Career Plan - Personal Statement Example

Career Plan The journey to a successful career requires thorough planning and regular evaluation of the plan. Personally, I feel obliged to launch a career path that will help me exploit my skills as well as making a meaningful impact to the society. I have two options in mind that I would prefer for future career. Firstly, I passionate about law and I am always very excited about getting to know some of the legal aspects that are provided in both local and international law. Therefore, my first career option would to be a lawyer. The second options come in since some eventualities may occur on the way resulting from the career as a lawyer becoming difficult to attain. This would lead me to a career as a business analyst. In this plan, I shall put into perspective these two forms of careers while establishing their attainability. In this regard, I consider myself a potential lawyer or business analyst. The decision to get to law school and become a lawyer requires some pre-university preparations. In order to engage in a successful career as a lawyer I would like to understand the basics that underlie law studies. The first thing is that I would like to read current material such as magazines and newspapers, which would enhance my awareness of the current issues. This will be very helpful in having a wide scope of understanding in various aspects related to general societal issues. The second thing is to find a career mentor, this is a person who will help me understand the career more; they will be beneficial in helping analyze all the pros and cons related to career in law while providing guidance and direction. Alternatively, I will seek a career adviser at the school to ensure that there is no stone that is left unturned. The third most important thing will be to seek an opportunity in a law firm to learn about what lawyers go through. Fourthly, I endeavor to engage in activities that will help me to be an all-rounded individual; this can be done in engaging in community activities, sports and reading widely. Finally, I will put a lot of emphasis on my academic work to ensure that I am capable of getting the entry requirements to a law school. The grades are very important for a lawyer. In addition, are required to be articulate and have clarity of mind and thought. Lawyers are required to represent individuals in court on all legal matters, both civil and criminal cases. There are several opportunities for lawyers, which I would like to grab one. Lawyers have a broad choice of specialization; ranging from matters related to international law, environmental law, probate law, bankruptcy, business law, civil law, employment law, family, and divorce law among others. All these aspects provide an opportunity for lawyers to have a broad selection of a specific line of career. Personally, I would prefer doing international law. A number of reasons motivate this. I am a very outgoing person and would like to interact with people of all races and culture. Besides, I will get an opportunity to be a global individual and endeavor to work in various countries. In addition, international law will give me an opportunity to explore other available opportunities across the world. In particular, I would like to be biased on international business law and hence become a specialist in this particular line of law. Training and educational qualification is a very important aspect of a lawyer’s life. The legal profession is founded on the grades that are obtained in the GCSE. I understand that it is a requirement that I have to pass this exam well in order to secure a place for an A level studies. At the A level stage, I will require that I pass well and have the best choice of subjects that will enable me pursue the undergraduate degree. When pursuing a degree, I will have to pass all the required subjects. I would desire to engage in training that will boost my chances of becoming a better lawyer and have concern for my clients. I do understand that it is not an easy task to secure a place in the law school. Therefore, I desire to strive hard and attain good grades that will help me get a position in law school. Admission in the law school and successful graduation is not the final achievement but I would also engage in professional training programs as well as finding my way to the graduate school in the near future. In the United States, the College degree usually takes four years with an additional three years of law school. This would pave way for the bar admission examination. While still pursuing my studies I will endeavor to capitalize on any available opportunity and time to sharpen my skills, this would be through opportunities to have the hands-on experience in the courtrooms. In order to keep track with the aspiration of being a lawyer, I will develop a strategic approach of college education. Firstly, I keep on track with current affairs in the newspapers and magazines especially on legal aspects. In addition, I will furnish myself with legal press, which will enrich my legal skills. Secondly, I will seek a university career adviser to whom I will befriend so that they will furnish me with a number of skills related to the profession. I will also endeavor to use the staff in making links with other professionals. Thirdly, I will consult widely in order to make a wise decision on where I can learn better during the vacations on the profession. Fourthly, I would like to participate in firms’ open days and law fairs that will help me have a better understanding of what is required. Fifthly, the essence of doing my best in all the units in throughout the course will be very vital. I shall endeavor to leave no stone unturned while delivering my best output. At this point, I will make the final decision whether I will would want to pursue the legal career as a solicitor or a barrister. The employability of lawyers as well as the terms of employment is relatively good. According to statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2013), there were about seven thousand, six hundred and sixty one employed lawyers across United States in 2006. This includes the individuals that are employed in various places including self-employment. Various options in which lawyers can fall into in terms of their employment status exist. There are those employed by corporations, the government, institutions of higher learning, non-profit making organizations while others work in law firms. I am confident that the profession will attract more opportunities especially based on the view that the Bureau of Labor Statistics project that about eighty four thousand more jobs shall be created by 2016. In addition to the career being ripe, there are other associated benefits; lawyers are well compensated for their work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that the annual average earnings of a lawyer are about $ 118,280 in 2007. The rate is even higher for those working directly in the provision of legal services. This indicates that there are much earnings that come from the profession. Besides the remunerations and other benefits that come with the job, I believe this job can provide for me the much-required satisfaction. There are several aspects of the job that I can derive satisfaction from. Firstly, I am a business oriented individual with a deep interest in understanding business law. This interest will facilitate my penetration to the market where I will specialize and deliver quality