What was your Major in College...
Started off as an Electrical Engineer Computer Science major at UCD, and changed to Political Science/Economics double major in my 3rd year. Graduated in 5yrs total.
Currently, in my 3rd year of law school at USF School of Law. I am working part-time at a small entertainment/media law firm right now, looking for something more permanent after I graduate and pass the bar.
If I could have done things differently, I would have applied to school as anything BUT an engineering major and gotten into a better school perhaps (usually, in the UC system anyhow, engineering is an "impacted major" meaning tougher to get in, versus social science majors which have more lax standards). Also, I would have picked something like political science or economics from the get go - my engineering grades killed my GPA and I was fortunate enough to have done well with my poli sci/economics classes to at least salvage my GPA. I also did fairly well on my LSAT, so that helped balance out my GPA - thank god.
As for law school, I think the general advice you've received is correct - unless you graduate from a top-tier law school (and even then), there is no guarantee that you will start at $160k (the going rate for 1st year associates at large firms). Keep in mind though, that this is only a general rule. Of course there will be people from 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th tier schools who will make it into "big law." Also, from what I hear, graduating from a top law school helps get you your first job, but after that, it is based (to a degree) on merit/experience.
However, this is not to say that you won't make good money. Even working for the DA's office in large cities like SF (very tough job to get, but still) will pay close to $80k. Plus, you may find that you don't actually want to work in "big law" - does billing 2000+ hrs a year sound like fun to you? Keep in mind that working 40hrs a week for 52wks/year is 2080 hrs. As a first year associate, you will probably only be able to bill a fraction of the hours you work, let's just say 75%. So, you'd have to work something like 2600 hrs/year to be able to bill the requisite amount, which comes out to at least 10hr days, assuming you never take vacations, etc.
In any case, I certainly don't regret the decision to come to law school. If you're serious about, talk to a pre-law counselor at your school, visit some law schools, etc. You may find out more about yourself than you realized.
While the type of undergrad degree doesn't matter for law school, having a science degree does enable you to sit for the Patent Bar and become registered with the USPTO to file patent applications. Here, in the Silicon Valley, your chances of gainful employment will greatly increase if you are able to do this.
________
Blonde girlfriend
Currently, in my 3rd year of law school at USF School of Law. I am working part-time at a small entertainment/media law firm right now, looking for something more permanent after I graduate and pass the bar.
If I could have done things differently, I would have applied to school as anything BUT an engineering major and gotten into a better school perhaps (usually, in the UC system anyhow, engineering is an "impacted major" meaning tougher to get in, versus social science majors which have more lax standards). Also, I would have picked something like political science or economics from the get go - my engineering grades killed my GPA and I was fortunate enough to have done well with my poli sci/economics classes to at least salvage my GPA. I also did fairly well on my LSAT, so that helped balance out my GPA - thank god.
As for law school, I think the general advice you've received is correct - unless you graduate from a top-tier law school (and even then), there is no guarantee that you will start at $160k (the going rate for 1st year associates at large firms). Keep in mind though, that this is only a general rule. Of course there will be people from 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th tier schools who will make it into "big law." Also, from what I hear, graduating from a top law school helps get you your first job, but after that, it is based (to a degree) on merit/experience.
However, this is not to say that you won't make good money. Even working for the DA's office in large cities like SF (very tough job to get, but still) will pay close to $80k. Plus, you may find that you don't actually want to work in "big law" - does billing 2000+ hrs a year sound like fun to you? Keep in mind that working 40hrs a week for 52wks/year is 2080 hrs. As a first year associate, you will probably only be able to bill a fraction of the hours you work, let's just say 75%. So, you'd have to work something like 2600 hrs/year to be able to bill the requisite amount, which comes out to at least 10hr days, assuming you never take vacations, etc.
In any case, I certainly don't regret the decision to come to law school. If you're serious about, talk to a pre-law counselor at your school, visit some law schools, etc. You may find out more about yourself than you realized.
While the type of undergrad degree doesn't matter for law school, having a science degree does enable you to sit for the Patent Bar and become registered with the USPTO to file patent applications. Here, in the Silicon Valley, your chances of gainful employment will greatly increase if you are able to do this.
________
Blonde girlfriend
Last edited by kyoung05; Mar 30, 2011 at 09:10 AM.
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From: Hangin in Placerville youtube.com/rallydude1515
Car Info: 1999 RS Coupé- 1995 Mazda Miata -KTM 300
cool. Think you will be able to do anything with the cars or just product design? I took a summer course at the Academy for auto design and realized that its super hard to get into auto design and most end up designing products which is still pretty cool IMO
where tha party at? I've got a few batches of wine brewing
where tha party at? I've got a few batches of wine brewing
BS in ME, got licensed this year. 
My major going into college was Graphic Design.
Currently doing engineering consulting work for the utilities. I <3 my job. I get to go out and see all sorts of facilities and how their equipment works. Then look into how their equipment can run better.
Wouldn't have done anything different know what I know now. I just went with the classes I enjoyed - not what would make me the most money.
My major going into college was Graphic Design.
Currently doing engineering consulting work for the utilities. I <3 my job. I get to go out and see all sorts of facilities and how their equipment works. Then look into how their equipment can run better.
Wouldn't have done anything different know what I know now. I just went with the classes I enjoyed - not what would make me the most money.
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i majored in computer engineering and working as a computer engineer + running my own business, Detail Addict. Not sure if I would change my major, but would have taken some business/accounting classes also. That way, I think I might have considered business earlier on. Now that I am steady at my job (i guess that's bs, there is no stability in tech industry... 
), and the business is growing, it's hard to make a switch. If i started earlier, i might have been able to give up my day job with my starting pay...
oh well... there is always should have could have would have...
), and the business is growing, it's hard to make a switch. If i started earlier, i might have been able to give up my day job with my starting pay...oh well... there is always should have could have would have...
I was first a BME (Business Management Economics) major, then thought it was too easy and boring... then switched to Computer Science, then thought it was too hard... Then switched to Information System Management, which is both economics and computer science, so best of both worlds IMHO
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cool. Think you will be able to do anything with the cars or just product design? I took a summer course at the Academy for auto design and realized that its super hard to get into auto design and most end up designing products which is still pretty cool IMO
where tha party at? I've got a few batches of wine brewing
where tha party at? I've got a few batches of wine brewing
, thinking of going back to school and doing a career change
