The choice of a college major is a decision that requires careful consideration due to its significant impact on one’s future. This decision should not only be linked to prospects but also should be aligned with individual talents and aspirations. When students select a major that resonates with their innate abilities and desires, they tend to engage more earnestly in their academic pursuits, enhancing their prospects of graduating on schedule. It is crucial to prevent students from finding themselves on the wrong career path, as this can result in numerous academic challenges.
Based on data from the 2021 Frank’s Survey, it is revealed that approximately 80% of students change their majors at least once after discovering fields that pique their interest. To avert such scenarios, it is paramount to identify a major that genuinely suits prospective students before finalizing their decisions. Students with strong critical thinking skills, negotiation abilities, data-driven decision-making, and excellent problem-solving skills are ideally suited for a legal major. Law students have multiple reasons for choosing this field, including the opportunity to make a positive impact, the promising future it offers, and the potential to become legal experts.
Moreover, students who pursue a law degree stand to gain numerous benefits. These include acquiring extensive knowledge and insights into the field of law, developing positive character traits, and staying informed about legal developments in Indonesia and around the world. With these qualifications in hand, which professions await law graduates upon their studies? Below, we explore ten alternative career options for law students beyond becoming lawyers.
Ten Alternative Professions for Law Students
While law students are often associated with the legal profession, there are numerous alternative careers that await them after graduation:
Prosecutor: A career as a prosecutor is an option for law graduates. Prosecutors, much like lawyers, spend a significant portion of their time in courtrooms. Their primary responsibility is to present evidence that incriminates the defendant during ongoing trials.
- Notary
Law graduates can also choose to become notaries. Notaries handle a range of responsibilities, including drafting various types of deeds, managing inheritance distributions, and more. To work as a notary or establish a notary firm, law graduates may need to undertake additional notary professional programs.
- Judge
Aspiring individuals who wish to contribute to the legal field and uphold justice can consider a career as a judge. The role of a judge in adjudicating cases is challenging, requiring a high level of credibility. Due to their substantial responsibilities, judges receive generous government salaries.
- Legal Consultant
Another suitable profession for law graduates is that of a legal consultant. Legal consultants provide insights and guidance related to document completeness during legal proceedings. Law graduates can work as legal consultants by joining specific institutions or companies.
- Diplomat
Upon graduation and obtaining a bachelor’s degree, law graduates can become diplomats working abroad. Diplomats oversee international relations between countries, covering aspects such as peace, human rights, the environment, economy, and culture. Working as a diplomat provides valuable experiences while representing their nation in a foreign land.
- Ministry Staff
Law graduates are well-suited for public service roles within the Ministry of Law and Human Rights. They can also work as staff members in other ministries or institutions requiring individuals with a legal background.
- Lecturer
Another profession available to law graduates is becoming a lecturer at a university. Lecturers are responsible for curriculum development, teaching law-related subjects, and delivering lectures. To become a lecturer, students often need to continue their studies at the postgraduate level, as this is a common requirement for academia.
- Legal Researcher
Legal researchers must address complex and problematic issues, providing constructive assessments to uncover the root causes of problems and propose solutions. This profession is crucial in research institutions, non-profit advocacy organizations, and government agencies.
- Legal Staff
Law graduates can also find employment in private companies as legal staff. Legal staff members manage company assets, critical documents, and various contractual agreements within the organization.
- Entrepreneur
As law graduates possess significant knowledge of the legal requirements for establishing a business without legal violations, they are well-positioned to succeed as entrepreneurs.
Career Tips for Success in the Legal Field
With knowledge of these ten professions, law graduates can plan their careers effectively and maximize their potential. To succeed in the legal profession, here are some tips:
Continuous Self-Development: Identify your interests and potential to gain a deeper understanding of your strengths. Consistently read law-related books to enrich your knowledge, as legal regulations evolve rapidly in response to market conditions. Moreover, continuously enhance your foreign language skills, especially in English, as it facilitates interactions with individuals from diverse countries.
Building Networks: Actively participate in organizations and develop relationships during and after your studies.
Leveraging Technology: Make full use of digital technology in today’s digital era to streamline and facilitate various aspects of your work.
Having reviewed the above information and if you are interested in pursuing a law degree in Jakarta, you may consider enrolling in Universitas Prasetiya Mulya. This institution offers one of Indonesia’s best business law faculties, including a Bachelor of International Business Law program. The comprehensive eight-semester curriculum prepares students with the knowledge and skills required to excel in the international business law field. By choosing this program, you can take advantage of the growing business landscape and increasing international transactions that require legal guidance to resolve conflicts. For those passionate about law, enrolling at Universitas Prasetiya Mulya is a promising step forward.