14 answers
Kailynn
Student
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
1
Question
Asked
830 views
What should I do Is law school really worth it for my future? ?
Hi everyone! I hope all is well with you. My name is Kailynn, and I am currently an undergraduate student interested in attending graduate school. However, I am deeply debating whether I should attend law school (a dual degree program to also complete my master's) or just pursue a master's degree. I am interested in programs such as Public Health, Business/Public Administration, and Environmental Management. My goal is to work in global or corporate sustainability, and eventually, I want to open my own firm. :)
I love law and have always been interested in it. However, in terms of practicing and having to take the bar, that's something I don't really want to do. I know the experience can be very favorable, but I also have real test anxiety with taking the LSAT.
Any advice and guidance would be greatly appreciated!
14 answers
Rosanne M. C. Smythe
Tax Attorney
1
Answer
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Rosanne M. C.’s Answer
Hi Kailynn, Here are a few thoughts.
- A JD/Masters program is typically a 4 or 5 year program. I have many friends who "survived" a JD/MBA program, but they were rather burnt out upon finishing. The length of program and cost may help direct you as you look at programs and degree type.
- If you are interested in Public Health, I would highly recommend you look at the Emory University School of Public Health for a masters degree. A masters degree of that type could open up other career opportunities (e.g., at the CDC).
- I am practicing law as an in-house tax attorney. I greatly enjoy my work in-house as it provides stable income, hours, vacation, sick days, etc. If you open your own law firm, you will be operating as an entrepreneur - which can be a great thing depending on your personal goals and personality. You may want to think about whether or not you want to operate your own business (which is, fundamentally, what a sole practitioner practice is) and if your talents lie in that area.
I wish you the best of luck in whatever path you choose!
Rosanne
- A JD/Masters program is typically a 4 or 5 year program. I have many friends who "survived" a JD/MBA program, but they were rather burnt out upon finishing. The length of program and cost may help direct you as you look at programs and degree type.
- If you are interested in Public Health, I would highly recommend you look at the Emory University School of Public Health for a masters degree. A masters degree of that type could open up other career opportunities (e.g., at the CDC).
- I am practicing law as an in-house tax attorney. I greatly enjoy my work in-house as it provides stable income, hours, vacation, sick days, etc. If you open your own law firm, you will be operating as an entrepreneur - which can be a great thing depending on your personal goals and personality. You may want to think about whether or not you want to operate your own business (which is, fundamentally, what a sole practitioner practice is) and if your talents lie in that area.
I wish you the best of luck in whatever path you choose!
Rosanne
Thank you for sharing your perspective. I love this response and feedback - I definitely am thinking I want to open up my own firm eventually so yes I will definitely keep this in mind. I also agree about the dual degree program, I am also going to apply to Master programs separately.
Kailynn
DENNIS BREEN
Lawyer
147
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Hi Kailynn: Is it worth it??? Always the question. Can you make a lot of money - sure if that's your goal.However in Public Health and Enviromental management I doubt you'll get rich. However, you will be ahead of the rest of your crew if you know the law! Law is what you do with it. I love it. Been trying cases for over 40 years. Te key is - liking what you do. You sound like you have a good head on your shoulders so just trust your gut and all will be fine!
Thank you so much Mr. Dennis! I appreciate the advice and compliment. I will continue to trust my gut :)
Kailynn
Jessica Brandt
Learning and Development Manager for Sustainability
4
Answers
Olympia, Washington
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hello Kailynn! I've been fortunate enough to carve out a career in the fascinating world of sustainability, straddling both the public and private sectors. My journey began with a solid foundation in science, which I then built upon with a graduate degree in environmental law and policy. This educational path was a powerful key, unlocking countless opportunities in this dynamic field. While I did get a glimpse into the legal side of things, my focus was primarily on policy and advocacy.
