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Lawyer or Doctor?
I was wondering which profession is better and can help with better opportunities. I need to start preparing early and figuring out what to do since it is complicated being a current seventh grader, almost eighth grader, figuring out my career.
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7 answers
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Anthony’s Answer
Good morning Surina,
In reviewing your question, you are to be commended to think of your future and wanting to implement a plan of action accordingly. Both of those options are excellent as there will always be a need for both. However, good advice has been provided by James, Cheuk, and Joseph for you to consider and be aware of. And here's a question to think about prior to making your decision: "Am I choosing one of these careers because of the potential to set me up well financially, or am I passionate to help others? "
Being a lawyer or a doctor are careers that serve the general public. Besides all of the schooling, training, and perhaps some personal sacrifices in the future, and a very realistic self-reflecting question that you truly need to be sure of right now is, "Are you a people person?"
People select careers for various reasons. But at times, the level of love a person has of doing so is not included in the decision making. This aspect is just as important in order to be able to enjoy WHAT you do, which can heavily affect HOW successful you will perform.
In reviewing your question, you are to be commended to think of your future and wanting to implement a plan of action accordingly. Both of those options are excellent as there will always be a need for both. However, good advice has been provided by James, Cheuk, and Joseph for you to consider and be aware of. And here's a question to think about prior to making your decision: "Am I choosing one of these careers because of the potential to set me up well financially, or am I passionate to help others? "
Being a lawyer or a doctor are careers that serve the general public. Besides all of the schooling, training, and perhaps some personal sacrifices in the future, and a very realistic self-reflecting question that you truly need to be sure of right now is, "Are you a people person?"
People select careers for various reasons. But at times, the level of love a person has of doing so is not included in the decision making. This aspect is just as important in order to be able to enjoy WHAT you do, which can heavily affect HOW successful you will perform.
Updated
Max’s Answer
It is so very early to making this choice. It is great to have your eyes on the distant horizon, but at this point you can focus more on the road right in front of you -- be excellent at being 8th grader!
Learn the study habits and time management skills that make you the best student you can be. Be curious. Talk to the adults around you about their lives (not just doctors and lawyers) and their challenges. Law schools are looking for people who are interesting and can demonstrate some high level ability to read, write and synthesize information. Good grades are a tried and true indicator of that so stay focused on being the best you can be and performing at a high level in high school and then in college.
Look for opportunities to volunteer and participate in clubs that support your interest. You're putting together a resume even when you don't know it.
Join clubs and moot courts
volunteer
Learn the study habits and time management skills that make you the best student you can be. Be curious. Talk to the adults around you about their lives (not just doctors and lawyers) and their challenges. Law schools are looking for people who are interesting and can demonstrate some high level ability to read, write and synthesize information. Good grades are a tried and true indicator of that so stay focused on being the best you can be and performing at a high level in high school and then in college.
Look for opportunities to volunteer and participate in clubs that support your interest. You're putting together a resume even when you don't know it.
Max recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Phil’s Answer
Hi Surina,
I'd suggest starting to think about what you are most interested in. Take math and hard science classes to see if you like medicine. Take writing and reasoning classes, which will be closer to a legal focused education. If you find yourself more preferring one over the other, that's probably an indication of which direction to explore further.
As a few others have mentioned, don't be afraid to contact doctors or lawyers to get their perspective. Almost always, people will be willing to have a conversation and you can benefit from someone else's perspective and experience.
All the best.
Phil
I'd suggest starting to think about what you are most interested in. Take math and hard science classes to see if you like medicine. Take writing and reasoning classes, which will be closer to a legal focused education. If you find yourself more preferring one over the other, that's probably an indication of which direction to explore further.
As a few others have mentioned, don't be afraid to contact doctors or lawyers to get their perspective. Almost always, people will be willing to have a conversation and you can benefit from someone else's perspective and experience.
All the best.
Phil
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Shirley’s Answer
Hi Surina,
That's great you're thinking about the future in eighth grade! However, you don't have to commit to one profession just yet. As you go through more challenging classes in high school, you'll have a better idea of what you want to do in the future. You probably have an inkling of where your strengths are, but keep in mind, practicing the profession can differ from the education process.
Lawyers and doctors are great choices, an you can't go wrong with either one. It's also worth mentioning to keep your options open to see what else you may be interested in since it's too early to narrow in on your options.
That's great you're thinking about the future in eighth grade! However, you don't have to commit to one profession just yet. As you go through more challenging classes in high school, you'll have a better idea of what you want to do in the future. You probably have an inkling of where your strengths are, but keep in mind, practicing the profession can differ from the education process.
Lawyers and doctors are great choices, an you can't go wrong with either one. It's also worth mentioning to keep your options open to see what else you may be interested in since it's too early to narrow in on your options.
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Nancy’s Answer
Such an interesting but not an uncommon question. I had a family member seek out the same advice from me many years ago. They are obviously very different choices, so my advice was to try and get behind it a bit. Why these two choices? are you interested in higher education, and those are the most obvious paths? If so, there may be options that are more aligned to your particular interests, like a master's degree. Or is one of these your true passion? In my case, I always wanted to be a lawyer, so my path was clear. Will time commitment be a consideration for you? Law school is three years, a medical degree is probably twice that (once you consider residency requirements). In the case of my family member, I encouraged her to take a job in a law firm as a paralegal when she graduated from college, to see if law was for her. Turns out it wasn't; she became a successful doctor! Good luck!
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Cheuk Hei Andrew’s Answer
Dear Surina,
Thank you for your thought-provoking question. To begin, what are your key considerations for a better career? What factors do you value most—is it the pay, recognition from others, or a particular lifestyle you aspire to? Understanding what means the most to you is crucial.
A great way to learn more about a career is by leveraging your support network. Talk to family, relatives, or friends who are working in the industry you’re interested in. Ask about their work, their lifestyle, how they balance work and life, and how they reached their current position. Most importantly, determine if their experience aligns with what you want.
If you remain uncertain, consider speaking with career counselors or advisors. They can help you explore your core values, conduct assessments to gain deeper insights into yourself and the profession, and ultimately determine what matters most to you.
Self Exploration
Career Counselling
Utilizing support network
Thank you for your thought-provoking question. To begin, what are your key considerations for a better career? What factors do you value most—is it the pay, recognition from others, or a particular lifestyle you aspire to? Understanding what means the most to you is crucial.
A great way to learn more about a career is by leveraging your support network. Talk to family, relatives, or friends who are working in the industry you’re interested in. Ask about their work, their lifestyle, how they balance work and life, and how they reached their current position. Most importantly, determine if their experience aligns with what you want.
If you remain uncertain, consider speaking with career counselors or advisors. They can help you explore your core values, conduct assessments to gain deeper insights into yourself and the profession, and ultimately determine what matters most to you.
Cheuk Hei Andrew recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Your starting real early but this is good. As you continue your journey through early school years your interest may change. The two you mentioned above, well, it really depends on your passion as they are different and will lead you down different paths. You really have to make this decision both will help people are similar and may help or not people but will be challenging.