a job. I asked one paralegal if having a B.S. in Paralegal Studies gives an applicant an advantage over associate degree/certificate programs, and the paralegal said that it doesn't matter unless you have some hands-on experience.
Now the program in which I am enrolled requires 140 hours of supervised paralegal work under a attorney... so I think I will be in good shape in that regard. I know geographical location matters also. I used yahoo's salary calculator and it said that I could expect to make $38,000 without any experience in the Louisville, KY area. I honestly don't know whether I should pursue this particular degree and take 30+ hours in paralegal studies or just go with a traditional B.A. or B.S. with a concentration in Law/Public Policy.
I am also thinking about making a career of being a paralegal and eventually branching out and creating my own Paralegal business. I also want to be a journalist, political consultant, and I don't know if these jobs or activities are forbidden by the code of ethics paralegals have to abide by. </p>
<p>I know that the highest paying jobs go to those with graduate degrees, but I don't want to starve while attending grad school. What would be the best alternative for me?</p>