Frances
Is Gender and Women's Studies a course that can get me career opportunities right away?
I am currently a year 10 student who is very passionate about law (specifically how culture, tradition, and history has affected the modern legal system). I was thinking (actually my mom and I) of taking this course since my mom said that it was in demand, it suited my talents and skills, and it is a specific field in law. My concern is that I wouldn't be able to find a job after completion of the course and the only way I can study law is by supporting myself.
I have already checked on school websites that provide the course and the said job opportunities, however universities only say that because they provide the course and need students to take it. People who finish 'unique' courses rarely get jobs right away because other individuals are highly professional in those fields, leaving the newbies no hope (truth be told).
I am also aware that finding a job is not easy and everybody starts off from below, however if I'm going to end up that way until I reach the age of 30 (because of the course I took), I'd totally regret taking the course.
I am interested to know about any other pre-law suggestions. #law #career-education #women-in-law
3 answers
Royze Adolfo
Royze’s Answer
Hi Frances,
It's great that you're thinking about what educational choices will help you achieve your professional goals and get a job after you graduate. In University, I studied Legal Studies because I was interested in the formation and growth of modern legal systems based on changes in society and technology. I didn't just take legal classes. I made sure to introduce some interdisciplinary courses into my schedule, such as statistics, economics, and information technology courses. Doing so opened more doors for me.
Even if you major in Legal Studies or Law, or something else that is specific, be sure to strengthen your reading, written/oral communication, and analytical skills. These skills are transferrable and necessary in any role. If you can't get a legal role right after graduation, having these skills may potentially help you obtain a government or business role, among many others.
Furthermore, there are many different kinds of jobs in the Legal field. While in school, be sure to intern and work at different organizations and firms to build a network and to get an idea of what area of law might be of greater interest to you. Interning is also one way to build real-life experience outside of school and may help you get a job or find mentors who can advise on your future career path.
Best of luck!
Royze
Ramon Tabtiang
Ramon’s Answer
Hi Frances - You should take whichever courses interest you. However, no single course will ever make a career. It is really long-term effort, hard work, and dedication that will help, whatever your interests. As for law, any education that helps you analyze problems and help you communicate concisely and clearly will be helpful. Look for subjeccts that challenge you to analyze problems and write persuasively. Courses like this one, combined with history and government have great potential for this, but in fact math and science are also good training for law.
It's great that you are interested legal issues. Good luck!
Thank you, Ramon! I may consider science as a prerequisite to law as well.
Frances
Nora Naylor
Nora’s Answer
I agree with the other responses that classes which teach you to think analytically and dissect problems are good practice for law school. But in general I truly believe that you should take classes that interest you and give you a good well rounded education. This will help you understand and prepare for what you want to do next.