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What would you say is the most challenging part about attempting to pursue a career in law and criminal justice What makes it all worth it?
I'm currently wrapping up my junior year of high school, and am really trying to solidify what I want to do in college. Any words of advice and/or warning would be greatly appreciated.
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Andrea’s Answer
Hi Danielle,
I think one of the most challenging aspects of pursuing a career in law right now is the expense of getting through college and law school. It's a substantial investment. Unless you think you'll make it into a highly esteemed law school (e.g. Yale, Harvard), I'd suggest going to the least expensive college possible. (And by least expensive, I mean when you consider any scholarships and grants you may receive, not what the actual tuition posted on their website says.) Whether it's worth it is a deeply personal question. If you are passionate about advocating and would enjoy speaking in court (or at least can step outside of your comfort zone to do it), it will make it all worth it. I agree with Marc's answer about asking yourself all of the questions he mentioned. In the meantime, the good news is that you don't have to major in any particular subject to get into law school. Law schools value critical thinking, analytical skills, strong writing abilities, and a demonstrated capacity for rigorous academic work. So, pick a major that you can excel at; most majors help you to develop the skills mentioned above (e.g. English, political science, philosophy, economics, and even STEM fields.). Also, when you declare the majors mentioned, you may find that you're interested in a different career, so it gives you a lot of flexibility while you're in college. The law can be a demanding career, but also rewarding, especially if you're passionate about a certain area (such as criminal justice.)
Good luck!
I think one of the most challenging aspects of pursuing a career in law right now is the expense of getting through college and law school. It's a substantial investment. Unless you think you'll make it into a highly esteemed law school (e.g. Yale, Harvard), I'd suggest going to the least expensive college possible. (And by least expensive, I mean when you consider any scholarships and grants you may receive, not what the actual tuition posted on their website says.) Whether it's worth it is a deeply personal question. If you are passionate about advocating and would enjoy speaking in court (or at least can step outside of your comfort zone to do it), it will make it all worth it. I agree with Marc's answer about asking yourself all of the questions he mentioned. In the meantime, the good news is that you don't have to major in any particular subject to get into law school. Law schools value critical thinking, analytical skills, strong writing abilities, and a demonstrated capacity for rigorous academic work. So, pick a major that you can excel at; most majors help you to develop the skills mentioned above (e.g. English, political science, philosophy, economics, and even STEM fields.). Also, when you declare the majors mentioned, you may find that you're interested in a different career, so it gives you a lot of flexibility while you're in college. The law can be a demanding career, but also rewarding, especially if you're passionate about a certain area (such as criminal justice.)
Good luck!
Updated
Marc’s Answer
Hi Danielle,
Tough questions - I guess most of us have struggled with making the right choice re education (and other things..). Couple of questions to consider (without being complete) - just as a starter
- what makes you tick?
- which subjects do you like and which do trigger interest to do some more reading/searching etc.
- what are the career changes and what is the financial impact?
- what do your friends and family say - I assume they know you well enough to have a point of view.
- what are your teachers suggesting?
- is there an impact of techology (think of (gen)AI) on the potential future jobs that you could pursue with your education. Some jobs could be automated.
As said, just some starters to get the thinking going.
Best of luck with your journey.
Tough questions - I guess most of us have struggled with making the right choice re education (and other things..). Couple of questions to consider (without being complete) - just as a starter
- what makes you tick?
- which subjects do you like and which do trigger interest to do some more reading/searching etc.
- what are the career changes and what is the financial impact?
- what do your friends and family say - I assume they know you well enough to have a point of view.
- what are your teachers suggesting?
- is there an impact of techology (think of (gen)AI) on the potential future jobs that you could pursue with your education. Some jobs could be automated.
As said, just some starters to get the thinking going.
Best of luck with your journey.