How To Spend A Gap Year

Some people take a gap year to travel the world and have fun. They also probably aren’t trying to get into a top law school. Shawn O’Conner offers three other suggestions

3 Gap Year Jobs That Prepare Students For Law School

 
Thinking about taking a year or two off between undergrad and law school? There are definitely reasons to support that notion. First, taking a couple of years to see how the unstable job market trends would be a good thing. Also, taking time to fully devote to the LSAT while choosing some work that is attractive to law schools admissions offices wouldn’t hurt.  Shawn O’Connor has three suggestions that do just that.
First, and probably most common, is to be a paralegal or legal assistant. This may seem obvious, but it has helpful for a reason: It will give you the closest exposure to what it’s like to be lawyer than any other job. What’s more, it’s the job that the majority of O’Connor’s clients decide to do with their gap years.
According to O’Connor, there are two things applicants should do during their time as a paralegal. They should secure a good letter of recommendation from one of the attorneys they are working with and talk about the paralegal position during law school admissions interviews.
Next, you could be a research or policy analyst. This job can be found in many different offices. You could join the office of a public official or a legislator. Or, you could become part of a think tank of NGO. Regardless of the office, it’s a good idea because it will really sharpen your research and writing skills. This could be especially helpful if you are an applicant coming from majors with less writing and research (engineering and math majors, we’re looking at you.).
Finally, look into an investment banking and general management position. You’ll probably be surrounded by a bunch of future MBAs, but success at these types of jobs can show your ability to work long, rigorous hours that require extreme detail—all of which are great qualities to show on a law school application.
Gap years are increasingly a good idea. And these three options will all make a law school applicant look even better to an admissions office.
Source: U.S. News
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