Should I Opt for Law or Computer Science? A Comprehensive Guide for Prospective Students

The decision between pursuing a career in law versus computer science is a complex yet critical one, particularly for students like you who are on the verge of making a substantial career move. It is not an either-or decision, as your life and career path might evolve in unexpected ways. For many, starting with a technical or professional career often paves the way for a later career pivot to law, while others might never find themselves drawn to the legal world.

The Typical Career Path: From Tech to Law

Most people begin with a career in a technical or professional field, such as computer science, engineering, or neuroscience. However, there are compelling reasons why one might decide to later pursue a legal career. For instance, many physicians who became lawyers started by training in medical school before pursuing law. However, the transition from law to tech is less common.

Take my brother as an example. He started as a computer scientist with a master's degree from Stanford and worked on the Apollo Project. Despite the groundbreaking nature of his work, he later decided law was a better fit for him, given the isolating nature of computer science. He found remarkable success as a lawyer, illustrating that one can make a second career pivot successfully.

Why Opt for Computer Science?

Choosing a career in computer science often comes with several advantages over law. For instance, computer science offers:

Higher starting salaries Widely recognized and growing job market More flexible lifestyle Lower stress Less debt associated with education

Sociological trends suggest that many people regret entering law school. It's a significant investment of time and money, and you might not discover your true alignment with the legal profession until you are deeply involved. This means you risk dedicating three years to education and a substantial amount of money with a high chance of not aligning with your deepest interests.

A Wasted Life Crisis: Reconsidering Your Choices

It's not uncommon for individuals to experience a quarter-life crisis reevaluating their career choices. As you grapple with deciding between law and computer science, it's crucial to consider your ultimate goals and what you are passionate about. Your interest in advancing the human race through technology is a compelling motivator. If you find purpose and feel you would excel in coding and software engineering, this might be the path you should take.

This might be your moment to explore coding and see if it aligns with your passions and interests:

Experimentation: Start coding with Python or another language. Engaging with programming can give you a taste of the work environment and help you gauge your interest. If coding proves to be enjoyable and fulfilling, it may be a route worth pursuing.

Motivation: Think about the impact you can have in technology. Software engineers and data scientists work towards solving real-world problems that can have a profound effect on society. This sense of purpose might align well with your aspirations.

Expertise: Assess whether you feel you would excel in law or technology. Your ENTJ personality type might thrive in a fast-paced, demanding environment like software engineering, where innovation and problem-solving are key.

Conclusion

The decision to become a lawyer or a computer scientist is deeply personal and influenced by a variety of factors, including your interests, strengths, and life goals. It's important to consider the potential risks and benefits carefully. If you find that coding and software engineering align more closely with your passions and potential for making a meaningful impact, it might be the path you should take.