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I have a law degree, law or accountancy or another career?

  • 26-08-2019 09:57PM
    #1
    Elemonator
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,270 ✭✭✭


    Hi folks, I'd like to preface this that while you can't tell me what is for me, I would appreciate some of insights especially from those who have been in my position or are knowledgable on it.

    Just graduated from university and I am trying to decide what to do with my life. I have a law degree from a Dublin University and I'm working part time doing basic admin for a medium sized Dublin law firm.

    I am trying to decide on a career. At the minute I am considering becoming a solicitor as that is what is closely related to my degree and I am also considering an accountancy/business management role.

    I am hoping to work abroad for a few years for a few years and I am not sure would qualifying as a solicitor allow me to move from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and successfully find a job. Coupled with that, it seems to be a much smaller jobs market and I have yet to meet a solicitor who says they are happy with their job, generally because of the high pressure and listening to people's misery all day.
    I know I am cut out for the job but I would welcome your insights.

    The main attraction to accountancy for me is that it is a respected and diverse field, accessible to non accountancy graduates, and I know many law degree holders have decided to enter the field. While money is not a massive motivator, it is a nice finish on both careers. The larger jobs market and potential for travel is a big incentive for me. If I was to convert to this area, I would complete the MSc Management (Business) in DCU, which can give up to 8 exemptions for the CIMA exams.

    The only thing scaring me away from accountancy is that I worry I may not be cut out for it. I was not strong at maths at all in school, achieving only a B1 at ordinary level maths in the Leaving Certificate. I wasn't a fan of it in my Junior Cert, but only because I couldn't do it because I was lazy (since changed) and didn't know how to do it because I just wouldn't listen. When I could do it, I was fine with it.

    Is there any Boardsies out there with a law degree who became accountants? Or vice versa? I'd really appreciate the insights of anyone who works in any field or the opinions of graduates. If you have a law degree and ended up in a totally different career, I'd welcome your opinion too.

    Thanks :D
    Tagged:


Comments

  • #2
    Jim2007
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators Posts: 11,103 Mod ✭✭✭✭Jim2007


    Elemonator wrote: »
    I am hoping to work abroad for a few years for a few years and I am not sure would qualifying as a solicitor allow me to move from jurisdiction to jurisdiction

    Where to you want to work? A new graduate with a degree from a common law jurisdiction is not going to get you far in Europe to start with....


  • #3
    bobmalooka
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,521 ✭✭✭bobmalooka


    Re: maths

    There isn’t really complicated maths in accounting. Obviously you’re working with numbers so a high level of comfort with numbers is important. I think there’s an important distinction there.

    Health warning - CIMA might be more maths heavy than ACA which is what I’m familiar with.

    I think someone who was solid at ordinary maths probably has enough mathematical capability.


  • #4
    Fran10
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10 ✭Fran10


    Maybe have a look at the Chartered Tax Advisor qualification with the Institute of Tax? You would have an advantage straight away in terms of legislative interpretation which is a key skill for a tax consultant.


  • #5
    Elemonator
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,270 ✭✭✭Elemonator


    Thanks for the replies, really appreciate it.
    Jim2007 wrote: »
    Where to you want to work? A new graduate with a degree from a common law jurisdiction is not going to get you far in Europe to start with....

    I'd agree, but its something that would happen down the road as opposed to being a fresh graduate out of college.
    bobmalooka wrote: »
    Re: maths

    There isn’t really complicated maths in accounting. Obviously you’re working with numbers so a high level of comfort with numbers is important. I think there’s an important distinction there.

    Health warning - CIMA might be more maths heavy than ACA which is what I’m familiar with.

    I think someone who was solid at ordinary maths probably has enough mathematical capability.

    Interesting, thanks for that. I only mentioned CIMA as that is the exemptions that degree seems to offer. I was also looking at ACCA, so I will look into ACA as well. I am not uncomfortable with numbers but when it starts moving into funny looking algebra etc is when I begin to struggle. I wasn't bad at ordinary, I think I got a B, so at least I have that going for me. Based on your assertion that solid at ordinary is sufficient, I think that the maths wouldn't be too difficult at all then?
    Fran10 wrote: »
    Maybe have a look at the Chartered Tax Advisor qualification with the Institute of Tax? You would have an advantage straight away in terms of legislative interpretation which is a key skill for a tax consultant.

    Certainly would look into it, it's coming up and more as I continue my research. Thanks.


  • #6
    Manach
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators, Paid Member Posts: 9,850 Mod ✭✭✭✭Manach


    IT perhaps?
    There are many legal areas in IT that are continuely growing ( Privacy and GDPR to name but two ) that we are in constant contact with the legal dept about.


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  • #7
    OMM 0000
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,733 ✭✭✭OMM 0000


    Set aside the practicalities for the moment.

    What would you like to do?


  • #8
    Elemonator
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,270 ✭✭✭Elemonator


    Manach wrote: »
    IT perhaps?
    There are many legal areas in IT that are continuely growing ( Privacy and GDPR to name but two ) that we are in constant contact with the legal dept about.

    Thanks. I would consider it but I am not sure how I would get into it, are you referring to converting to IT or specialising in that area of law?
    OMM 0000 wrote: »
    Set aside the practicalities for the moment.

    What would you like to do?

    Thanks for the reply. I think legal and business management are interesting areas. I probably sound a bit lost from my post and to be honest I am. Years ago I looked into becoming a pilot but the prohibitive cost killed that. I am just left with these two.


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