Personality, Politics, and Purpose: What Drives Satisfaction and Career Interest Across Majors?

• In Event: Exploring Student Attitudes Toward Policing, Punishment, and Career Pathways

Abstract

This study explores how personality traits, perceived stress, and political ideology relate to students’ satisfaction with their chosen major and interest in specific criminal justice (CJ) careers. Drawing on survey data from undergraduate and graduate students at a mid-sized university in the northeastern United States, the research compares students across academic disciplines to identify patterns in personality profiles and stress levels. Additionally, it examines whether political beliefs influence the selection of CJ majors and preferences for particular job types – such as law enforcement, policy, or victim services. By analyzing these underexplored dimensions, this study offers insight into the alignment between students’ personal characteristics, ideological values, and academic or career pathways. The findings have implications for advising, curriculum design, and recruitment into specialized CJ roles that match individual values and traits.

Author

• Maria Tcherni-Buzzeo, University of New Haven