Pivoting to Law: Why I Went Back to School After Two Degrees and a Thriving Career

For many, the idea of returning to school after many years of building a career in a different direction is practically unthinkable. I mean, who stresses themselves that way? Yet here I am, a law student, diving headfirst into a discipline that, until recently, was a distant field of interest. With a background in media, marketing communications and technology, spanning two decades, I decided to bite the bullet and pivot into law. Today, I’d like to share my journey, the thought process behind my decision, and how I’m weaving together the threads of my past experiences with my future ambitions in privacy, cybersecurity, and AI governance. 

Embracing a New Challenge 

When I first considered going back to school, the idea of starting over was both exhilarating and intimidating. Mostly intimidating, to be honest. I mean, it had been over a decade since my last degree. I had already earned two degrees and enjoyed a thriving career that allowed me to execute projects and build strategies. However, I found myself increasingly fascinated by the legal implications of technology—especially in areas like privacy, cybersecurity, and the emerging field of AI governance. The technology I had once helped market was rapidly transforming society, raising questions about regulation, ethical considerations, and individual rights. I had begun to ponder these questions from my days in ecommerce, where I saw how uncannily effective predictive analytics and data driven marketing strategies were. It wasn’t enough to simply understand these issues from a business or technical perspective; I wanted to be part of the conversation that proffered solutions. 

Why Law? A Cocktail of Interests 

At the heart of my decision was a desire to understand and influence the regulatory landscape that governs our digital lives. Throughout my career, I witnessed firsthand how digital transformation could both empower and challenge the status quo. The proliferation of digital products and services has unearthed significant legal questions about data privacy, cybersecurity, and responsible AI. I realized that my marketing and technology background provided me with a unique vantage point: I wasn’t just familiar with the technologies and market strategies that drive our digital world—I also understood the consumer perspective and the societal impact of these advancements. By studying law, I saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between technology, marketing and consumers, ensuring that innovations are not only profitable but also ethical in a rapidly changing legal landscape. 

The Open University Advantage 

Returning to school as a working professional is no small feat. Balancing the demands of a full-time career with academic commitments requires a flexible and supportive learning environment. This is where the Open University came into the picture. Their innovative approach to education suited me perfectly. The flexibility of the Open University allowed me to continue working full-time while pursuing my law degree. This not only eased the financial and logistical burdens of returning to school but also enriched my learning experience. I could immediately apply legal theories and principles to real-world scenarios in my day-to-day work and other areas of my life, creating a dynamic interplay between theory and practice. This synergy between my professional life and academic studies has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey so far. 

Connecting the Dots: From Marketing and Tech to Law 

One might wonder how a background in marketing communications and digital products aligns with the study of law. For me, it’s all about perspective. Marketing is fundamentally about understanding human behaviour, communication, and influence—skills that are incredibly valuable in the legal arena. Whether it’s negotiating settlements, crafting persuasive arguments, or understanding the societal impacts of regulatory decisions, the ability to communicate effectively and think critically is paramount. My experience in the tech industry has also provided a robust foundation for understanding the complex issues at the intersection of technology and law. Technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and with it comes an array of legal challenges that need nuanced solutions. By leveraging my background, I’m uniquely positioned to tackle issues such as data breaches, digital privacy, and the ethical implications of AI. 

Building Expertise in Privacy, Cybersecurity, and AI Governance 

Some key areas of interest for me in my law journey are privacy, cybersecurity, and AI governance. In today’s digital age, data is a critical asset, yet it is also a potential liability. Issues like data breaches are not only technical challenges, they are legal and ethical dilemmas that require thoughtful regulation. Cybersecurity is another area where the stakes are incredibly high. With increasing reliance on digital infrastructure, ensuring the integrity and security of data has become a top priority for both public and private sectors. Legal frameworks need to keep pace with technological advances to protect individuals and organizations alike. AI governance is perhaps the most cutting-edge of these challenges. It is poised to revolutionize industries, but it also raises profound questions about accountability, transparency, and fairness. How do we regulate an algorithm? Who is responsible when an AI system makes a mistake? These are complex issues that sit at the nexus of technology and law, and I am passionate about contributing to this evolving dialogue. 

The Road Ahead: Integrating Past, Present, and Future 

As I continue my studies, I am constantly inspired by the idea of integrating my past experiences with my future aspirations. My journey has been anything but linear, and I firmly believe that the diverse skills and insights I’ve acquired along the way uniquely position me to contribute meaningfully to the legal profession. The decision to return to school was not made lightly. It required stepping out of my comfort zone, reassessing my career goals, and embracing uncertainty. But it also opened up a world of possibilities—opportunities to learn, grow, and influence the very fabric of our digital society. I am excited about the potential to shape legal policies that safeguard our privacy, secure our digital infrastructure, and guide the ethical development of AI. 

About the writer

Modupe Ogunyemi is a final year Law student at the Open University. She is an avid learner with a vibrant background in media, marketing communications and technology program management. Although she previously schooled in the UK, Modupe now lives and works in Canada where she continues to pursue her love for exploring new places and cultures. When she is not working (or studying), she volunteers with a variety of organizations that help to advance and build community. She also loves music, rumour has it that she would break into a dance if you play Afrobeats.