If you find yourself drawn towards corporate sustainability, I would highly recommend considering a foray into accounting. While it may initially seem mundane to some, it's actually a field brimming with potential and is currently a hotbed of opportunity. The intersection of accounting with non-financial knowledge can lead to some truly intriguing work. Wishing you all the best on your journey!
If you find yourself drawn towards corporate sustainability, I would highly recommend considering a foray into accounting. While it may initially seem mundane to some, it's actually a field brimming with potential and is currently a hotbed of opportunity. The intersection of accounting with non-financial knowledge can lead to some truly intriguing work. Wishing you all the best on your journey!
Hi Jessica, thank you so much for this insight! My mom actually works in accounting/finance so she always echos the same thing. I am also so happy to hear that you have been able to carve out a career in the fascinating world of sustainability! Makes me so happy to hear and see representation :)
Kailynn
Colberte Proctor
Contract Manager
4
Answers
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Updated
Colberte’s Answer
First, congrats on your educational journey and making it this far! Don't forget that not everyone makes it this far. I would say that you would really have to consider the return on investment career wise as far as your specific career path. Given your interest in as Public Health, Business/Public Administration, etc., you will have to narrow down exactly what you want to do in those areas. You do not necessarily need a law degree to find a job in those fields. Post graduate degrees are a big investment and you will be able to get a job with that secondary degree no matter which path you choose, but if you do not intend to practice law, you may want to consider a master's in public health. There are some amazing programs across the country.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Jaiana Casanova
Consultant | Anti-Money Laundering Consulting
3
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Jaiana’s Answer
Hello Kailynn,
Law School can be a great investment and a very intellectually gratifying experience, however, as others pointed out, there are a few things to take into account as you consider your options. In my opinion, the main focus should be on what exactly you want to do with a law degree and whether your field of interest will allow you to cover the high costs associated with law school. While in law school you may discover many areas that you were not aware of (happened to me and I ultimately did something completely different), but is it very important to start with a good sense of what you want to focus on.
I hope this helps! best of luck
Law School can be a great investment and a very intellectually gratifying experience, however, as others pointed out, there are a few things to take into account as you consider your options. In my opinion, the main focus should be on what exactly you want to do with a law degree and whether your field of interest will allow you to cover the high costs associated with law school. While in law school you may discover many areas that you were not aware of (happened to me and I ultimately did something completely different), but is it very important to start with a good sense of what you want to focus on.
I hope this helps! best of luck
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1733
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Why not consider a Masters Degree in Legal Studies instead? Or a dual masters?
https://law.tulane.edu/academics/llm
http://mycatalog.txstate.edu/graduate/liberal-arts/political-science/legal-studies-ma/coursestext
A solid foundation in the law can be helpful. This option might work better for you since you don't want to go into practice.
That being said, test anxiety is real, and you are going to have to meet it head-on. There are lots of tests in your future! If this is one of the primary reasons you don't want to be a lawyer, I'd encourage you to go ahead and go for it! You may need to work with a counselor to address test anxiety. Don't let it deter you from what you want to do!
Kim
https://law.tulane.edu/academics/llm
http://mycatalog.txstate.edu/graduate/liberal-arts/political-science/legal-studies-ma/coursestext
A solid foundation in the law can be helpful. This option might work better for you since you don't want to go into practice.
That being said, test anxiety is real, and you are going to have to meet it head-on. There are lots of tests in your future! If this is one of the primary reasons you don't want to be a lawyer, I'd encourage you to go ahead and go for it! You may need to work with a counselor to address test anxiety. Don't let it deter you from what you want to do!
Kim
I love this answer it's really reassuring! Thank you so much - this really means alot and I appreciate the positive words and resources. :)
Kailynn
It is important to note that a masters in legal studies is best suited for those who want to pursue academia as a career as it will likely not result in jobs in law, as jobs in law are usually for JD.s (however it could be helpful but not cost effective if you're interested in becoming a paralegal). Additionally, LLMs are generally degrees that you attain when you already hold a JD.
Michael L.
