Samidha Education Co., Ltd.

From Childhood Dreams to Diplomatic Realities

At nine years old, I dreamed of becoming a diplomat. By high school, that dream began taking shape.

In 9th grade, I interned at a California State Senator’s office, gaining my first glimpse into the world of public service. The following year, I represented San Francisco as an exchange student in Germany, broadening my global perspective. In 11th grade, I worked with the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, deepening my understanding of local governance. By 12th grade, I served as a Student Ambassador for the World Affairs Council, a California-based international relations organization, further fueling my passion for diplomacy and global engagement.

At Harvard, majoring in Political Science/International Relations felt inevitable. By 19, I was working alongside diplomats at the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou—a trajectory typical for American Political Science students. Many peers landed roles in the White House, government agencies, or election campaigns. But beyond these traditional paths, what opportunities exist for social sciences graduates?

What Are the Social Sciences?

In U.S. colleges, the Social Sciences encompass Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, and Economics. These fields equip students with critical thinking, research, and communication skills applicable to diverse careers.

Beyond Government: Unexpected Career Paths

Here are some unexpected yet rewarding career paths where a social sciences background can make a powerful impact:

1. Law & Advocacy
   Political Science majors thrive in law school, where debate and policy analysis skills shine. Many become attorneys, legal analysts, or human rights advocates.
2. Nonprofits & Think Tanks
   Sociology or Anthropology graduates often drive social change through roles at organizations like the Brookings Institution or Amnesty International, shaping policies on equity, education, or climate justice.
3. Journalism & Media
   Anthropology majors excel as investigative journalists (e.g., uncovering cultural trends for The New York Times), while Sociology graduates might analyze societal shifts for outlets like NPR.
4. Business & Market Research
   Psychology majors apply their understanding of human behavior to consumer research, UX design, or corporate training—e.g., modeling purchasing habits for a tech startup.
5. Public Relations & Corporate Strategy
   Social sciences graduates often pivot to PR, crisis management, or ESG (environmental, social, governance) roles, leveraging their knack for understanding people and systems.

The Power of Career Mobility

Unlike narrowly technical fields (e.g., Mechanical Engineering), the Social Sciences offer adaptable skills that transcend industries. For example:

• A Sociology major might start as a journalist, transition to corporate PR, and eventually lead community engagement programs for a Fortune 500 company.
• An Economics graduate could begin in market research, shift to policy analysis, and later advise startups on sustainable business practices.

This flexibility stems from training in data interpretation, ethical reasoning, and cross-cultural communication—skills valued in every sector.

A Note on Bias (and Why It Matters)

I’ll admit: I’m a passionate advocate for the Social Sciences. My career—from diplomacy to writing—has been shaped by this field. While technical majors offer clear career tracks, the Social Sciences teach you to navigate ambiguity, a skill critical in our rapidly changing world.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re drawn to policy making, storytelling, or corporate innovation, the Social Sciences offer a toolkit to reinvent yourself—repeatedly. Curiosity, not job titles, becomes your compass.