Finding the right specialty is by far the most important area of paralegal studies. As we have noted in other articles, it is mission critical to find the right area. Consider the following criteria:
1. It must be an area of high interest. In other words, this area must be something that will be appropriate for both today and tomorrow. Consider the amount of time and effort that will be invested in this career. Interest level will dictate happiness and overall job satisfaction.
2. It must be an area which has the potential for job growth. Nothing is worse than spending time and money getting training in an area that has no future. While it is true that the paralegal profession shows a tremendous amount of growth potential, just be sure that the area chosen for specialty training will not be on the chopping block in another 10 years.
A professional conversation is one key to discovering the right niche in paralegal studies. One of the first things you should do is ask someone who is a paralegal about the job. There is no better source than going to the horse’s mouth for answers. A book is way too static, and the internet can often times lead you on nothing more than a wild goose chase. One thing I would recommend is picking up the phone and asking if you can speak with someone who does this job for a living. While there might be a degree of discomfort in making a phone call, consider the downside of not researching a career, and walking blindly into an area that does not resonate well with your personality.
Professional instructors are a key resource in choosing the right area of paralegal studies. One of the pluses about researching different schools is talking to people. While weighing the pros and cons of traditional vs. online schools you will undoubtedly come into contact with professional instructors. You should have access to instructors. If you do not get return phone calls or emails, chances are this is a school that is not interested in your professional needs, just your money. Immediately cross that institution off your list. Most instructors will respond to student inquiries. Be sure to ask the two basic questions: 1. Areas of Interest. 2. Areas of Growth.
Observations are another critical area that is often over-looked. It is highly recommended that anyone interested in pursuing a career as a legal assistant should in fact observe an office where professionals are busy at work. You can learn a lot by just watching and seeing first-hand what a paralegal does for a living. The other key to observation is developing connections with other professionals. Most people are open to helping other, and it gives the potential student in-sight. No doubt that a little time invested in a career now, will pay dividends later. Also, consider the network you are building as you meet new people. There is no doubt that people like to help each other out. Maybe these same people will be able to give you insight to various areas of paralegal studies.
Today’s workforce requires people to go the extra mile. Through research, phone calls, and face-to-face meetings you will start building confidence in your abilities, and also be recognized as someone who takes the paralegal profession seriously. We must accept, the days of just showing up to a job are over. Your personal efforts to investigate paralegal studies will separate you from the competition. It will also make your career move as a paralegal more fulfilling.