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• Questions from a Law School Graduate From: Rschena  Jul 05, 2012 Posts 2

  I will be entering my final year of school at Drexel law and I plan on spending 4 to 5 years post-graduation in Harrisburg working with energy and environmental regulatory authorities.  My question then is what does Wharton look for in applicants with legal backgrounds?   Reply

• Re: Questions from a Law School Graduate From: victormlee  Jul 05, 2012 Posts 2,555

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  Generally speaking, all the same qualities as with any other applicant. The more relevant issue for someone of your background would be why you chose a particular career path and would seemingly be starting down a new career trajectory; it would be wise to address this either directly or indirectly in your essays. -Victor WG '11 Reply

• Re: Questions from a Law School Graduate From: Rschena  Jul 06, 2012 Posts 2

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  Thanks for the help.  Law school is more of a first step for me - I have specific goals for my career and at this point having a law degree lets me accomplish some things to help me along the way.  I see an MBA in the same light, so in my mind I am not so much as switching careers but acquiring more of the tools that I need to succeed.  I will keep your advice in mind.  It won't change what I do necessarily but it will help me keep a clear perspective on my goals.   Reply

• Re: Questions from a Law School Graduate From: victormlee  Jul 06, 2012 Posts 2,555

  In reply to

  Hi, Rschena, I had a very similar perspective in the past. However, generally speaking, you may have a harder time if you see an MBA as an enabler towards an uncertain future path rather than as a stepping stone en route to an already determined, well thought out career objective. If you see MBAs, JDs, etc. as a collection of tools to add to your toolbelt without knowing clearly what you want to build, you may find acquiring the equipment more tricky than you think.  Make sure you can also clearly articulate why those tools will be complementary. It is certainly possible to do so - you just need to be clear in your mind how the different skillsets interact or else you will risk having a meandering, unclear essay. This can be problematic in the review process. You may, of course, have all this already well understood and a clear sense of your short term and long term career path (and can explain why you are pursuing the JD and MBA in the order you mention rather than, say, as part of a joint degree). In that case, I say... Good luck! -Victor Reply