Scott McClelland
Attorney
1
Answer
Rockville Centre, New York
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Hi Kailynn,
There are so many opportunities in the areas that interest you, which is fantastic. In terms of an advanced degree, how you spend your time, efforts, and $$$$ is a big decision. One way to home in on what you really want to do while at the same time gain practical experience - and earn money - is seek a position in this field that requires only an undergraduate degree. This could have many benefits. First, you can get a better sense of what you are most passionate about (as your area of interest is still relatively broad). That information could give you greater confidence in making your decision. It also could look great on an application for an advanced degree -- law or otherwise. Lastly, if the financial commitment is something that concerns you, I would highly recommend targeting employers that have programs that fund additional education for their employees. While earning an advance degree at night isn't for everyone, it can be very attractive financially (you continue to earn a salary and your employer defrays the cost of your education) and it enables you to continue to develop as a professional in your current job. Also, night school is extremely rewarding as you are among other bright students who are mostly working professionals with real-world experience, which can really enhance the experience. (And because many are juggling a job and school, it can be less cutthroat, at least that was my experience). Hope this helps. Best of luck.
There are so many opportunities in the areas that interest you, which is fantastic. In terms of an advanced degree, how you spend your time, efforts, and $$$$ is a big decision. One way to home in on what you really want to do while at the same time gain practical experience - and earn money - is seek a position in this field that requires only an undergraduate degree. This could have many benefits. First, you can get a better sense of what you are most passionate about (as your area of interest is still relatively broad). That information could give you greater confidence in making your decision. It also could look great on an application for an advanced degree -- law or otherwise. Lastly, if the financial commitment is something that concerns you, I would highly recommend targeting employers that have programs that fund additional education for their employees. While earning an advance degree at night isn't for everyone, it can be very attractive financially (you continue to earn a salary and your employer defrays the cost of your education) and it enables you to continue to develop as a professional in your current job. Also, night school is extremely rewarding as you are among other bright students who are mostly working professionals with real-world experience, which can really enhance the experience. (And because many are juggling a job and school, it can be less cutthroat, at least that was my experience). Hope this helps. Best of luck.
Adeniyi Akinjogbin
ESG Professional
4
Answers
Franklin, Tennessee
Updated
Adeniyi’s Answer
Hi Kailynn,
Well done on all you have accomplished and I wish you the best in the future. I will give you an example of my sister, who has a degree in Law and went to Law school but is a practising Human Resources professional. After her 3rd year studying a BSc in Law, she was so sure she did not want to practice law. However, we were able to advise her that after studying for 5 years, having a Law school degree is also worth it, which she did then went on to get a master's in Human Resources management. She has risen significantly through the ranks based on the fact that she went to law school because she can merge human resources and law in her career. My take would be for you to go to law school and then venture into any other field you so desire. You have mentioned Environmental Management among the fields you are interested in. Environmental Law is a very large and thriving sector, which people like you who have not only a passion for the legal aspects but also would have knowledge of the environmental side of things.
I understand your thoughts on test anxiety, but you won't overcome it if you do not challenge it head-on. I wish you the best in what you finally choose to do and hope to see you at the top.
Well done on all you have accomplished and I wish you the best in the future. I will give you an example of my sister, who has a degree in Law and went to Law school but is a practising Human Resources professional. After her 3rd year studying a BSc in Law, she was so sure she did not want to practice law. However, we were able to advise her that after studying for 5 years, having a Law school degree is also worth it, which she did then went on to get a master's in Human Resources management. She has risen significantly through the ranks based on the fact that she went to law school because she can merge human resources and law in her career. My take would be for you to go to law school and then venture into any other field you so desire. You have mentioned Environmental Management among the fields you are interested in. Environmental Law is a very large and thriving sector, which people like you who have not only a passion for the legal aspects but also would have knowledge of the environmental side of things.
I understand your thoughts on test anxiety, but you won't overcome it if you do not challenge it head-on. I wish you the best in what you finally choose to do and hope to see you at the top.
