Advice on course/career path

BenMc

Hi,

So basically I've recently become conflicted over what course/ career path I have chosen. On Monday I start a common entry science course in TCD. I will have the option to specialise in third year and will have a level 8 degree by the end. I have always enjoyed science, been extremely good at it and even picked 4 science subjects for leaving cert - biology, chemistry, ag science and physics (which I taught myself at home) I received H1s and a H2 in them. I did lots of researching when picking a course and ended up picking science for reasons stated above.

However, recently I started to watch a programme that follows an attorney and focuses on law. This programme sparked an interest in law, which I previously just ignored when choosing a course due to advice that it's boring. Now I understand it's ridiculous to base such an extreme decision on a TV portrayal of a profession and thus I researched the topic of law by reading up about law courses, law modules offered at places like TCD and reading opinions from actual lawyers on forums. Furthermore, I went to the four courts recently to view actual cases. While I was there I witnessed two cases, questioned a solicitor and a paralegal and I also read old cases that had been archived. I found it all quite interesting. I seem to like the idea of law because:
-You get to work with people
-Lots of reading and writing
-Case work seems fun in that you can play detective and uncover the truth
-You know all about the rules that govern the world you live in
-You work with intellectual people daily and are met with engaging tasks daily
-Succes is governed by your ability rather than experience in a field
-And of course you get to wear suits everyday and the salary is decent

And to conclude, TCD offer students the ability to transfer courses from the 14th of October (earlier date) to the 28th of November (closing date) based on availability of places, I believe. Thus I would like to hear some peoples opinions. Should I transfer courses?

I understand I haven't said much about science. To be honest I may just be nervous about starting college which is what caused this sudden hesitation. Another possibility is that I'm not too sure about my prospects with a science degree in that I'm not sure if I'd like to sit behind a microscope or be in a lab all day everyday. My sister recently started a job in a lab (having completed her masters in biotechnology) and is starting at approximately €30,000 (I mention the salary because I want to earn more than that, which may not be possible with science) She doesn't like to talk about her job to me and from the small bit she does mention she seems to only do repetitive work. I'm not sure I want to run gels or watch zebra fish everyday for the rest of my life.

I'm an ambitious, hardworking person and I understand that this post is seriously long-winded and possibly comes across as naive or whiney. But at such a milestone in my life I just wish I knew that I was picking the right course. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

BenMc

I'd also like to mention that I'm interested in intellectual property law which merges both science and law

Martina1991

BenMc wrote: »

Hi,
I did lots of researching when picking a course and ended up picking science for reasons stated above.

thus I researched the topic of law by reading up about law courses, law modules offered at places like TCD and reading opinions from actual lawyers on forums. Furthermore, I went to the four courts recently to view actual cases. While I was there I witnessed two cases, questioned a solicitor and a paralegal and I also read old cases that had been archived. I found it all quite interesting. I seem to like the idea of law because:
-You get to work with people
-Lots of reading and writing
-Case work seems fun in that you can play detective and uncover the truth
-You know all about the rules that govern the world you live in
-You work with intellectual people daily and are met with engaging tasks daily
-Succes is governed by your ability rather than experience in a field
-And of course you get to wear suits everyday and the salary is decent

You have done a lot of leg work to research the law degree, but have you talked to others in science besides your sister?

I did the LC in 2010, I knew I wanted to do Science it was just a matter of choosing the right course to set myself up for job prospects.

Science is a broad field. There are many different labs out there, some with the possibility of travel as well. I just think you should gather as much information from both sides before deciding.

But from the looks of your post, you appear to be leaning towards law.
You're a smart cookie. Trust your gut.