Finding My Path: From Law School Setback to Finance Success
What seemed like a disappointment turned into a defining moment in my career journey. After falling short of the requirements for Singapore's law schools due to my A Level results, I chose to pursue business studies instead. Little did I know this "setback" would open doors I never imagined.
## An Unexpected Second Chance
During my freshman year in business school, something unexpected happened. The strong academic performance earned me an opportunity to pursue a second degree in law alongside my business studies. It was a chance to revisit my original dream, but with an added dimension – I had already discovered a passion for finance.
## Dual Opportunities Emerge
By August 2023, I found myself in an enviable position. I had secured two prestigious opportunities:
- A training contract with a "magic circle" law firm (one of the UK's top five)
- A summer internship offer from a leading US investment bank
While most would have been content with the law firm offer alone, I saw the internship as a valuable learning opportunity. My reasoning was simple: even if I chose law, understanding investment banking would be invaluable given how closely lawyers and bankers collaborate on deals.
## The Summer That Changed Everything
The internship proved transformative, offering insights that would ultimately reshape my career path. Here's what I discovered:
1. **Deal Dynamics**: Investment bankers weren't just participants in major transactions – they were the conductors of the orchestra, coordinating everything from due diligence to legal work.
2. **Broader Impact**: Rather than being confined to legal documentation, bankers were at the heart of strategic decision-making.
3. **Career Flexibility**: Investment banking offered more diverse exit opportunities compared to law, where paths typically led to either partnership or in-house counsel roles.
## Making the Choice
When the bank extended a full-time offer for 2025, I accepted. While both professions offered strong financial prospects – with law potentially matching or exceeding banking in the long run – my decision came down to career flexibility and hands-on involvement in deals.
## The Value of Legal Education
My legal education wasn't wasted. During the internship, I noticed how senior bankers often demonstrated strong legal acumen, particularly when structuring deals. My law background would give me a unique edge in understanding both sides of transactions.
## Looking Back
What initially felt like a failure – not getting into law school straight away – led me to discover my true calling in finance. The detour through business school and later law studies equipped me with a distinctive skill set that sets me apart in the banking world.
Today, as I prepare to embark on my career in finance, I'm grateful for that initial setback. It forced me to explore alternatives and ultimately led me to a path that better aligns with my aspirations for professional growth and impact.