Why Studying Law Isn’t Just
for Potential Lawyers
The chances are that when you hear the words law degree, you automatically assume it only equates to becoming a lawyer. But this isn’t the case, with various careers benefiting from law courses incorporated at degree level. As with other fields, the law is vast, covering many different aspects of law and other subjects that interlink with law.
Personal Interest
There are many reasons for enrolling in law courses as a part of a degree, even if becoming a lawyer isn’t your end goal. And it doesn’t have to be because the classes are specifically beneficial to a particular career goal that you’re aiming for. Studying law for interest is a valid reason and can open you to ideas and pathways you hadn’t previously considered or been aware of. You may also find a basic understanding of the law and its processes helpful later in life, such as dealing with legal paperwork.
Related Careers
If you are thinking of studying law for career progression, law courses include politics and criminology, among other subjects. There are obvious overlaps with these subjects due to how closely they deal with areas of the law. These overlaps make law an ideal supplement to the courses you take to pursue your desired career. And the good thing about taking a variety of subjects at the undergraduate level is that as well as opening you up to new ideas, it can help you narrow your focus going into postgraduate study or work.
Critical Thinking and Other Essential Skills
Studying law isn’t just about the content that you learn, as it also teaches critical thinking, research, analysis skills, and effective communication skills. These courses can be as intense as they are interesting, meaning to pass, you will hone the required skills quickly. Other less intense courses will teach aspects of research and analysis, but if that’s not the main focus of the subject, students won’t be as skilled in them. If you’re considering any career or further study that requires this ability, you’ll be at an advantage thanks to the law courses.
Showcase Transferable Skills to Potential Employers
Because of this, when applying for graduate jobs, employers look favorably upon those with law degrees, even if the position isn’t law related. Transferable skills are called that for a reason; you can use them in various scenarios regardless of the subject. Showing a solid ability in such skills is ideal for proving to potential employers that you can take on a role and perform it well. For example, passes in law courses as part of an accounting degree will demonstrate that you’re well-practiced in the analytical skills required of a good accountant.
An undergraduate law degree and courses are not just for aspiring lawyers. Many careers cross over with areas of the law, making law an ideal foundation to branch out from. And even if you only take a few law courses out of interest, there are various benefits you’ll gain for life after university, both professional and personal.