Adeniyi Akinjogbin
ESG Professional
4
Answers
Franklin, Tennessee
Updated
Adeniyi’s Answer
Hey Kailynn,
Kudos to you for all the amazing things you've achieved so far! I'm excited to see where your journey takes you next. Let me share a story about my sister, who might inspire you. She studied Law and even attended Law school, but she's now thriving in Human Resources. After her third year of Law studies, she realized that she didn't want to practice law. But we encouraged her to finish her degree, assuring her that it would be beneficial in the long run. And it was! She eventually pursued a master's degree in Human Resources management and has climbed the ladder swiftly, thanks to her unique ability to blend her knowledge of law and human resources in her work.
I believe you could have a similar journey. You've mentioned an interest in Environmental Management. Why not consider going to law school and then branching out into this field? Environmental Law is a booming sector, and your passion for both legal and environmental aspects could make you a perfect fit.
I know you're worried about test anxiety, but remember, facing our fears is the first step to conquering them. I'm rooting for you, no matter what path you choose, and I can't wait to see you rise to the top. Keep going, you've got this!
Kudos to you for all the amazing things you've achieved so far! I'm excited to see where your journey takes you next. Let me share a story about my sister, who might inspire you. She studied Law and even attended Law school, but she's now thriving in Human Resources. After her third year of Law studies, she realized that she didn't want to practice law. But we encouraged her to finish her degree, assuring her that it would be beneficial in the long run. And it was! She eventually pursued a master's degree in Human Resources management and has climbed the ladder swiftly, thanks to her unique ability to blend her knowledge of law and human resources in her work.
I believe you could have a similar journey. You've mentioned an interest in Environmental Management. Why not consider going to law school and then branching out into this field? Environmental Law is a booming sector, and your passion for both legal and environmental aspects could make you a perfect fit.
I know you're worried about test anxiety, but remember, facing our fears is the first step to conquering them. I'm rooting for you, no matter what path you choose, and I can't wait to see you rise to the top. Keep going, you've got this!
Mary Lentowski
Attorney
5
Answers
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Updated
Mary’s Answer
Hello Kailynn,
Your question is one that many people struggle with! I hold a JD/MBA, a 4-year course, as opposed to the customary 3-year law school program. Unlike you, I was certain about attending law school and included the MBA later, after committing to a JD. I'm confident other respondents have touched on this, but regrettably, one of the initial factors to consider should be the program's cost. This includes not only tuition and living expenses, but also the potential earnings and experience you might lose in your chosen field while studying law. If you can finish an MPH part-time or in a year compared to three or four years for a JD/MPH, that's a substantial loss in experience and income. Repaying potentially hefty student loans can be stressful, and you might find yourself stuck in a high-paying job that isn't in your preferred field for a while after graduation. I went through this, and while it was nerve-wracking, it paved the way for me to be in a career that I now enjoy and aligns with my interests.
However, cost shouldn't necessairly be your sole consideration. Law school mandates learning about various law aspects (torts, contracts, property, constitutional law) that might not be relevant to your ultimate career path. Would you find learning about these topics interesting and valuable? If not, and you're more interested in the law aspects directly related to your public health goals, you might want to consider programs where you can enroll in pertinent law school classes for credit as part of your MPH program. Many schools provide this opportunity.
Your question is one that many people struggle with! I hold a JD/MBA, a 4-year course, as opposed to the customary 3-year law school program. Unlike you, I was certain about attending law school and included the MBA later, after committing to a JD. I'm confident other respondents have touched on this, but regrettably, one of the initial factors to consider should be the program's cost. This includes not only tuition and living expenses, but also the potential earnings and experience you might lose in your chosen field while studying law. If you can finish an MPH part-time or in a year compared to three or four years for a JD/MPH, that's a substantial loss in experience and income. Repaying potentially hefty student loans can be stressful, and you might find yourself stuck in a high-paying job that isn't in your preferred field for a while after graduation. I went through this, and while it was nerve-wracking, it paved the way for me to be in a career that I now enjoy and aligns with my interests.
