People often assume that if they graduate from a top law school and pass the bar, they will be inundated with job offers. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. They may need an advanced degree to get a job they love.
Specialization
Individuals who obtain a Master of Legal Studies may choose to specialize in an area of law. Areas to consider specializing in include business law, healthcare law, and entertainment law. The master’s degree also improves a person’s communication and decision-making skills. They learn how to work as part of a team and solve problems. The degree shows that the person is committed to advancing their knowledge and skills, which employers appreciate.
Personal Growth
Employers aren’t the only ones who benefit from a person continuing their education. Pursuing a degree also benefits the individual. Students learn to think outside the box and become better leaders and communicators. Furthermore, students who complete the degree program will be more confident and better listeners. They will be resilient and prepared to resolve disputes. This personal growth extends to all areas of their lives.
Increased Earnings
A master’s degree increases a person’s earnings opportunities. When law firms hire, they look for several things. They want someone with a degree from a reputable law firm and years of legal experience. They also consider the individual’s specialization when determining how much they are willing to pay. A Master of Legal Studies degree helps people build soft skills, making them more desirable to employers, so they may receive higher pay.
New Career Opportunities
People looking to enter a new career or earn a promotion at their existing firm should consider obtaining this degree. Employers appreciate individuals with unique skill sets. Courses taken in pursuing this degree include regulatory compliance, human resources, and more. Any person with an advanced knowledge base will be more valuable in the eyes of employers. Human resource managers look for things that make a person stand out when reviewing candidates for a job. Having this degree will help the applicant stand out.
Networking
Students meet and network with professionals as they complete their studies. These professionals may come from diverse industries. While people often focus on their industry when building this network, the contacts they make when pursuing the advanced degree could allow them to branch out into other areas. This diverse network will allow them to do so. Some of these contacts may come from different countries, which could lead to international job opportunities.
Resources
Students who pursue their advanced degree at a top university have access to resources other students may not. They have professionals they can connect with and learn from. The concepts they pick up can be used as they carry out their daily tasks, and the coursework has them handling real-life experiences so they are ready to take on a new job immediately upon graduating. Students may also participate in campus activities and social events to connect with people.
A Sense of Accomplishment
According to Census.gov, 14.4 percent of individuals over 25 had advanced degrees in 2022. Who wouldn’t want to be part of this elite group? Students may attend school part-time or full-time and obtain a degree. The sense of accomplishment and personal fulfillment they get after completing the degree is priceless.
Any person wishing to pursue a career in law should consider obtaining an advanced degree. The benefits that come with doing so are priceless.