Choosing a degree is different from deciding which career you hope to follow in the coming years. Moreover, the title of your qualification does not have to dictate the exact route that your professional life will follow. Law graduates have many careers to consider aside from becoming an attorney. Even in unrelated industries, it’s often the case that your skillset is transferable. From negotiation to problem solving and public speaking, recruiters will value the qualifications you have and the skills you’ve been taught.
In five years, you might be pushing for social change, writing a book or offering expert managerial advice, because a legal education can be a platform for much more. To find out how to pursue a qualification in law, take a look at the online JD programs at Cleveland State University. These accredited courses allow you to study while working, and you could graduate in just over three years. With a law degree to your name, there are many roles for which you are equipped. Here’s a closer look at some of them.
Academia
People who work in academia have a multifaceted role that incorporates teaching, research and planning. You work as a member of a team to develop new programs and continually update the existing syllabus. You will also need to define the learning objectives for each course you oversee and create a good learning environment for your students. Academics foster healthy debates and challenge their class, as well as teaching them and giving advice on study skills. They also prepare funding proposals and nurture research projects of their own, then present this information at conferences. If you want to inspire the next generation of thinkers while having the freedom to pursue your own projects, a job in a university or college is ideal.
Tax consultant
Tax regulations can be complex, and many people are concerned about navigating them while remaining compliant with the law. To minimize their liability and get advice on all matters relating to tax, they turn to a tax consultant. In this role, you work with companies as well as individuals to ensure their accounts comply with the law around taxation. Your law degree would be extremely useful, as consultants need a comprehensive understanding of the legislation that covers accounting. You might work with law firms, real estate businesses and banks, either as an employee or on a freelance basis. If you have a flair for math and are a detail-oriented person, this is a role to consider.
Management consultancy
Larger organizations face a range of challenges when it comes to performance, expansion, recruitment and other key issues. Management consultants are brought in to offer advice and work alongside the business’s permanent team. In this role, you use your expertise to solve problems, support growth and develop any skills the business currently lacks. Your day will be spent looking at the company structure, its business strategy and the style of management, as well as how it carries out its operations. If you appreciate a dynamic role and have great communication skills, working as a management consultant could be highly rewarding.
TV or print journalism
Journalists work on radio and TV, as well as writing for newspapers and magazines. They research and edit stories, along with creating in-depth features and articles. In this role, you will need to keep up with the interests of your audience so that you can always deliver engaging content. You will also need an open mind, as it’s important to bring together a range of sources and opinions for each piece. Journalists might liaise with photographers and editors to produce their articles, but much of the work is done solo. If you have a brilliant writing style, a curious mind and a determined nature, journalism could be your perfect career.
Human resources officer
HR officers manage employment and any issues that arise from it. They deal with recruitment, training and orientation of new staff. In this post, you will also assist the payroll department to ensure everyone is paid correctly and on time. Cybersecurity is a key concern in the US, and as an HR officer, you play a major role in protecting your company’s data and that of its employees. Every day you will meet with directors, senior managers and employees to ensure the smooth running of the company. Occasionally, you’ll be asked to organize disciplinary processes and redundancies. If a manager is unsure of a particular policy or procedure, you will give them advice and ensure the business remains compliant. If you’re efficient and approachable, you could look forward to an exciting career in HR.
Corporate secretary
In recent years, the role of corporate secretary has been expanded, making this a more responsible, demanding and vibrant role. As a corporate secretary, you will ensure the company you work for is being administered efficiently and that it is compliant with any relevant regulations. You’ll also help implement and oversee many of the decisions made by the board of directors. It is the corporate secretary who meets with shareholders, lawyers and tax advisors when they visit, plus they might be called upon to take notes of meetings that the directors attend. If you have good problem-solving and interpersonal skills, your knowledge of the legal system would make you a good candidate for this role.
Politics
Law graduates can choose to become an advisor or an elected official, depending on their preference. In politics, you’ll spend a lot of time researching ideas for policy development, as well as writing speeches and fine-tuning your public relations skills. Skills such as analyzing legislation, public speaking and active listening will be familiar to you after an education in law, and they are directly transferable to politics. You’ll need to keep up with current affairs and have a clear idea of what is best for your country, but a deep understanding of social media is also essential. If you are ready for the energetic world of politics and are an ambitious person, your law degree will give you a head start.
