What do Margaret Thatcher, Benazir Bhutto, Barack Obama and Mahatma Gandhi have in common? Interestingly, they are world leaders who studied law. One of the oldest academic fields in the world, a law degree is a highly regarded qualification and promises great career opportunities. For some, to study law is to uphold justice, a noble call that is most commendable (and the world needs more of them); nevertheless, law is not just for lawyers or in the courtroom as it affects all aspects of society; from the protection of life and liberty to corporate or international relations, law graduates are capable of doing many important roles in various professions. A quick look at the benefits of studying law brings to light why it remains one of the most wanted degrees for students from all around the world.
1. Strong foundation for further/combined academic studies: Many courses enable students to combine their legal studies with business or accounting, and by combining law with a range of non-law degrees.
2. Multitudes of career options: Other than becoming a lawyer, law graduates are desirable candidates for various fields such as media and law, academia, commerce and industry, social work, politics and more. You will find that studying law can take you just about anywhere.
3. Financial stability: Obtaining a law degree may not guarantee immediate success or an exceedingly large amount of money but it’s close. This professional qualification allows you to enjoy more job security and a higher salary compared to those without. The rest is up to you.
4. Master critical thinking, strong reasoning and analytical skills: The knowledge and skills gained from studying law facilitate students to analyse both sides of complex situations or problems and to devise the best solution based on strong reasoning and critical thinking.
5. The power to make a difference through law: You may have a strong sense of justice and wish to improve the defects in the system. Studying law offers you the legal education and qualification to ultimately make that significant change.
6. Respect and prestige: Many law graduates are successful in various industries and became world leaders who are highly respected. The job is not easy but those who uphold justice are most deserving of respect.
7. Awareness of rights and responsibilities: Being unaware of rights and responsibilities prohibits you to become the best that you can be as a fellow human. Studying law allows students to understand the reasons behind the regulations.
8. Development of self-confidence: Studying law is an empowering experience. Law students often work in groups and actively participate in debates or discussions, such environments nurture good self-esteem and confidence.
9. Better communication skills and high adaptability towards various career transitions: Law students develop the ability to argue from a basis of evidence in a way which can be hard for others to do; this actively cultivates advanced communication skills, keen problem-solving abilities and the capacity for independent thinking. As a result, law graduates adapt very well in various situations or career transitions.
10. An intellectual challenge: With such compelling benefits, it comes to reason that obtaining a law degree is not easy. The standards are high and outstanding academic performance is expected. Studying law is demanding and a truly intellectual challenge. If you enjoy working your little grey cells, this may well be the biggest benefit of studying law.