Greetings All!
Today’s topic is all about career counseling. As we round out our discussion on career exploration (personal & professional inventory, crafting a career plan, and informational interviews), I wanted to chat with you about maximizing your professional journey in law school.
As I alluded to in my first post, there is no “one size that fits all” in law school. Everyone brings their own “why” in attending. And as such, each career path is different. So what are some ways to forge your own career path in law school?
Whether you are pre-law or already in law school, get to know your Career Service Office (CSO). As a career adviser, you may think I am making a shameless plug toward the work I do. And honestly, that’s true. But what’s even more important is that it also works.
When I was in law school, I rarely saw my CSO.
The reasons for this were several:
I was overwhelmed with school and the academic rigor of law school
I was afraid I would flunk out and there would be no legal career to speak of
I worried that I was a fraud, and if I shared this concern, everyone else would learn I was a fraud as well
As a first gen lawyer in my family and social circles, I had zero game plans about the professional side to law
I felt “I was not good enough” to pursue the opportunities I saw advertised in school bulletin boards and programs
Fast forward to today and with the benefit of hindsight and fourteen years since I was a 1L, I see that I was wrong. And if I could talk to my younger self of 14 years ago, I hope that I could change her mind with rational thought and some grace.
Here’s why:
Yes, school is overwhelming but I could still prioritize my career search with baby steps (maybe an hour a week, maybe once a term check-in with the CSO, applying for two positions every two weeks, etc.).
Fear is very powerful and while there is always a chance that I could have flunked out, with each term that I maintained decent grades I could have invested in professional development.
While imposter syndrome is real and even now rears its ugly head once in a while, I could have learned skills and tactics from my CSO to combat those concerns of being a fraud.
As a first-gen student, I had even more reason to see career advising! They could help me develop a “roadmap,” provide resources, and know that I was not alone in this journey.
Finally, here’s the reality. There will always be someone who is smarter than you. Who works harder than you. Who gains more opportunities than you. At the end of the day, what matters to YOU is how you leverage your successes and strengths, learn from your weaknesses, and self-advocate for what you need and want.
My take-away here? Don’t get in your own way, use your resources (and check out resources before you commit to a specific school), and use your career counseling center as an ongoing relationship for your professional journey.
What should you expect from a CSO?
Well, that may vary from school to school. And I would be remiss in saying all CSO operate in the same way. There are different staffing and employees, different areas of focus, and different priorities.
Okay, then what types of things should you be looking for in a CSO?
A department (which can be staffed by one person!) that is invested in career counseling and knowledge.
An individual(s) who will answer your questions to the best of their ability.
An office that can review your resume, LinkedIn profile, cover letters, and other professional documents that you can add to your ongoing “toolkit.”
Programming that offers technical advice (i.e. resume workshops) and substantive opportunities (i.e. a panel discussion on private practice).
And perhaps most importantly, a department that sees you as an individual and not simply a number.
In turn, for some ways you can help your CSO (and more importantly, yourself), try the following tips:
When you start law school and throughout, stay curious. You never know what opportunities, job interests, networking opportunities may emerge!
To the extent possible, be expansive with your interests. Maybe you think transactional law seems cool, but what does it entail? Ask your CSO to help you identify your interests and areas of law to explore.
If your school allows it, meet with your adviser or CSO team often (at least once per term).
Get your resume workshopped early on.
Ask for resources - cover letter guides, informational interview tips, LinkedIn advice, etc.
Schedule mock interviews to prepare better for actual interviews.
If the idea of networking makes you cringe or get queasy, all the more reason to chat with your CSO about tips to authentically and effectively network!
Don’t be shy about asking questions and expressing your interests. Bounce these ideas off your adviser!
Additionally, remember that the road to a dream job (if one exists) may be circuitous. As you may already be learning, many professionals in legal careers have various jobs, and their path may be shaped with twists and turns. Thus, don’t expect yourself to have everything figured out. Give yourself room to learn and try new things. And work with your CSO to explore possibilities and ideas.
While you will do the hard work of applying to jobs, interviewing, and crafting your application materials, think of your CSO as a safe space to work on these skills. Like most other skills, practicing helps the process become more manageable.
Finally, career counseling should be something you engage with consistently through law school and beyond. While you may no longer visit or regularly stay in touch with your CSO after graduation, have at least one person in your network that you trust to run career ideas by, or brainstorm your continuing interests.
The road to and through your legal career is busy and at times, overwhelming. But it’s not a journey you have to make alone. Your CSO works in partnership with you and your career plans. And it’s never too early to start investing in your career and your professional development.
Kristina Bilowus is an Assistant Director of Career Development at MSU College of Law. She is also the current Treasurer of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, vice president of the Hellenic Bar Association, co-chairs the DEI Committee for the Oakland County Bar Association and co-chairs the DEI Committee for the Ingham County Bar. She is also a board member for the Michigan Center for Civic Education.
