<p>Hello,</p>
<p>I finished my first semester in college and I start my major classes this fall. I just have a few concerns. First off, my major is political science. I've been told multiple times that with that degree i'll be "serving hamburgers" and "waiting tables" because it will be hard getting a job as a lawyer with that degree. Is that true? I've wanted to be a lawyer for the longest time, but if the economy is trash and I it will be hard for me to find a job right off the bat, I might as well pursue another degree. My second option is medical school to get a PhD in chemistry to be a surgeon. Is political science a degree that's worth going for? Or will I have a hard time finding a job as a lawyer?</p>
<p>@Granata, I think you’d profit by doing some reading about advanced degrees and the legal hiring process. One goes to medical school for an MD, not for a PhD in chemistry; one does not need a PhD to become a surgeon (in fact, it would be hard to find people who take that particular path).</p>
<p>Your undergrad major is not going to be the determining factor in your success after law school. Certain STEM and business majors might be of assistance, depending on the particular legal field you want to pursue, but political science is a time-tested major for lawyers who land good jobs in law.</p>
<p>As has been stated here and elsewhere many times: as an undergrad, get a strong GPA in a field that interests you. Find meaningful internships or jobs during college, and think about working for a couple of years before applying to law school. Spend time prepping for the LSAT and keep at it until you have a score that will admit you to a top 14 or strong regional law school, ideally with a scholarship. Work hard in law school, especially your first year, because those grades will pretty much dictate your hiring options. Familiarize yourself with the on-campus recruiting and hiring programs at the law schools you’re considering. The OCI process, held during the beginning of your 2L year, is complex and important - each school should spell it out on their website. </p>