I'm at a crossroads right now. I just graduated with a BA in Communications/Journalism. I love writing and reading, research - it's the only thing I'm really good at. But let's be realistic, the field of full time journalism isn't paying well these days. I also have an AA in Journalism. I was young when I got that degree around 19, now I'm mid 20's. I'm considering going to get my AA in paralegal studies. I really think my 'calling' is in that field. What do you think? do you think I should get my degree in paralegal? I'm having so much trouble finding work (and yes I've been looking). paralegal program at my comm. college has automatic job placement. give me some guidance, thanks
2007-07-23 11:47:36 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Law & Legal
*I'm afraid of getting stuck with another degree and no job.
2007-07-23 11:49:24 · update #1
I live in Jersey, close enough to commute to NYC.
2007-07-23 11:55:49 · update #2
If you love research, then this could be your field. You have to learn a lot of law, and you have to love digging though legislation and case law to find the answers you're looking for. Lots of legwork and lots of time at the law library, but the good news is paralegals are more and more in demand these days as they take a lot of the load off the lawyers. And I think we all know how busy lawyers are these days - especially in a busy metro like NYC!
2007-07-23 12:05:02 · answer #1 · answered by Vicster 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I do not know what city you live in, but see if where you got your BA in journalism in offer a paralegal program.
If not, then go for the criminal justice program in a four year college. Since you have a BA all ready, the only classes you would need are the legal classes to get your BA in either criminal justice or even in pre-law.
You can even do these classes on line in any 4 year college that offers these programs.
If the college is offer a paralegal program then if you want you can just go for the certificate as well.
Good Luck to you. Yes since you like research and you love to read and write, the law field is the place to be.
2007-07-23 13:09:39 · answer #2 · answered by bernie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you know any paralegals? Why don't you talk to one and pick their brains and their feelings about being a paralegal and see if it suits you.
At your age make your career, if you really want to be a journalist find a way, work on a small newspaper, join the peace corps and experience a different part of the world. write about your experience. There is one thing you must do, do it with a passion, with your heart. Not because it pays the bills. You have a chance few people take or even recognize to do your career with a passion before it is tooo late.
Think about it a bit. No regrets.
My passion, numbers and mathematics, my job? An accountant since 1978, I don't gripe about my work, I may gripe about the people I work with. But, I don't gripe about my work. I love my work.
Good luck.
2007-07-23 12:07:54 · answer #3 · answered by gbdelta1954 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At least you can write well -- so many people can't do that these days. I don't see a problem finding a job in a law firm, but you may find that, rather than going to school, some attorneys will train their own paralegals. You have a degree, and can write, and they can teach you the rest.
Good Luck!!
2007-07-23 14:10:42 · answer #4 · answered by mj69catz 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We don't hire paralegals in our office. We make them. I can do the research myself from my desk on Westlaw, Lexis and other cites.
Personally, I train our legal secretaries to be paralegals. I do not like AA degrees from unkown schools and online schools. Better get some real life experience and think about whether you want a paralegal degree or a law degree.
Law school is only three years. Two and a half if you cram it.
I can also hire law clerks for much cheaper that what I would pay paralegals.
There are also many jobless attorneys. They will work for $20.00 per billable hour.
2007-07-24 04:35:51 · answer #5 · answered by ladyellei 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
i became a secretary at a regulation company on a similar time as going to night college. They dealt with company regulation. sounds like once you're protecting companies the pay is lots larger. Fortune 500 companies have greater advantageous wallet. in contrast to attempting to get money out of people who're divorcing or affirming financial ruin....
2016-12-14 17:01:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
forget about paralegal studies. Go to law school and get your law degree.
2007-07-23 12:34:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