Job Search Handbook:
Where do you see yourself in five years? In ten years? If you could create a job that perfectly matched your skills and interests, what would it be? For most, answering these questions takes much thought and soul-searching. Although few would disagree that job satisfaction is of primary importance when choosing a career path, the heavy demands of classes, journals, clinics, etc., leave little time for self-reflection. However, you've all heard about the surveys, which reveal that a significant number of attorneys are dissatisfied with their careers by about their third year of practice.
Why are so many unhappy when the legal profession offers such a wide array of opportunities? Law is basically the smorgasbord of professions. You can focus on theory or work one-on-one with clients. You can negotiate or litigate, develop policy or apply it. More often than not, you can do a bit of each. In light of such professional freedom, why are so many attorneys dissatisfied? For many, it was their failure, early on, to invest the time in self-assessment. Taking the time now to inventory your interests, abilities, values and goals and then persevering in your pursuit of a job that best matches them will help you avoid many potential career frustrations.
To get started on the self-assessment, complete a couple exercises to help pinpoint the best options for you. We also recommend these great resources for further exploration: