First, some facts. Of the Legal Studies graduates from Grand Valley State University we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 10 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? On par with the average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 67%, Legal Studies graduates from Grand Valley State University have about the same likelihood of finding work in this field as the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 10% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Legal Studies graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
Relevance score: 33%We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2022 from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Legal Studies. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONLegal InternAlles Law Jan 2022 - Apr 2022 Teacher Carepointe Academy Apr 2023 - Present Legal Assistant Podlaski LLP Mar 2024 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From analyzing the job histories of graduates with a degree in Legal Studies from Grand Valley State University, it seems like the most common roles they’ve taken on are paralegal or legal assistant positions. These jobs often involve directly applying the legal knowledge and skills learned during their degree, such as handling documentation, understanding legal processes, and conducting research. Paralegals and legal assistants typically function in law firms or legal departments, where their roles are very much aligned with the core competencies of a Legal Studies program.
However, there’s a noticeable trend where some graduates end up in jobs that aren’t directly related to law, such as roles in marketing, finance, or even education. Positions like Casualty Claims Representative or Mortgage Banker, for example, may involve some understanding of legal principles but don’t require a deep legal background. Overall, while many graduates do find jobs that are highly relevant to their studies, a fair number drift into fields where their legal training isn't put to the best use. It's a mixed bag, showcasing both the versatility of a Legal Studies degree and the reality that many end up in roles not exclusively tied to its core focus.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Legal Studies graduates (this is across all Legal Studies graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Grand Valley State University):
From what I've gathered, graduates of Legal Studies at Grand Valley State University seem to generally kick off their careers in various legal and related fields after graduation. For many of them, their first jobs tend to be in entry-level legal positions like paralegals or legal assistants. For instance, several graduates took roles as paralegals or legal assistants right away, while others found positions in related industries like claims management or mortgage banking. In these early stages, it's common for them to encounter diverse roles that still tie back to their Legal Studies background, even if they stray a bit from traditional law careers.
Looking five to ten years down the line, many graduates appear to continue building on these foundational roles. You can spot a few who have moved up the ladder in their legal careers, transitioning into more senior positions such as Senior Resolution Managers or Paralegal leads. However, there are also graduates who have taken a turn into unrelated fields, like marketing or teaching, which indicates a mix of experiences—some following a clear legal path and others opting for careers elsewhere. Overall, while many do find success in legal or law-related jobs, there's a notable number who veer off to different sectors, illustrating that while a degree in Legal Studies can open doors, it doesn’t lock you into a single career trajectory. So, if you're considering this degree, keep in mind the diverse paths you could take!
Hey! So, a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies, like the one at Grand Valley State University, can definitely vary in difficulty depending on your interests and strengths. Generally speaking, it’s considered to be on the easier side compared to some other majors, especially if you enjoy reading and writing. You’ll dive into a lot of legal principles, cases, and maybe some research work, which is pretty manageable if you stay organized and keep up with your readings. That said, if you’re not into law or really dislike essay writing, it can feel a bit more challenging. Overall, though, if you have a good handle on your study habits and you're curious about law, it shouldn't be too tough!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Legal Studies.
Looking at the job paths of these Legal Studies grads from Grand Valley State University, it seems like they’ve had a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to making decent money. Some, like the one who worked their way up to a Senior Resolution Manager, probably saw a good paycheck along the way, especially with roles at established companies like Gallagher Bassett. Others, however, have had jobs like paralegal and administrative roles which typically don’t pay as well, especially at the entry level. It's also clear that some of the newer grads are still trying to find their footing, with internships earlier in their careers, so they might not be raking in the big bucks just yet. Overall, it looks like a few might be doing pretty well, but many are still climbing the ladder.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Legal Studies (this is across all Legal Studies graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Grand Valley State University). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Legal Studies (ordered by the average relevance score of their Legal Studies graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
College | Score | Count |
---|---|---|
University of Central Florida | 70 | 34 |
University of California, Berkeley | 67 | 15 |
Grand Valley State University | 67 | 10 |
Florida Gulf Coast University | 67 | 10 |
St. John's University | 63 | 16 |
Kaplan University | 50 | 11 |
University of California, Santa Cruz | 49 | 10 |