However, cost shouldn't necessairly be your sole consideration. Law school mandates learning about various law aspects (torts, contracts, property, constitutional law) that might not be relevant to your ultimate career path. Would you find learning about these topics interesting and valuable? If not, and you're more interested in the law aspects directly related to your public health goals, you might want to consider programs where you can enroll in pertinent law school classes for credit as part of your MPH program. Many schools provide this opportunity.
Patrick Binder
Consultant
4
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Hi Kailynn -
Hope you're doing well! I am going to try to answer this question as someone who long debated going to law school right after undergrad, but ended up not going. A couple questions I always asked myself:
1. What am I trying to accomplish in my career?
2. Will not having a JD prevent me from accomplishing what I want in my career?
In my current career, I work in Consulting. I utilize my love for reading and writing to better understand and communicate about the technology I'm working on. I am able to sustain those passions in my job. I realized after a couple years that I didn't need to go to law school to do what I wanted in my current career. I'd recommend you talk to folks in the career space you want to pursue. You can look people up on a website like LinkedIn and reach out to them to see if they'd be willing to chat for 30 minutes, and ask them if they feel like a JD is necessary in their career. That could help guide your decision to do a JD.
Wishing you all the best in grad school and your future firm!
Hope you're doing well! I am going to try to answer this question as someone who long debated going to law school right after undergrad, but ended up not going. A couple questions I always asked myself:
1. What am I trying to accomplish in my career?
2. Will not having a JD prevent me from accomplishing what I want in my career?
In my current career, I work in Consulting. I utilize my love for reading and writing to better understand and communicate about the technology I'm working on. I am able to sustain those passions in my job. I realized after a couple years that I didn't need to go to law school to do what I wanted in my current career. I'd recommend you talk to folks in the career space you want to pursue. You can look people up on a website like LinkedIn and reach out to them to see if they'd be willing to chat for 30 minutes, and ask them if they feel like a JD is necessary in their career. That could help guide your decision to do a JD.
Wishing you all the best in grad school and your future firm!
Alexander Chang
Consultant
2
Answers
Bethesda, Maryland
Updated
Alexander’s Answer
I actually graduated from the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory and now am working in corporate sustainability.
I would say the biggest benefit of my time in a Masters of Public Health program was actually sharpening my quantitative skill set. A lot of corporate sustainability boils down to a set of numbers. What is the impact of my decarbonization programs and will it affect my profits. The parrallel here is that public health and epidemiology in particular utilizes mathematics surrounding probablistic outcomes (Ex. Does diet increase the chance of stroke? ) and I find myself utilizing that principal quite often ( Ex. Does transitioning to an EV fleet decrease my chance of making net zero emissions?).
When it comes to law, it's a big investment. So like others who have answered before me, you'd likely want to establish a clear vision as to the practical applications of that knowledge base. When it comes to sustainability, a lot of companies typically want to know what is the blowback or benefit of environmental claims (Ex. We will reach net zero landfill waste by 2050) or how they are at risk of potential policy implications.
Ultimately, as a numbers guy, I would center my decision making on your finances. Personally, I'm a big believer of "you don't know until you know", meaning I didn't know didly squat about the industry until I actually started working in it. If you're in a good place financially, I wouldn't sweat the details too much and just launch yourself into something. If there's some risk invovled, I would take a hard look at what skills you can obtain with each degree, and how much it will cost you.
Typically what I find useful is taking a look at job postings as a starting point. What is the role I find interesting? What are the skills I need to obtain that role? Then compare and contrast if you feel the curriculum of each educational pathway aligns with that.
Good Luck.