services to my clients. Secondly, I am a good and equivocal communicator, with some training, I will perfect o this art, which will grant me a competitive advantage in the market. This aspect will foster my satisfaction on the job. I am an individual that is highly mindful of my choice of words that I use wherever I am. I believe this is what is required of a good lawyer. The third aspect that will grant a better satisfaction will be the aspect of representing my thoughts based on law in arguing cases. I will strive to understand and fine-tune the basics of the law and apply them in the courtrooms. I desire for the time that I will use my legal prowess to challenge my colleagues. The second career option is that of a business analyst. I am thrilled by the fact that business aspects makes me tick. The business analysts play a very important role in the business world by priding the guidance that is necessary for well-being of businesses. As a business analyst, I will have the role of analyzing the business scenarios while helping improve on its profitability, structure, efficiency among other diverse business aspects. It is a requirement that business analysts provide direction for the organization especially on times of crisis as well as times when there is need for development of a strategy. In this respect I will be required to establish what are the specific needs of an organization and then develop a clear road map that will help them meet the need. The course of action of a business analyst entails collection of organizational data, then the findings are presented to the management together with the proposed course of action. Education will form a key pillar of the career due to the ability to acquire knowledge and skills based on the career. A business analyst may choose a number of degree programs that will lay the foundation for the future career. For me, I would endeavor to do business administration so that I am well conversant with all aspects that relates to business management. There are a number of disciplines that I will be able to learn through the degree program that will lay the ground for the career. In addition to the degree, I will pursue the professional requirements. In particular, it will be important for me to pass the Certified Management Consultant certification, which is provided through the Institute of Management Consultants. This career is motivated by my self-willingness to pursue this field. Being a result-oriented and self-driven individual, this career perfectly fits me. This is because there is need for a business analyst to have an initiative and the capacity to work with creativity so that they can deliver workable results to the customers. In addition, I have good communication skills, which I shall sharpen for the furtherance of the career. The degree is not enough for a business analyst; my passion for the career will enable me to pursue a master’s program in business administration. There are many opportunities available for business analysts characterized by the dynamics in business world today. The changes in technology and the production and marketing patterns requires that organizations change their strategies from time to time while others will need to keep on evaluating the existing ones. There are a number of specialties that are available for specialization as a business analyst; they range from logistics, human resources to marketing. In my personal capacity, I would like to engage in organizational logistics. The mode of working is widely flexible. There is an opportunity for me to work at my convenience while I can also work with a team of fellow consultants in developing a given product or service. The bureau of Labor Statistics provides that from 2010 to 2020, there is expected an estimated 22% growth in the number of vacancies available for business analysts. This gives me an opportunity to explore this field and reap benefits thereof. There is an upsurge in businesses as well as technologies, which provides challenges to various organizations. The sector provides various openings where I can efficiently secure a well-paying job. There are various challenges that are associated with the job of a business analyst, but I am ready to go through them and reap the benefits thereof. There is a high salary expectations while the aspect of working as an independent entity provides me with an opportunity to express myself. As provided by the Bureau of labor statistics, the average annual labor wage for the business analysts was $78,490 in 2011. However, this figure can go much beyond this figure depending on the area of operation and the nature of the organization. This gives me confidence that this is a career worth pursuing. Apart from the formal education, there are other aspects that I will pursue in order to have a successful career as a business analyst. The first thing is doing an internship in an organization that is based on the field. My preference for an internship is in a consultancy firm that deals with business analysis. Secondly, I will seek a mentor to guide me in understanding the dynamics of the field while providing me with the exposure of hands-on skills. Mentorship will help create a link with other professionals in the field as well as potential customers. I will seek to be self-employed; therefore, the exposure will provide an opportunity for personal growth towards establishing my own organization. Thirdly, I will endeavor to create a rapport with professionals who will give me opportunities to share with them their work before I am fully established in the sector. Finally, I endeavor to participate in capacity building events such as workshops, seminars, and conferences that will expand my knowledge base while exposing me to the current trends in the organizations. In conclusion, my career path is centered around these two possibilities. My first priority is to be a lawyer, this is facilitated by the motivation to understand business law which I endeavor to specialize in. Being a lawyer will require that I get good mentors, advisers as well as have a passion for extensive and intensive reading. In particular, having clarity in understanding legal matters will be my first priority. On the other hand, the second career consideration is that of a business analyst; this career will complement my inability to pursue business law. The changes in technology as well as other dynamics in business are my opportunity to exploit my passion in business. I will seek mentors to guide me through while I engage in business administration at both the degree and master’s levels. I will also seek other relevant certifications. In addition, I will attend seminars, conferences and workshops that will help in enriching the qualifications. Works Cited BCS The Chartered Institute for IT. Business analysis career path. 2013. Web. 2 Mar 2014 http://certifications.bcs.org/upload/pdf/business-analysis-careerpath-full.pdf Brandenburg, Laura. How to start a business analyst career. 2009. Web. 2 Mar 2014 http://www.chelsoftusa.com/uploads/2/8/3/8/2838312/how_to_start_a_business_analyst_career.pdf Bureau of Labor Statistics. Lawyers. 2014. Web. 2 Mar 2014 http://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/lawyers.htm#tab-1 Bureau of Labor Statistics. Management Analysts. 2014. Web. 2 Mar 2014 http://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm Foothill College. How to become a lawyer. 2014. Web. 2 Mar 2014 http://www.foothill.edu/career/documents/lawyer.pdf Read More