Would it be ok to say that I want to go to law school when applying for a full-time job?

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• 2 Likes

  sgreer2015 Member

  August 2020 73 karma

  When I interviewed for what is my current full time job, I did tell them that I wanted to go to law school. I only told them because they asked, though. I told them that I was hoping to go to law school at some point, but I did not provide a specific timeline, and if possible/ if they ask why you may want to explain how going to law school would make you a more valuable employee. Definitely be honest if they ask about future ambitions, but I wouldn't volunteer the information if not asked.
• 2 Likes

  noonawoon Alum Member ⭐

  August 2020 edited August 2020 3481 karma

  I'm going to disagree and say you shouldn't talk about law school. Talk about how you plan to grow and learn within the company and as an analyst/consultant. For all you know, your timeline may be pushed back and you end up going to law school after longer than 1-2 years. If you mention upfront that you plan to bounce in a year, the company is ~probably~ not going to want to invest in hiring and training you over someone who doesn't plan to leave soon.

  I don't think it's dishonest to omit law school in your applications and to focus on how you plan to grow as a consultant. There's no obligation to mention every possible career path you see yourself considering in a job application. I've been working as a management consultant for over a year since graduating college. When I interviewed for the job I had a vague/uncertain idea that I may want to go to law school at some point. I didn't mention it in my application or interview. I was also strongly considering staying at the company for ~5 years, getting a masters relevant to the job (the company reimburses), etc. My plans ended up being guided by my experience at the job, and I'm sure yours will be too. Unless you have a seat deposit down and will be definitively going to a law school in X amount of time, I don't think it's necessary/helpful to mention it
• caw8tzzz Alum Member

  August 2020 135 karma

  Hi, please remember that a company wants what is best for them, not necessarily you, so be cautious with what you tell them. If they ask where you want to be in five years, be honest and say that you are interested in pursuing law, but make sure you explain how that relates to the position that you are trying to get now. Do not offer a definite timeline of when you expect to go to law school.
• alexissydney Member

  August 2020 69 karma

  I also told my employer that i was interested in going to law school at some point and they saw this as a positive. I think if you plan to be there for a few years, it's ok to disclose if they ask.
• 2 Likes

  btownsquee Alum Member

  August 2020 edited August 2020 1207 karma

  You do not need to let them know that you are thinking of going to law school. Most employers expect you to be promoted or move on from the company in about two years anyways so don't think of it as hiding a huge secret.

  I advise against telling your employer about your law school plans. You are giving them a reason to not hire you; I recommend going for the job with full gusto and as you do well, you can ask the people you have impressed and those you trust for letters of recommendation. Do not come in with the expectation that you will do well and have letters ready to go because you told them you were going to law school.

  Telling them you want to go to law school may also hinder your professional development; they may not consider you for promotions because you've already told them you're leaving. They may not invest in you as much because you're leaving.

  There are no pros to telling them; only negatives.

  If they explicitly ask you if you're considering graduate school, it is fair to say you are thinking about it but in a few years after you've gotten great work experience. Say your work experience may even change your plans. This is all true!

  Good luck on your job search!
• leejenny1004 Free Trial Member

  August 2020 12 karma

  I see I'm getting a grasp of how I should position myself. Thank you very much for all your helpful comments!!
• 6 Likes

  mrowley91 Alum Member

  August 2020 203 karma

  Hey! I'm a recruiter and I see both things happen all the time. While I personally understand your career goals (and can relate when someone brings this up when I interview them), it's because I also have that aspiration. However, I've worked with many other recruiters, and this is what I think you should keep in mind: you may talk to someone who's dream job it is to work at that company. It may come across as insensitive or rude if you basically tell them that this is just a stepping stone in your grand plan. However, if you notify them down the road, it's more explainable as a career change because of the great experiences you've gained at that job. I would highly recommend you do not tell them. If they ask about your long-term or 5-year plan, tell them about the financial independence and gaining [insert skills here]. You can always allude to uncertainty in a professional manner by saying that you're "open to new and exciting opportunities." If you have any other questions, feel free to message me!
• omw2_95th_percentile Core Member

  August 2020 83 karma

  There is no one size fits all answer to this question. The biggest factor is your personality and charisma. Do you have what it takes to use going to law school as a tool to increase offer amount? I'm in a position that most people would never leave. I brought up my law aspirations in a manner that put the ball in their court which was a gamble but paid off. They actively do what they can to keep me around $$$. But the money doesn't matter.

  The way I see it is that any recruitment service or company has two motivating factors. Profit and security. Their goal is to hire people that fit in and will bring something to the table. They also want to hire people that want to grow within the company and have high aspirations. Look at the company values. See if they have post grad tuition reimbursement programs. Ask what qualifications are desired to grow within the company.

  I absolutely would not allow there to be any secondary thought that you might only be around for a short time. If you can't swing law school aspirations as a benefit for the company don't mention it.
• winitandbeatit Member

  August 2020 14 karma

  Just breezed through your post. There is no upside for you to share that you want to enroll in a law firm in the next 1 -2 years, and the downside risk is that you get delayed in promotion / other opportunities if they think you will leave soon. However, if you are going into management consulting where it is very typical to get MBAs or JDs after a couple of years, sure, you could mention it. In other industries, I wouldn't share that. The firm would want to hire someone who would stay at the firm as long as possible!
• 1 Like

  leejenny1004 Free Trial Member

  August 2020 12 karma

  @mrowley91 said:
  Hey! I'm a recruiter and I see both things happen all the time. While I personally understand your career goals (and can relate when someone brings this up when I interview them), it's because I also have that aspiration. However, I've worked with many other recruiters, and this is what I think you should keep in mind: you may talk to someone who's dream job it is to work at that company. It may come across as insensitive or rude if you basically tell them that this is just a stepping stone in your grand plan. However, if you notify them down the road, it's more explainable as a career change because of the great experiences you've gained at that job. I would highly recommend you do not tell them. If they ask about your long-term or 5-year plan, tell them about the financial independence and gaining [insert skills here]. You can always allude to uncertainty in a professional manner by saying that you're "open to new and exciting opportunities." If you have any other questions, feel free to message me!

  That's great thank you so much for the thoughtful comment