Legal Eagles...with clipped wings. (degrees, school, economy, jobs)

[Nomadic9460678748]

Sometimes I regret having dropped out of law school, even if it was only a second tier public at a state commuter school. I'm not in any better position than most of these people (unemployed, destitute, unhappy, indebted), but at least when (or if?) the economy improves they'll have the benefit of a professional degree. I, and my useless liberal arts education, will still be searching for any type of remuneration which pays more than $10 an hour and doesn't involve me asking if the customer would like fries with their order.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/09/business/09law.html

[Bhaalspawn]

The "benefit" of the professional degree could work against them. Stories abound on the Internet about people who have had to remove their advanced and professional degrees in order to obtain employment. Having an advanced degree can render you overqualified and unemployable for jobs outside of your field.

Why is that? Hiring managers are liable to conclude that you will quit as soon as you find a job in your field or that you must be a worthless loser since you couldn't find a job in your field. Remember, people who make hiring decisions are doing well in life and tend to know other people who are doing well in life and will thus tend to have a benevolent view of the employment market. They will thus tend to think that whatever field your degree was in is a great, red-hot field. Therefore if you couldn't find a job in it you must be a huge loser or you'll bolt for the exits as soon as a job offer in that field comes your way.