Ideas on what I want to do career-wise (advice, please!)

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Descartes
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29 Mar 2012, 2:47 pm

I think I want my career to involve a lot of social activism. Specifically, I want to focus on LGBT and women's rights. My current plan is to major in Anthropology and/or Sociology, and maybe obtain a Master's in Social Work. I'd also need to build my resume by volunteering at local organizations that deal with social/political rights. I know that there's a Lambda Legal (gay rights law firm) chapter in Dallas, although the commute would be difficult since I can't drive. I also understand that there is an internship opportunity from Lambda Legal which involves journalistic pursuits, only it's in New York City, and I'd need one hell of a good financial plan if I ever want to land such an internship. It's also crossed my mind to maybe do some volunteering or internships with Planned Parenthood, but that's more of a back-up plan.

Some other ideas, career-wise, within the realm of social work are to do HIV/AIDS screenings, as well as sexual health advocacy. I'm not talking about permanently, but maybe do that for some amount of time for personal enrichment and resume building. Also, if I became a social worker, perhaps I could do that and do some kind of counseling work, maybe in school settings.

Another idea I'm currently entertaining is perhaps teaching English in Japan after I obtain my undergrad degree. I'd like to do it for personal enrichment, and to build my resume.

I hope this doesn't sound too convoluted. :roll:


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psychegots
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29 Mar 2012, 3:12 pm

Descartes wrote:
Anthropology and/or Sociology,


I get wanting to study something your interested in but job-wise you could probably just use the money on drugs and a nice car and drive around high for 3 years and you will be about equally south after by employers.



AardvarkGoodSwimmer
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29 Mar 2012, 3:27 pm

I compliment you on your plans to help make the world a better place. :D And I support the right of persons to live their authentic lives. And furthermore, I think brave persons within the LGBT community help create more space for all of us, including those of us on the Asperger's-Autism Spectrum.

On health issues, I have participated some in wikipedia, mainly in summarizing and referencing WHO references. And it's like picking up diamonds off the ground. Most people on wikipedia seem primarily interested in word-smithing and in duplicating corporate communication. Very few participants seem to have the patience to do the hard work of research.

Here in Houston on Pacifica Radio, I've listened to a show called "This Way Out" which reviews news items relevant to the LGBT community. And it seems excellent. But there's no reason they need to be a voice in the wildness. If other people did other and similar news shows, whether online or radio, I think it would make for a far richer situation.

I'm sure you know that some social service agencies are bureaucratic. I mean, I'm not telling you anything you don't know. And I guess the general strategy is to add skill sets to your repertoire to negotiate through a medium bureaucratic organization. Or, if it's too bureaucratic, how to move sideways, extricate yourself, and find a better job.