Law or Architecture?

[werdna]

I've been considering Law for a while now, but have now started thinking about taking up Architecture.. and now I'm not sure which one I should go for! If I choose Law, I'll be going for either Arts/Law or Comm/Law at Monash (needs ~98) whereas if I choose Architecture, I'll be going for Architecture at Monash also (which needs ~92 and leads to automatic progression into Masters).

I definitely do like the sound of being a lawyer, but I think part of the reason behind liking it is the 'social status', the high starting wages that are associated with it and even the fact that the ATAR requirement is much higher - it makes the whole thing feel more 'prestigious' if I do get in to it. But I've always had an interest with Architecture - I like looking at the design work of different buildings, and the creative side of the occupation seems appealing to me.

I know this kind of stuff depends on the individual, but which pathway should I steer towards? Which is better in terms of salary (if I should even be considering this), longevity and so on?

Any help appreciated!  

[appianway]

You can always do law as a postgraduate degree. If architecture is your passion, go your it... but make sure that it's truly what you like.

[ShortBlackChick]

Well if I be totally honest ANDY, i've known you for quite a while, and for all that time you've been firm on wanting to become a lawyer- i even remember saying to you, that i want you to become a divorce lawyer so i could come to you if the situation demanded it
But having said that, i for one, know while you may have had a strong resolve towards doing something or becoming something, this can change quite quickly- where what you wanted quite firmly may not be what you want to do now.
So, in a uncharacteristically philosophical light, i think you should just 'go with you heart' or so to speak. Having said that, if money is what your heart wants then go for it.
But more so, i think law is just what your MEANT TO DO. So if you feel fate wants you to do law, then remember you have no choice.  
This is fate/me speaking: OI YOU BLOODY BECOME A LAWYER SO YOU CAN BE MY/FATE'S BLOODY DIVORCE LAWYER/COUNSEL
just saying

[meihk]

Well if I be totally honest ANDY, i've known you for quite a while, and for all that time you've been firm on wanting to become a lawyer- i even remember saying to you, that i want you to become a divorce lawyer so i could come to you if the situation demanded it
But having said that, i for one, know while you may have had a strong resolve towards doing something or becoming something, this can change quite quickly- where what you wanted quite firmly may not be what you want to do now.
So, in a uncharacteristically philosophical light, i think you should just 'go with you heart' or so to speak. Having said that, if money is what your heart wants then go for it.
But more so, i think law is just what your MEANT TO DO. So if you feel fate wants you to do law, then remember you have no choice. 
This is fate/me speaking: OI YOU BLOODY BECOME A LAWYER SO YOU CAN BE MY/FATE'S BLOODY DIVORCE LAWYER/COUNSEL
just saying

LOL i chuckled. you da funnny boi ^.^

[ninwa]

I definitely do like the sound of being a lawyer, but I think part of the reason behind liking it is the 'social status', the high starting wages that are associated with it and even the fact that the ATAR requirement is much higher - it makes the whole thing feel more 'prestigious' if I do get in to it.

Absolutely terrible reasons to commit yourself to 4 years (5.5 at least if you're doing a double degree) of reading, at times, mountains of soul-destroying case judgements.

Have a good think about it. What are your other reasons for wanting to do law? If you can't find any better ones, I would strongly advise against it. I wish someone had told me at the start of my degree that law isn't something you jump into for the hell of it.

[Russ]

What do you expect to get out of architecture/expect to do if you're working as one?

The reality is unfortunately different to what a lot of people think. I have a close friend who graduated from law at UoM and now wants to do architecture as a graduate, because that's what his dad does so I can help you out if you have any questions.

[meihk]

i tink u should listen to ur heart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Russ]

So if I was working as an architect, I'd imagine I'd be designing/creating/drafting plans for various projects, working with engineers, considering budgets and client/legal requirements, working with the construction team and all the rest. It's definitely the creativity that is swaying me towards architecture, and also seeing one of my ideas come to life from the ground up sort of thing.

I'll call and talk to him tonight. If I forget...remind me

[Russ]

I am leaving your PM unread so it reminds me to actually do it...went out last night so I didn't get a chance and I have to go to church this afternoon

Tonight. I promise...heh

[MissIraq]

If you take into account how much work law students do in Uni, and how much arch students do. I think u'll go for the easier pathway and the much better one which is arch (in my opinion). Theirs also alot of job opurtunities in the middle east, more specifically countries such as Uae( abu dhabi n dubai), Qatar (since they host 2022), and also Iraq (espically the south and north of iraq), thats what from i know because im going back their, and i used to be their. and thats pretty much were most job opurtunities are. gl

[Tobias Funke]

Don't do anything for prestige and money. Simple as that.

You definitely sound like you have more of an interest in doing architecture too.

[eeps]

A bit late, but nevertheless I thought I'd put my opinion forth. I agree with what Tobias Funke and appianway said. Don't simply choose a course purely based on its' "name"/status or the money factor. Don't look back in a few years time and regret that you didn't choose the right course. Do what you enjoy and are really passionate about - money shouldn't be a problem if you love what you're doing and are good at as well. Look beyond the superficial reasons. There is still plenty of time before VTAC preferences are even due in. No one can really answer the question for you, though I'm sure you'll work out what you want to do in the next few months. Good luck.

[MissIraq]

You know why most people drop uni courses, because they take them for their name and how much money it pays, but after they go in them, they get soo bored and regretful, and start switching courses every couple of years.

Do something, that when you grow up and work, u'll feel like going to work everyday, and you enjoy work , such as arch. arch is prestigeous u know, if thats what ur scale is, and its highly payed. My dad was one, until i came to australia.

[Eriny]

No other reasons to be honest.. I guess it's the 'prestige' in being in a law degree and becoming a lawyer (eventually!) that is steering me towards it. But yeah, no other real reasons - although I do have an interest in legal matters and social justice, but I'm hesitant about taking this to another level and studying law as my teachers tell me that university law and practicing law in general isn't what it's made out to be.

This is so true. It's better to realise that law isn't an episode of Boston Legal or Harvey Birdman before you consider going into it People with a law degree can do some pretty cool social justice type stuff, but you can do that from many different and creative angles. Just play your strengths

[taiga]

You can't compare the two.

Do the one you want to do, you can do any undergrad and if you do well enough you can be successful with regard to money and prestige no matter what.