Should I Get My MBA or Law School?
From deciding between impact or influence to understanding how the thought processes are different, here are eight answers to the question, “What advice would you offer to someone deciding whether to get an MBA or go to law school?”
- For Impact and Influence, Choose Law
- Carefully Consider What the Degree Will Enable
- Choose via Preference and Motivation
- Research the Type of Career You Want to Pursue
- Look at Long-term Career Goals
- Follow Your Passion, Even Down the Road Less Traveled
- Take a Strengths Assessment
- Learn the Differences in Thought
For Impact and Influence, Choose Law
As an experienced law professional, I see the choice between an MBA and law school on opposite sides of the spectrum. You can blame it on my inclination toward my industry, but I firmly believe that law is the better choice only if you wish to create an impact and influence how things turn out in the real world. Anything less, and you’re better off pursuing an MBA.
The reason is simple to me — working in the legal profession requires even newbies in our industry to go above and beyond. People on the outside wonder where this drive and motivation comes from, and the only answer we can give them is that the hours of toil we put in result in outcomes that have a significant impact on the lives of people, on the very fabric of our society, and even on our nation and world.
So if this impact drives you as a student, choose law, and you’ll make a brilliant choice that, despite its towering challenges, leaves you immensely satisfied.
Riley Beam
Managing Attorney, Douglas R. Beam, P.A.
Carefully Consider What the Degree Will Enable
It’s important to ask yourself what you hope to accomplish by going to a particular school. For example, if you want to work in finance, a degree from a business school with a powerful program in finance may be helpful. If you want to practice law, then you should consider law schools with a strong reputation for placing their graduates in good jobs.
Some schools are better than others for certain specialties. It’s also important to consider the cost of getting a degree from a particular school. For example, some law schools are very expensive, so the payoff from getting a good job after graduation will need to be substantial.
Matthew Ramirez
CEO, Paraphrase Tool
Choose via Preference and Motivation
I think these are totally different fields, and it comes down to preference. Both programs have their unique benefits and drawbacks, and it’s important to weigh them against your personal goals and values.
Anyone else can’t tell you which program is “right” or “wrong” for you.
If you’re passionate about business and aspire to be a leader in the corporate world, then an MBA might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you’re interested in the legal system, then law school might be a better fit.
It’s also important to consider your motivation for pursuing either program. Are you excited about the curriculum and eager to learn? Or are you simply pursuing a degree for the sake of prestige or financial gain?
So, your level of motivation will play a big role in your success, so choose the program that you’re truly passionate about.
Shaun Connell
Founder, Writing Tips Institute
Research the Type of Career You Want to Pursue
Deciding whether to get an MBA or go to law school can be a hard decision. My advice would be to consider your long-term career goals, do your research, and weigh the pros and cons of each degree.
Consider the type of career you want to pursue and the skills and knowledge you’ll need to get there. Research the job market to determine which degree will give you the best chance of success. Additionally, you should take into account the cost and time commitment involved in each program. Finally, talk to professionals in the field to get a better understanding of the opportunities with each degree.
Lukasz Zelezny
SEO Consultant, SEO Consultant London
Look at Long-term Career Goals
Well, it’s important to consider what your long-term career goals are. If you’re looking to advance your knowledge and skills in a specific business field, then an MBA might be the best fit. With an MBA, you’ll gain experience in areas such as finance, marketing, accounting, and leadership, which can lead to better job opportunities in the business world.
On the other hand, if you’re more interested in pursuing a career in law, a law school degree is a must. With a law degree, you’ll learn how to draft legal documents, argue cases in court, and understand complex legal systems.
Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal career goals and interests.
Tiffany Homan
COO, Texas Divorce Laws
Follow Your Passion, Even Down the Road Less Traveled
I would tell someone considering whether to get an MBA or go to law school to follow their passion. When I was starting out in photography, I could have easily gone down the “safe route” and taken a course of study that didn’t involve taking risks or spending time on something that I wasn’t 100% passionate about. But for me, having a clear goal in mind—to become a successful professional photographer—helped guide my decision-making process.
When deciding between an MBA and law school, don’t be swayed by what society may dictate as the right direction. Listen to your gut feeling and look at your long-term goals. Make sure you’re studying something that truly interests you, because if you pursue something just because it seems like a good idea now, but end up losing interest down the line, all the hard work you put in would be for naught. So follow your passions; that’s where true success lies!
Stephanie Jenkins
Founder, Stephanie Jenkins Photo
Take a Strengths Assessment
When deciding between an MBA or a law degree, it’s important to consider your personal strengths. Think about what comes naturally to you and what you enjoy doing.
If you’re skilled at problem-solving and critical thinking, an MBA may be a better fit. If you excel at research and writing, law school may be more suited to your strengths. If you enjoy taking risks and adapting to change, an MBA may be a good fit. If you prefer stability and structure, law school may be a better choice.
It’s also important to consider your long-term career goals and how each program can help you achieve them. Seek advice from people in your network who have pursued an MBA or a law degree to gain insights into the program’s demands, the skills and knowledge needed for success, and the available career opportunities after graduation. When I was choosing between law school and pursuing an MBA, a mentor helped me identify key entrepreneurial traits that ultimately pushed me to get my MBA.
Jeremy Reis
Founder, Million Tips
Learn the Differences in Thought
The debate between getting an MBA or JD often comes down to the individual. If you are more quantitatively analytical, then an MBA might be the better choice. If an individual is strictly logical and analytical, law school might be the option more suited to them.
At the end of the day, the decision comes down to the desires and qualities of the individual. If the individual is more creative and loves to work with people, an MBA program is a great fit. If the person likes to be a little more isolated and excels with logical reasoning, law school is certainly a better choice.
Both an MBA and JD open a lot of doors to significant economic opportunity, but the highest potential income for a law school graduate requires them to pass the bar exam, one of the most difficult tests one could take. If a person enjoys being intellectually stimulated to the fullest extent, then law school is a great avenue to take. Those who are more creative and innovative should consider an MBA.
Benjamin Nadrich
Marketing Consultant, Nadrich & Cohen LLP
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