I'm a college grad, should I pursue law school or settle for marketing job?

[Angela]

I just graduated from college with a BS in Psychology. I always had the intention to go to law school. It is definitely something I am passionate about, although there is a lot of fear involved with the current job market.

I just got offered an interview for an entry level marketing job. I will not even take the job offer unless I can make 30k. The job recruiter I spoke to said that the job I will be interviewing for has a lot of great opportunities for development and growth. There are managerial positions available. I live in Texas by the way.

I am scheduled to take the LSAT in February 2013. I am so confused. Do I just go with the marketing job or do I continue to pursue law school?

In the end, it all boils down to money. Of course I would love to practice law. But I also have a great attitude about life and I'm sure I would love any opportunity that I'm given that involves mental stimulation.

[uuchurchlady]

You are on your own in the mental stimulation department either way. No job predicated to mentally stimulate the employee. Stay with your original plan and take the LSAT but hedge your bet by taking the marketing job for now as well. Don't know where you live but the WM Mitchel Law School in Minnesota has a 4 year program of evening classes so you can work to pay your way while you get your LLB.

[Lucy]

The problem of being a lawyer, is that the field is saturated with a lot of UNEMPLOYED lawyers, who are bar-tending, busing tables, anything to find work. Then add on all the student debt, that on average is over $200,000.

Had a friend who was in marketing for years. The problem with marketing, that when company does not do good, the 1st to be let go are the marketing dept, and then hire new ones. But, if you can get into management and other positions with the company, could grow.

Do research on the law school you want to go to and see how much debt you will acquire for 3 years. Then see, if in TX, if lawyers are in demand, or, a lot of them unemployed.

[Blubber]

Go ahead, accept the job. At the same time continue study for your LSAT. If you pass, and if you are accepted into Law School quit.

"Lot of opportunities for development and growth"? That is not always true. A recruiters job is to recruit, and sometimes he stretches the truth just a little bit in order to get his job done.

Good luck

[BILL]

Law School is tough and very expensive with out any guarantees. After graduation you must pass the State Bar Exam to be licensed to practice. 65% of all recent law school graduates fail the bar on the first try and the field is very overcrowded so jobs are hard to come by. If it is really a passion,go for it but if it just sounds good and you are just looking for big bucks try the marketing job. Good Luck

[Elucidator]

Take off the rose-colored glasses. Law school is hard. Once you finish, IF you get a job, it might be one that you totally hate, doing grunt work for a firm, rather than really practicing law the way you envision it to be. You will work about 60 hours a week, or more. If you think you will have time for a family life, or a social life, you are wrong.

Marketing is not "settling." There's lots of room for growth. Don't be locked in on that $30K figure. Look at the total benefits package. Insurance, 401K, etc. Research how stable the company is.

Once you make your decision, stick with it. No sense taking the job and then taking the LSAT. Have you considered Paralegal training? UTSA has a course that takes one year, Saturdays only. You could do that while working the Marketing job.