I would say the biggest benefit of my time in a Masters of Public Health program was actually sharpening my quantitative skill set. A lot of corporate sustainability boils down to a set of numbers. What is the impact of my decarbonization programs and will it affect my profits. The parrallel here is that public health and epidemiology in particular utilizes mathematics surrounding probablistic outcomes (Ex. Does diet increase the chance of stroke? ) and I find myself utilizing that principal quite often ( Ex. Does transitioning to an EV fleet decrease my chance of making net zero emissions?).
When it comes to law, it's a big investment. So like others who have answered before me, you'd likely want to establish a clear vision as to the practical applications of that knowledge base. When it comes to sustainability, a lot of companies typically want to know what is the blowback or benefit of environmental claims (Ex. We will reach net zero landfill waste by 2050) or how they are at risk of potential policy implications.
Ultimately, as a numbers guy, I would center my decision making on your finances. Personally, I'm a big believer of "you don't know until you know", meaning I didn't know didly squat about the industry until I actually started working in it. If you're in a good place financially, I wouldn't sweat the details too much and just launch yourself into something. If there's some risk invovled, I would take a hard look at what skills you can obtain with each degree, and how much it will cost you.
Typically what I find useful is taking a look at job postings as a starting point. What is the role I find interesting? What are the skills I need to obtain that role? Then compare and contrast if you feel the curriculum of each educational pathway aligns with that.
Good Luck.
Tamsin Yap
Consulting
4
Answers
Clifton, New Jersey
Updated
Tamsin’s Answer
Hello Kailynn! I trust you're doing well. The question, "Is Law School worth it?" is one I, as a practicing attorney, ponder often.
1. Law School comes with a hefty price tag. If you're considering joining a law firm, which could be the simplest and potentially quickest way to recover your educational costs, it's important to note that this path demands long working hours as you climb the professional ladder.
2. If you're committed to the legal profession, overcoming test anxiety is crucial. One effective strategy is to take numerous practice tests. You might find enrolling in an LSAT review class beneficial, as they offer tips to manage anxiety. However, bear in mind that after the LSAT, you'll still have to pass the Bar exam to become a licensed attorney. Therefore, mastering your test anxiety is essential if you choose to pursue law.
1. Law School comes with a hefty price tag. If you're considering joining a law firm, which could be the simplest and potentially quickest way to recover your educational costs, it's important to note that this path demands long working hours as you climb the professional ladder.
2. If you're committed to the legal profession, overcoming test anxiety is crucial. One effective strategy is to take numerous practice tests. You might find enrolling in an LSAT review class beneficial, as they offer tips to manage anxiety. However, bear in mind that after the LSAT, you'll still have to pass the Bar exam to become a licensed attorney. Therefore, mastering your test anxiety is essential if you choose to pursue law.
John Habib
Contract Management
1
Answer
West Palm Beach, Florida
Updated
John’s Answer
What I wish I had done when I was choosing my education path was to first search for a career through various career search means (directly on company or firm websites, through LinkedIn, etc.), and then learn more about what the job qualifications are for that type of role, and then ask around and research what a person in that type of job actually does, and how prevalent those types of jobs are. THEN I would figure out how to set a path to build the right educational and experience building blocks to land that type of role eventually.
Here is how my career ended up, not using the advice above, but instead using the typical approach of looking at the degree, then seeing what jobs are out there. I finished my undergraduate college career with a language major. I tried to also take pre-med courses but I didn't do well in them, and didn't have a passion for it. So instead of taking the medical career path that I thought I would, as so many in my community did, I knew I needed to get some sort of post-graduate degree, and so I chose law school. I didn't know what kind of job I would end up with, but law seemed like a reasonably good option, and it felt easy enough to pursue and "get in" somewhere. When I finished law school, I found myself looking for a career, searching career sites, and trying to land a role that I would be happy with. (THIS STEP SHOULD SOUND FAMILIAR because this is where I recommended you START. But that's not what I did. So what happened to me?) I ended up realizing my career options were very limited. I didn't know that big law firms that pay the big bucks wanted you to graduate from the top of the top schools in the nation. I didn't know that most lawyers don't get paid a lot of money, but instead they start somewhere far from that. I didn't know I had a very limited scope of jobs available to me that I might end up enjoying. The role I found most appealing that I was qualified for was a public defender. Don't get me wrong--the job was very fulfilling in many ways. However, being paid around 30k a year was difficult to manage. I jumped from criminal defense to prosecution, which was a nice change, but ultimately left the legal field when an opportunity came up to join the corporate/business world.
