Student Spotlight: Jinhyoung Bang

Jinhyoung Bang is a junior majoring in political science with a minor in history. Read her Student Spotlight Q&A to learn more about her and her experiences as a political science student.

What is your hometown?

Minnetonka, MN.

Why did you choose to major in political science?

I was always very interested in social science courses during high school, like AP US History, and I had the opportunity to take a dual enrollment political science course which only cemented my desire to major in political science! I love how we get to connect everything we learn about in class to real world events that occur in domestic and foreign politics. I think politics is an issue that everyone should be versed in, as its events impact everyone in all sorts of ways.

What has been your favorite political science course at UMN?

I really enjoyed POL 3308: Congressional Politics and Institutions, POL 3309: US Supreme Court Decision-Making, Process, and Politics, and POL 4891: The Politics of Nuclear Weapons.

How are you involved on campus?

I recently finished my term as the Secretary of our Undergraduate Mock Trial team, I work at the University’s Student Legal Service, and I am on the CLA Student Board!

What is your favorite part of the political science department?

I really enjoy how there are so many opportunities for students to take advantage of, from scholarships, research fellowships, to student organizations that allow political science students to connect with each other and become more involved in the department.

What do you hope to do after graduation? How has studying political science prepared you?

After graduation, I’d like to gain some experience working in Washington, D.C., whether that’s through work on the Hill or with a nonprofit while I study for the LSAT. I’d like to eventually go to law school to work in government as a federal prosecutor and a federal judge!

What advice would you give to prospective political science students?

Take advantage of the opportunities the department gives you and connect with your professors! It’s very daunting, but those connections will help you when you need letters of recommendation and references for internships or jobs.

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