Hey everyone,
I’m stuck between two career paths and could really use some advice. Should I go for a law degree or get an MBA instead?
My situation:
- Finance background (both undergrad and masters)
- Pretty low GPA around 3.3-3.4
- Working in valuation and financial modeling for about 2 years
- Had some internships at consulting firms and investment banks overseas
- International student who studied in America
Why I’m thinking about MBA:
Good things: Opens doors to investment banking, consulting, private equity. Amazing for networking. No grades to worry about. Lots of high-paying job options.
Bad things: Doesn’t give me deep skills I can use forever. Need more work experience to get into top programs. Hard to get into good schools without big name companies on resume. The whole party culture isn’t really my thing. I’m better with words than numbers anyway.
Why law school seems interesting:
Good things: I actually enjoy working with contracts at my current job. Lawyers seem more professional than finance people. Law firms have nice quiet offices instead of open spaces. Better job security than finance. They help with visa sponsorship. Pay is similar to investment banking. LSAT seems easier than business school tests. Can work from home more often.
Bad things: Many lawyers I’ve met aren’t very friendly or interesting. Dealing with difficult clients sounds stressful. AI might replace legal work eventually. My low GPA might keep me out of good law schools.
What would you choose and why?
Being an international student completely changes things here. Law school gives you way better visa options through H-1B sponsorship, especially at big firms that deal with immigration stuff all the time. The legal field just has clearer paths to permanent residency than finance roles where you’re basically hoping your employer will go to bat for you. Don’t stress too much about your GPA - law schools care way more about LSAT scores, so crushing that test can make up for undergrad issues. Your finance background actually sets you up perfectly for corporate law, securities work, or transactional stuff where valuation skills matter. For MBA programs, you need a top-tier school to make the ROI work, but your current experience might not get you into those programs anyway. Law school teaches you analytical skills that work everywhere, while MBA value really depends on how prestigious the program is and their alumni connections. Since you enjoyed contract work and have immigration concerns, law school seems like the better fit. Just make sure you shadow people in both fields before diving into either 3-year commitment.
Went through the same thing 5 years ago and picked law school - no regrets. Your finance background is perfect for corporate law, M&A, and securities work. I’m making what my MBA friends make but with better work-life balance (most days). The visa support is clutch - my firm’s immigration team handles H-1B and green card applications. Don’t buy into the lawyer stereotype. Some partners are intense, sure, but most associates are cool. Your valuation skills will make you invaluable for deals. AI isn’t replacing us - it’s just changing how we research.
you’re def overthinking it. if you enjoy contracts and need visa support, law school’s the clear choice. an mba’s just not worth the debt unless it’s from a top-tier program. ur finance background will help you stand out in law school apps - they love that diversity.
Your finance background is actually a huge asset for both paths! Don’t sweat the GPA - just nail whichever test you pick. Both options have great opportunities if you play to your strengths.