One Degree Just Not Enough? Why Not Add An MBA to Your JD
Having an "I don't have enough initials after my name" kind of day? Exhausted from spewing out the same non-disclosure agreement over and over? Or maybe you're just a good old Type A Personality overachiever.
Have you considered getting an MBA?
As in-house counsel, you already have a pretty covetable job as far as the legal field goes. Not having a pesky partner on your back about billable hours is reason enough not to work at a large firm. Maybe you already made partner, or maybe you decided to forego the partner track. Whatever your particular situation may be, maybe the in-house gig is not quite keeping you satisfied. If any of this sounds familiar, check out these reasons for adding an MBA to your already fancy list of degrees ...
Better Understanding of the Business You Support
Studying business may actually make you a better lawyer. You'll get better insight into the businesses you support, which will make the advice you give to your clients that much better. You also won't be seen as the lawyer who gets in the way of deals, and rather as someone on the same team -- who happens to be a lawyer.
Career Growth
As in-house counsel you have one way up -- to make it to GC. With thirty other lawyers on track for that one position, what's the likelihood of that happening? Take your career into your own hands. Getting an MBA will give you the option to step over into the business world where there is much more room for advancement.
It's Free (Maybe)
If the company you work for is large enough, there's a good chance they may pay for your degree. Maybe you didn't make it into the Ivy League in undergrad, but with your stellar law school record and employment at a great company, you may just get into Wharton now. Need we say more?
Networking
Studying for and getting your MBA will open new networking avenues not available to you before. Professors, visiting guest speakers, student associations -- these are all people that you could meet and could help you along your new career path.
Higher Pay
Ok, let's talk about the elephant in the room, shall we? It's not polite to talk money, but let's face it, getting another degree adds to your earning potential. And, who doesn't want to make more money?
If any of these reasons sound appealing to you but you're not quite ready to take the plunge you may want to test the waters by taking a "Mini MBA Class for In-House Counsel" presented by the Association of Corporate Counsel. The next course is September 17-19 so save the date.
Related Resources:
- 5 Sites to Search for In-House Jobs (FindLaw's In-House blog)
- Are Free Lunches at Your Company Fringe Benefits? (FindLaw's In-House blog)
- Mitt Romney has a JD/MBA. Should You? (FindLaw's Greedy Associates blog)