How to Stay Informed on Current Events
Stay Updated on Global and Social Issues By Doing Your Research
While every student should strive to stay updated on global issues, it’s particularly important for those interested in related fields like political science or public policy. Whether you’re in a degree program now or getting ready to apply to colleges that specialize in these fields, staying in the know is very important.
There have been a lot of changes and disruptions in society recently, which has motivated a lot of students to stay informed on current events and form opinions and actions based on their research. Keep reading to learn more about why it is so important to stay informed on global issues and how to make sure you’re in the know.
Carve Out Daily Reading Time
If you’re eager to learn more about current social and global issues, start by setting aside time each day to keep tabs on the news. Pencil in at least half an hour to monitor various news outlets and websites and read articles that outline current events. The best way to stay accountable is by building good habits, so aim to do your research around the same time each day so that it becomes part of your daily routine.
Diversify Your Sources
Making time for research is a great start, but it’s also important to be mindful of what you’re reading and where it is coming from. Instead of sticking to one news outlet, diversify your content by navigating to different websites and reading pieces by various reporters. Everyone has their own style and will offer their own unique takeaways, so the more you can read, the better. In addition to news articles, there are many different podcasts and video series about current events that can provide great insight as well.
Keep Tabs on Your Favorite Professors
Whether you’re already in a political science program or are hoping to apply to one, start to compile a list of professors whose work you admire within your field of study. Once you have a selection of names, keep a lookout for any news updates or relevant work they release. Search for blog content, op-eds, or research they have published. Consider following these professors on Linkedin or Twitter to see what kinds of news updates and articles they choose to highlight within their community of colleagues and industry professionals.
Start a Dialogue
As you do your research, look for friends with similar interests and passions to share notes with. Reach out to classmates to see if anyone is interested in creating an informal group to discuss current events and social justice issues. Whether it’s via email or weekly Zoom calls, building conversations around the current news cycle will help students diversify their perspectives and see different events from multiple vantage points.
Reflect and Refocus
Start your own journal to allow yourself to reflect on what you are learning, how you feel about it, and the questions you still have. At least once a week, aim to sit down and write an entry on your current opinions and the people and stories that have influenced your views. Putting a pen to paper is an excellent way to synthesize what you’ve learned and begin to arrive at your own takeaways. As you continue to research and discover more about these issues, come back to older journal entries to reflect on how your views have evolved.
Whether you’ve already declared your major or are simply dipping your toe in the field of political science, learning how to research and monitor global news is a crucial skill that will serve you well. If you’re looking for college programs that focus on this field, our team of admissions experts can help you identify your best-fit choices.
