If I were to become a stock broker or a lawyer, what courses in highschool or college should I take?

Question

Hey, I want to become a stock broker or lawyer (or if you have another high paying job and know what subject to take for it), but I'm unsure what subjects I should be taking. I'm doing the IB program in highschool and have a year before I choose what courses I get to take by my choice. What should I do?

Answer 1

Post your question in the Higher Education section.  The Special Education section is for questions about students with special needs (autism, MR, ADHD, etc).

Answer 2

You may change your mind once you start college...

Classes to take:

Finance, accounting, economics, business, algebra, philosophy, logic, English, psychology, pre-law.

Don't pick a profession based on the money, pick it because you enjoy it.  If you do it for the money it won't last long and you'll regret it later in life.  Do what you like and the money will follow.

Answer 3

Stock broker - Accounting, algebra, and maybe economics

Lawyer - English and any law subject if it is offered by your school

Answer 4

To get into a law college, you generally require a Bachelor's degree.  As far as I know, it can be in almost anything, even engineering.  However, it is much more commonplace for students planning to take law to study either liberal arts or business, or a combination of the two.  History would be a good choice.

Some law colleges will admit students with two years of university, especially Arts and Science.  However, the policy would vary from university to university, so you would have to check it out.

To be a stock broker, a business course would be ideal, but a degree in arts and science with an emphasis on certain subjects could work just as well.  I am not sure about any specific requirements.  Subjects that might be useful would be economics, calculus, statistics or quantitative analysis, computer programming and business law.

Answer 5

Most students change their minds many times before settling on a career. You are growing up in a time when you will more than likely change careers three or four times in your working years. Take subjects that interest you. Liberal arts courses are a good start; business, finance, & economics are compatible; or if you are very strong in math go in that direction.

You should not focus on money, focus on what makes you happy but still lets you live comfortably.

My son is an economics major who plans to go into law. However, I must caution you, when you are a lawyer you mostly deal with a lot of dirt and low-life stuff. It can be depressing unless you stay on the business side, and even then it can get pretty grimey.

Stock market folks spend 10-12 hours daily at their jobs. I'm talking Wall Street in this case.

Take some interest surveys to help you determine a direction. Really, you've got to love what you do, or there is no joy in life. Both jobs you've listed require a lot of your time at work and little time for leisure.

I could have studied law, but I teach instead because I love it. It certainly hasn't made me wealthy, but I'm comfortable and happy.

Answer 6

Public speaking, foreign languages, communication etc that would help you be at ease in business meetings would help. Lots of people have the education but not the etiquette to make it in a high-powered environment. Have you checked out the availability of such programs in your area?