twoeyes

I am a current senior at UC-Berkeley majoring in Economics having a real tough time as to what I want to do when I graduate spring 2010.

I have narrowed down my career paths to 3 options, law school, middle school teacher, or accounting.

My GPA is 3.4ish.

I am somewhat interested in criminal and forensic law. For law school I would need to start studying for the LSAT ASAP and take the October Exam. I could graduate Fall 09 or Spring 2010 if I choose to take more classes. (I am a current 4th year). However, with this economy, and the tough competition for jobs I am not sure if law school will be worth it in the long run, assuming I even get into a top 15 law school.


I could see myself as a middle-school math teacher. But with low teaching salaries (35K starting I hear) I know the money will be big factor in this economy. For teaching I could graduate in spring 2010 or fall 09 and immediately start some 2 year master's program to get my credentials. However, the idea of parent conferences and having to create a lesson plan everyday, extends the job far beyond the 8-3 regime. (I have spoken to a couple teachers about this).

Accounting intrigues me because I am good at math, I tend to be very organized, and the profession itself tends to be recession proof and stable-good pay (55K+ starting). However, I know that down the road I will get sick of filling out charts and tabulating numbers. Plus, I prefer a job where I am not isolated in a cubicle working long hours. I like to do things on my feet and work in a social atmosphere. Another problem with accounting is I would have to stay in school till at least Summer 2010 to have completed the 7 core accounting classes.



I would appreciate anyone's input in regards to these 3 careers. Ideally, I am looking for a career that is stable, well-paying, and not office abundant. I would prefer to do things on my feet and get some air once a while.
thanks in advance for any advice

bluedevilmike

Unfortunately, each of your three careers has one thing you want. Law, depending on what school you go to, is probably the best paying. Accounting is a relatively stable income. Teaching, however, is the only one that isn't "office abundant."

Greybeard

Accounting doesn't require much math.

rhumbob

You probably need more information on what career opportunities are open to you in the accounting world. The experience of a corporate accountant in a small/midsize company, an auditor in a big 4 accounting firm, and a small town CPA are vastly different.

Tax work involves accounting and knowledge of tax laws. Perhaps a MS in Tax after graduation and a couple years of practical experience? The MS Tax program at Golden Gate in SF is excellent.

There is a lot of variety / life style choices to be had in the wider world of accounting.

elis.eliz

rhumbob,

would u introduce auditing in big 4 for a little bit?

GetRight

I am considering those 3 same careers and would like to know, did you make a decision and how do u like it?