Then my eyes opened up. I had never heard of so many of the roles in the business world that I had suddenly become aware of. Procurement? Sourcing? What is that? I served in those types of roles for nearly the rest of my career after leaving the legal world, and I didn't even need a law degree to find that type of job. After 7 years in the criminal defense and prosecution world, I finally began thriving financially and really enjoyed working in the corporate world in these roles I didn't know existed before.
Going back in time, I wished I had STARTED with the JOB SEARCH process. Then learned about the jobs I found interesting. Then understand the qualifications they were looking for. Then figure out how to build those qualifications, from education and afterward. THEN I would select my education and experience path, to add the right things on my resume so that I would be marketable for those roles eventually. Instead, I bounced around until I could find a career I wanted to make a home in. I am thankful where I am today, working in contract management (which is a role that takes my legal experience, and procurement experience, and gives me an opportunity to take those experiences in advising on contracts for my business internal clients). I'm grateful where I ended up, but I feel I would have a better, more efficient, easier and clearer journey if I had the end in mind FIRST, to help direct the means.
Here is how my career ended up, not using the advice above, but instead using the typical approach of looking at the degree, then seeing what jobs are out there. I finished my undergraduate college career with a language major. I tried to also take pre-med courses but I didn't do well in them, and didn't have a passion for it. So instead of taking the medical career path that I thought I would, as so many in my community did, I knew I needed to get some sort of post-graduate degree, and so I chose law school. I didn't know what kind of job I would end up with, but law seemed like a reasonably good option, and it felt easy enough to pursue and "get in" somewhere. When I finished law school, I found myself looking for a career, searching career sites, and trying to land a role that I would be happy with. (THIS STEP SHOULD SOUND FAMILIAR because this is where I recommended you START. But that's not what I did. So what happened to me?) I ended up realizing my career options were very limited. I didn't know that big law firms that pay the big bucks wanted you to graduate from the top of the top schools in the nation. I didn't know that most lawyers don't get paid a lot of money, but instead they start somewhere far from that. I didn't know I had a very limited scope of jobs available to me that I might end up enjoying. The role I found most appealing that I was qualified for was a public defender. Don't get me wrong--the job was very fulfilling in many ways. However, being paid around 30k a year was difficult to manage. I jumped from criminal defense to prosecution, which was a nice change, but ultimately left the legal field when an opportunity came up to join the corporate/business world.
Then my eyes opened up. I had never heard of so many of the roles in the business world that I had suddenly become aware of. Procurement? Sourcing? What is that? I served in those types of roles for nearly the rest of my career after leaving the legal world, and I didn't even need a law degree to find that type of job. After 7 years in the criminal defense and prosecution world, I finally began thriving financially and really enjoyed working in the corporate world in these roles I didn't know existed before.
Going back in time, I wished I had STARTED with the JOB SEARCH process. Then learned about the jobs I found interesting. Then understand the qualifications they were looking for. Then figure out how to build those qualifications, from education and afterward. THEN I would select my education and experience path, to add the right things on my resume so that I would be marketable for those roles eventually. Instead, I bounced around until I could find a career I wanted to make a home in. I am thankful where I am today, working in contract management (which is a role that takes my legal experience, and procurement experience, and gives me an opportunity to take those experiences in advising on contracts for my business internal clients). I'm grateful where I ended up, but I feel I would have a better, more efficient, easier and clearer journey if I had the end in mind FIRST, to help direct the means.
Delete Comment
Flag Comment
Delete Comment
Flag Comment