Alternative to a career in law firm: Profession of teaching

In the chain of posts on alternative to a career in law firm, next in line is the profession of a teaching.

Here I'm presenting to you a candid chat with Prof. Abhishek Mishra who presently teaches at NUJS. Prof. Mishra who started off his career with a big firm as most of law school students do these days, now firmly believes that teaching is not a profession but a way of living. Describing relation between students and teacher, he says, being respected and loved by the students is a great feeling as he remarks "being loved in an addiction" and that is what this profession offers.

So, how do you get into the profession of teaching?

The minimum qualification required for this profession is LLB plus LLM.

Speaking about LL.M, when asked if LL.M from India is a better option or abroad, Prof. Mishra suggested that LL.M from abroad is certainly a better option keeping in mind the better quality of education promised there.

When we talk of LL.M from abroad, scholarship plays an important role, so what kind of scholarships can be availed by students?

The source of scholarship can be within the university where you are applying, generally an option is given in the university form asking whether you are looking for a scholarship or not. Apart from the university scholarship, you can look for other scholarships such as Chevening Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarship. To know about other scholarships click here.

Is LL.M the only criteria for getting into the profession of teaching?

The answer to this question is both yes and no. To qualify as a teacher one needs to clear the exam of NET that is National Eligibility Test that is conducted by UGC. However, clearing NET is not a mandatory criteria that university needs to take into account and can exercise its discretion in this regard.

Apart from the educational criteria, Prof. Mishra emphasized on the fact that teaching is not just about transfer of knowledge but its' a process of creation of knowledge involving students and teacher. This requires unconditional dedication, penchant towards community building and to have an approach that is not solely focused on self growth.

Why should one go for teaching?

Academic and material perks

Teaching gives you an enormous space for creativity, freedom to work and do research.

In this profession there is no cut throat competition but is characterized by sensitive humanistic approach.

As far as package and perks are concerned, if you are looking for a 6 digit salary, this is not the job for you. The profession gives you enough resources to have a good life style but not a luxurious life style. The initial package is generally between 45-55,000/- a month.

Keeping in mind the number of vacations a law school generally offers, teachers get the chance to avail leave like the students, the best part about such leave is that its a paid leave!

Prof. Mishra leaves this topic with the question that which other profession provides you with paid leave of couple of months?!

Another good part about this job is that there is no age limit. Prof. Mishra in this regard cited the example of Prof. V. Umakanth who worked with Amarchand Mangaldas for 11yrs before joining National University of Singapore as an assistant professor. So, the best part is that you can join this job anytime!

Relation between teachers and students

Prof. Mishra, in pensive mood, stated that, the job of teaching is like a god who always gives, imparting knowledge gives a satisfaction in itself. By forwarding knowledge, a teacher bring a change in society by making students a good human being. The teachers are visionary and their job is not limited to teaching but to mould the students for their betterment

The job of the teacher according to Prof. Mishra is a wonderful job which is not only about imparting knowledge but creating knowledge and building human beings. This requires focus not on self growth but the growth of others. Seeing the students succeed and the respect which the student gives is the best reward of this profession.

As concluding remark, Prof. Mishra said that teaching is the best profession, but are you the suitable person?