Self-educate and network

If an ultimate career in business is what you want, the way you spend your time outside of class work and formal research could well end up being more important than anything else. Make a point of using your time in law school to hone your general business acumen and knowledge, and to build your network.

  • Attend HALB and OCS-sponsored panels, speakers, and events that discuss business issues and career opportunities. Talk to speakers and fellow attendees – ask questions and make connections
  • Keep an eye out for HBS student conferences worth attending (HALB will usually send out notices to the listserv, for these)
  • Take advantage of HLS and HBS library resources. Many of the HBS Baker Library resources (e.g., online databases with industry and corporation information) are available to any student with a Harvard pin. Explore at http://www.library.hbs.edu/ and ask the Baker librarians for further assistance
  • Read -- Follow print and online business media, and/or pick up popular business and finance books

Advice from an HLS alum who is currently General Counsel and VP at a top company:

“From a client perspective, the individual lawyers within a firm who are most valuable and valued are those that have strong business acumen, who have internalized their clients’ perspectives, needs, and goals, and who truly understand their clients’ markets and business. In other words – read the paper, and be informed – this is extremely important.”