LAW School versus Accounting versus Teaching--- what do I DO? (senior at UC-Berkeley)

Graduate School Law School
1

<p>I am a current senior at UC-Berkeley majoring in Economics having a real tough time as to what I want to do when I graduate spring 2010.</p>

<p>I have narrowed down my career paths to 3 options, law school, middle school teacher, or accounting.</p>

<p>My GPA is 3.4ish.</p>

<p>I am somewhat interested in criminal and forensic law. For law school I would need to start studying for the LSAT ASAP and take the October Exam. I could graduate Fall 09 or Spring 2010 if I choose to take more classes. (I am a current 4th year). However, with this economy, and the tough competition for jobs I am not sure if law school will be worth it in the long run, assuming I even get into a top 15 law school.</p>

<p>I could see myself as a middle-school math teacher. But with low teaching salaries (35K starting I hear) I know the money will be big factor in this economy. For teaching I could graduate in spring 2010 or fall 09 and immediately start some 2 year master's program to get my credentials. However, the idea of parent conferences and having to create a lesson plan everyday, extends the job far beyond the 8-3 regime. (I have spoken to a couple teachers about this).</p>

<p>Accounting intrigues me because I am good at math, I tend to be very organized, and the profession itself tends to be recession proof and stable-good pay (55K+ starting). However, I know that down the road I will get sick of filling out charts and tabulating numbers. Plus, I prefer a job where I am not isolated in a cubicle working long hours. I like to do things on my feet and work in a social atmosphere. Another problem with accounting is I would have to stay in school till at least Summer 2010 to have completed the 7 core accounting classes. </p>

<p>I would appreciate anyone's input in regards to these 3 careers. Ideally, I am looking for a career that is stable, well-paying, and not office abundant. I would prefer to do things on my feet and get some air once a while.
thanks in advance for any advice :)</p>

2

<p>Unfortunately, each of your three careers has one thing you want. Law, depending on what school you go to, is probably the best paying. Accounting is a relatively stable income. Teaching, however, is the only one that isn’t “office abundant.”</p>

3

<p>Accounting doesn’t require much math.</p>

4

<p>You probably need more information on what career opportunities are open to you in the accounting world. The experience of a corporate accountant in a small/midsize company, an auditor in a big 4 accounting firm, and a small town CPA are vastly different. </p>

<p>Tax work involves accounting and knowledge of tax laws. Perhaps a MS in Tax after graduation and a couple years of practical experience? The MS Tax program at Golden Gate in SF is excellent.</p>

<p>There is a lot of variety / life style choices to be had in the wider world of accounting.</p>

5

<p>rhumbob,</p>

<p>would u introduce auditing in big 4 for a little bit?</p>

6

<p>I am considering those 3 same careers and would like to know, did you make a decision and how do u like it?</p>