After several years pursuing a completely different career, I pivoted into academia. My transition from the workforce to pursuing degrees in law and financial economics would not have been possible without the support of many mentors and friends who offered advice along the way. There are many hurdles to getting into law school and, especially, economics/finance Ph.D. programs, particularly for those who did not attend elite undergraduate institutions or don't have advisors to lean on. If you are interested in pursuing either or both of these educational opportunities, below are some of the things I wish I had known at the outset. Feel free to contact me if you wish to discuss further.