How will my work experience be viewed? Forum

[DKM]

Currently I am finishing my bachelor's, but between junior college and my current Uni I took 3 years and worked in an auto-body shop. Long story short, I went to junior college because I really had no direction and I figured that I could at least knock out my prerequisites. While getting my associates I took a job at the shop and began an apprenticeship (not formally) and decided that this could be a career that I would enjoy. Fast forward a few years and I now know this is not the job for me, mostly due to the fact that I noticed the work takes a considerable toll on the body, and those that have been in the industry for their whole lives seem miserable.


Would this work experience be viewed the same as experience gained after receiving a bachelor's degree? At least as far as including this information in LS applications? Keep in mind I was not doing mindless labor, but learning the processes and actually considered making this a career.

Sorry for grammar, spelling, etc.. posted from mobile

[t-14orbust]

It probably won't help or hurt. It's somewhat interesting. You might be able to turn it into a PS. If your reasons for dropping the profession were that it takes a toll on the body and that the career professionals are miserable, then you might want to reconsider the law lol.

[DoveBodyWash]

1. I have an older friend who just graduated from HLS and she went to culinary school before law school...just some anecdotal evidence i guess. It clearly didn't stand in her way

2. I think it depends on how you spin it. It sounds like you were exploring it as a viable career and decided it wasn't for you. To me that sounds pretty responsible and strengthens--at least a little--your conviction for law school. "I tried X, it wasn't for me and now I realize that I want to pursue law" etc...

3. I don't think adcomms are going to necessarily think less of your work experience if that's what you're worried about. Especially because work experience matters so little, at least compared to LSAT/GPA.

In sum, I wouldn't worry about it. I definitely wouldn't hide it. This is something you can use in your favor

[DKM]

Bumping for justice...

and more opinions...

[PrideandGlory1776]

LSAT are GPA determine all - the only things that can diminish your chances are C & F issues so you have nothing to worry about and in fact if you connect your narrative in a compelling and creative way it may even redound to your benefit.

[notalobbyist]

Negligible effect either way depending on socioeconomic background of person reviewing.

Don't worry.

[mtn663]

not sure why anyone would see this as a negative, though I guess there's no accounting for some people. if anything maybe it will an adcomm's eye as unique (in a good way) and maybe you'll get the marginal admit over the 84th consultant or analyst to cross their desk that day.

really, I doubt much effect either way.