A 21^st Century Twist

Today many hiring managers are looking for candidates who have a certain skill set that make them a well-rounded company asset. In many cases those who have earned a liberal arts degree have the critical thinking and communication skills needed to excel in virtually any career.

There are those who may be willing to hire a liberal arts major instead of someone with a degree in their field if they believe the individual’s skill set will make them a valuable asset. The thinking seems to be that the precise skills can be taught, but the broad understanding of a liberal arts degree may not be as easy to teach.

Old School Thinking

It’s not uncommon for those who are pursuing a liberal arts degree to encounter people who ask if they are going into teaching. The reason for this is that teachers must have a well-developed general knowledge in order to pass along instruction to their students. The very thing that has made teachers successful in the classroom may now allow grads to find success in a broad range of careers using a broad range of knowledge.

A degree is an important component in any career, but an increasing number of students are discovering a liberal arts degree can open more doors than they thought possible.

Today paralegal professionals are often the research and case development arm of a law practice. These individuals are instrumental in uncovering data that can be used to make a case for a client. They don’t argue a case before the court of offer clients legal advice, but they do perform the meaningful work of developing materials that help an attorney determine the merits of the case and arguments that may apply.

A paralegal is a researcher, investigator, case organizer and development expert. The work of a paralegal allows an attorney to represent a greater number of clients.

A Paralegal’s Pay

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics you should expect a growth in this career field of 28% through 2018. This is significantly more than many other professions with a salary that may be in line with your financial needs. The median annual salary is as follows:

Federal Executive Branch                               $58,540

Management of companies and enterprises    $55,910

Insurance carriers                                            $52,200

Employment services                                      $50,050

Legal services                                                  $44,480

Degree Options

If you are intrigued with the legal profession and enjoy research then a paralegal career may be well suited to your personal interests. Some individuals who are paralegals find comfort in the work simply because they don’t have to argue cases or provide clients with advice. They simply work to gather data and help develop a case. A paralegal degree can be obtained through distance learning, which can allow you to continue work commitments while you earn a degree. This could be the advancement you need to infuse your future with possibility.