The majority of career resources for law students focus on pursuing traditional legal practice. Many students who have determined they are not interested in traditional practice are left on their own and feel isolated. Career service offices are happy to help, but they are often limited in how they can help both because of lack of exposure and the overwhelming and undefined nature of many nontraditional searches. If you are one of those students who has decided traditional practice is not for you, don’t overlook the help your career service office can offer. In addition, consider these 10 things you can do right now to make a difference in your job search.
1. Do a self assessment. What are your strengths, financial limitations, growth needs, passions, work environment preferences, motivators, geographic limitations, and experience? Then work to identify industries and specific jobs that will value you.
2. Declare your intention. If you know you are not going to practice – declare that. Defining your search and interests will keep you focused and help others help you find a position. Ambiguity breeds inactivity and confusion.
3. Make a plan. Determine how you are going to pursue and land a job in the field(s) of choice.
4. Invest in your plan. If you need additional training, get it. If you need to go to conferences and meetings for the industry, go. AND, invest your time in working the plan.
5. Do well in law school. Deciding not to do traditional practice is not permission to do less than your best in law school. Not only will that academic success impress employers of all types, it will ensure you are a credible candidate for legal jobs, if you need a back-up plan or change your mind.
6. Develop contacts. Get out and meet people in other industries and stay connected to them as part of an organized networking plan during law school. Consistent contact long before you are ready for the new job will help you when you need a job (and their help).
7. Venture out of law school. Law students can fall in to the comfortable trap of never leaving the school and never meeting people outside of school. Get out! Take part in activities with other groups. Join a gym. See friends outside your law school circle. Keep informed of the larger world’s events and issues.
8. Don’t leave your life up for debate. Family, friends and classmates may not understand your choice and some won’t be able to support it. Absorb learned input when making your decision and assess it against your views, but once you have made your decision you cannot change to accommodate the opinions of others.
9. Prepare for a marathon. Depending on how defined your search is and how well you are situated to capture a nontraditional job, the search can take a bit longer. Hiring in most other professional fields is less structured and cyclical than law. So, be patient and stay focused. The journey may take some time.
10. Ignore the chance for failure. If you know your passion is not traditional practice you really should pursue other options. Only not trying is a failure. If you try, even if you have to adjust your plans at some point, is a success and you will find your niche.
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