MBA vs. Law School: Why I Switched Careers and My Honest Review of the Journey

Hi everyone! Welcome back mbaken. My name is Danny, and today we are tackling a question many of you have been asking: Was my MBA program actually worth it?

For those who are new here, I started my MBA journey in August 2022. At the time, I was at a major crossroads, torn between pursuing an MBA or going to law school. I actually filmed a video back then detailing that entire thought process, which you can check out here since it has helped so many people in that same situation.

Now, as I head into my final semester before graduating this December, I wanted to sit down and reflect on my decision and how this program is shaping my future career.

danny personal experience mba student

The Backstory: From Paralegal to Marketing

Before the MBA, I spent four to five years working professionally in the legal field. I had risen to a senior paralegal role, but I hit a ceiling. In law, there is only so far you can go without the actual JD credentials.

I knew I wanted to switch careers, but I wanted to do it in a timely manner. With a background in Psychology, I became fascinated by how the human mind influences consumer behavior. This led me to choose an MBA with a concentration in Marketing.

Also check out: Everything You Need to Know About LPU Online MBA: Admission, Fees, and My Personal Experience

Adjusting to Student Life

Coming back to school after a three-year break was a shock to the system. I was—and still am—working full-time. Switching gears from an 8-hour workday to 4 hours of intense campus lectures was physically and mentally draining.

My institution uses a “Mini-mester” format. Essentially, you take a three-credit-hour class in just half a semester. It allows you to stack classes and graduate faster, but the pace is relentless.

The “Crying” Semester: Financial Analytics

Because my undergrad was in Social Science, the technical “business” side of the MBA was foreign territory.

Global Economics: This was my first big wake-up call. I had “glamorized” the marketing side but didn’t realize how much math, finance, and technical theory would be required.
Financial Analytics (Accounting): I am going to be honest—I cried this semester. I truly thought I was going to flunk out. It was a tumultuous time, but I refused to let it take me down. I lived on coffee, stayed up for the full 4-hour lectures, and studied like my life depended on it. I ended up with a B+, and I’ve never been prouder of a grade!

Why the MBA with a Marketing Concentration Wins

I am so happy I chose a general MBA with a specialization rather than just a Master’s in Marketing. Here’s why:

Entrepreneurial Foundation: Classes like Operations Management and Leadership are opening my mind to how to actually run a business, not just promote one.
Case Study Learning: My Marketing Management course was heavily discussion-based, using Harvard Business School case studies. It was phenomenal to see real-world applications of theory.
Modern Skills: I’m currently diving into Digital Social Media Marketing and Social Media Intelligence, which are essential for today’s job market.

The Networking Factor

Recently, my school hosted a marketing conference featuring C-suite executives from all over the state. Being able to network with these leaders and hear their stories was invaluable. I truly feel that my program has equipped me to be a “force” in the job market, even if the current economy isn’t in the best condition.

Financing the Degree

I know many people worry about the cost of grad school. Being an in-state student, my tuition is roughly $5,000 per semester. Between some scholarships and student loans, my total cost for the MBA will be around $25,000.

While that is still a significant amount of money, compared to the six-figure debt often associated with a JD or top-tier private MBA programs, I feel very fortunate.

Based on your journey and the specific reflections you shared in your video, here is a “Pros and Cons” comparison. This is a great way for your readers to see why you ultimately felt the MBA was the right move for your current life stage.

The Showdown: MBA vs. JD

Which one is right for your career pivot?

Feature	MBA (Master of Business Administration)	JD (Juris Doctor / Law Degree)
Program Length	Pro: Typically 1.5 to 2 years. Using “mini-mesters,” you can graduate even faster.	Con: A standard full-time commitment of 3 years.
Career Flexibility	Pro: Extremely versatile. You can work in marketing, finance, operations, or start your own business.	Con: Highly specialized. You are primarily trained to practice law or work in legal-adjacent roles.
Difficulty Level	Mixed: Challenging in different ways. You’ll face technical “puzzles” like Financial Analytics and Economics.	Mixed: Extremely heavy on reading, writing, and rigorous memorization/analysis.
Networking	Pro: Direct access to C-suite executives and a variety of industries through conferences and case studies.	Pro: Deep connections within the legal community and prestigious law firms.
Cost & Financing	Pro: Often more affordable. My in-state path cost ~$25,000, significantly lower than most law schools.	Con: Known for high debt-to-income ratios; often costs $150k–$200k+ at top institutions.
The “Ceiling”	Pro: Opens doors to management and executive roles across almost any sector.	Pro: Essential for moving beyond paralegal roles to become a practicing attorney.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose an MBA if… You want to switch fields quickly (like my jump from Law to Marketing), you have an entrepreneurial spirit, and you want to understand the “big picture” of how businesses stay profitable.

Choose a JD if… You are passionate about the legal system, you want to litigate or give legal counsel, and you are prepared for a longer, more expensive academic commitment before entering the field.

Final Reflection from Danny

As an immigrant and a professional who has worked in the legal trenches, I’ve realized that Education is accessible to us all, but it’s about choosing the tool that fits your current hand. While the JD is a powerful degree that I still admire, the MBA gave me the mental challenge and the marketing specialization I needed to redefine my future right now.

Still undecided? I highly recommend checking out the LSAC website for JD info and MBA.com for MBA insights to compare the official requirements!

Would you like me to draft a LinkedIn post to help you announce your upcoming December graduation to your professional network?

Final Thoughts: Do I Regret Not Going to Law School?

I look at my friends who have graduated with their JDs with total admiration. In a perfect world, maybe I’ll go back for a JD in my 30s. But right now? I have no regrets. The MBA has challenged me, forced me to solve complex “puzzles,” and given me the tools to transition out of legal work and into the marketing world. I am wearing this degree with pride because I worked incredibly hard for it.

Are you deciding between two degrees? Let’s talk about it in the comments!