Student Spotlight: Preeyal Parekh
Preeyal Parekh is a senior majoring in political science with minors in business law and sociology of law, criminology, and justice. Read the below Q&A to learn more about her and her experience as a political science student.
Where is your hometown?
Eden Prairie, MN.
Why did you choose to study political science?
I chose to study political science because it's the foundation of how the world operates. Politics shapes every system, from economics to law to global relations, and understanding it means understanding how decisions are made and power is distributed. To me, political science explains the way the world works and gives me the tools to engage with it more critically and effectively.
What has been your favorite POL course at the University of Minnesota?
POL 3875: Global Politics of Climate Change.
What advice would you give to prospective political science students?
My advice to prospective political science students is to stay curious and open-minded. Political science isn't just about government or elections; it's about understanding people, power, and the systems that shape our everyday lives. Engage deeply with current events, question assumptions, and connect what you learn in class to the real world. The more you see how politics influences everything around you, the more meaningful your education will become.
What do you hope to do after graduation? How has studying political science prepared you?
After graduation, I plan to go to law school and eventually pursue a career in corporate or international law. I've always been fascinated by how law connects business, policy, and global affairs, as well as how decisions in one country can shape economies and opportunities in another. Studying political science has given me a deeper understanding of those relationships and helped me see the bigger picture behind how systems of power and governance work. It's also taught me to think critically, communicate clearly, and stay curious. These are qualities I know will guide me in both law school and my career.
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