The Skills You’ll Gain From a Dual JD/MBA Degree

For those interested in both business and law, a JD/MBA dual degree makes sense.

But what exactly are the benefits of earning such a degree? Dominique Collins, of Stratus Admissions Consulting, recently discussed some of the pros of pursuing a JD/MBA dual degree.

COMPLEMENTARY TECHNICAL SKILLS

In lines of work, such as a corporate attorney, certain skills are necessary to excel in the job. Earning a JD/MBA dual degree can offer a complementary skill set that well prepares graduates for these types of jobs.

“Success in law school depends upon one’s individual performance and strength in areas such as effective writing, oration, information synthesis, and logical reasoning,” Collins writes. “Business school, on the other hand, typically involves a more objective approach to problem solving by leveraging empirical evidence and using past performance to develop current solutions and predict future results.”

ADAPTABILITY OF SOFT SKILLS

LinkedIn’s Talent Trends study finds that employers, more than ever, value soft skills such as effective collaboration and the ability to work independently. In fact, according to the study, 91% of companies said soft skills are critical to the future of recruiting and HR.

Collins says that law school tends to emphasize a more individualistic approach to learning, while B-school focuses on collaboration.

“In law school, one primarily takes a more individualistic approach to learning. Academic success is contingent upon the student’s ability to do well on a final examination at the end of each semester,” she writes. “Conversely, business school employs a more balanced approach to learning where students are evaluated on their ability to work in teams, in addition to independent work product and final exams.”

Having this dual approach gives JD/MBA grads versatility in the post-grad world.

“For example, it may be essential to wear different hats in the entrepreneurial or corporate context, where one’s own unique contribution is paramount, or to work as part of a team, where one’s contribution is part of a greater vision to execute a particular project or goal,” Collins writes. “Employing and reinforcing this versatile work style in the JD/MBA context will prepare students to succeed in diverse work environments.”

Sources: Stratus Admissions Consulting, LinkedIn