Is it worth getting an Associate Degree? Or will I be laughed at because I don't have a bachelors degree.?

Question

I want to be a paralegal and the government occupational handbook says an associate degree is required (didn't mention a bachelor).

So should I go ahead and earn a degree or just forget about the whole thing and use my H.S. Diploma?

Answer 1

Get the Associate Degree. I am a paralegal and I never completed my courses for this degree, which I regret. If you have the degree, you can make a lot more money. Plus, you can also go forward towards your Bachelor's Degree in any field. If you want to start working as a paralegal asap, then get the Associates, you can work and earn your Bachelor's. There is no reason anyone should laugh at you for any reason, especially for earning a degree. I have been turned down for many jobs because I do not have the Associates Degree. Go for it!

Answer 2

Mike, if you will eventually need a bachelor's to be a competitive candidate, go ahead and start with an associate's degree now. You will not only be a better candidate on paper, but you will feel more confident, and should therefore interview better.

While you work on your associate's, if you cannot get employment as a paralegal, look for possible internships as a paralegal, even if only unpaid. Why? Because you get the chance to show what kind of work ethic you have, how detail-oriented you are, and how well you research things for the attorney(s). You'll get references and make contacts that will help you down the line.

You can do this, and congratulations on your career choice. Getting a college degree is a big step, and it takes time, but you will be glad you did, especially if you want to change careers at some point, although there is usually plenty of employment out there for paralegals.

Answer 3

I don't think it will be a problem if you can score high on your LSAT and show that your education is "credible". I think your biggest issue is going to be if you succeed at passing law school. I do honestly think you will have a more difficult time finding a job as an attorney with a fashion degree. I think most firms would like you to have an undergraduate that suits the area of law you choose to practice. Simply put, what area of law do you think a fashion degree will help you? I guess my question to you is, "Is it worth the near $100k of debt to risk on a trying to find a job with a fashion degree?" I think it is a risk especially with how over saturated the legal field is now. If you work as a paralegal, you should already know how many attorneys graduate law school with no hope of finding a job. In this economy, it is not a good choice, even for those highly capable graduating out of the halls of Harvard. Give it strong consideration. It sounds like you are someone that likes to change your mind a lot. Almost like Elle. You just woke up one morning and decided it was a good idea to go to law school. Really do your research. If it is still your passion, take your chances.

Answer 4

Get the degree by all means. You really don't have much of a shot without it. Once you get your associate's you will be able to get your foot in many more doors and you can always go back and get a bachelors. The more sheepskin you have in our society, the farther you will go. Never pass up a chance to increase your knowledge.

Answer 5

If you want to be a paralegal, you'll need the degree. And no one will laugh at you for having the degree you need to do your job.

Answer 6

Higher education is never a waste and it is something you will be very glad you did for yourself. Don't worry about people laughing at you because you're doing what is best for yourself - not for them. Go ahead and get that degree!!!