Choosing the Right Path: How One Man Switched from Law to Business

A Man with a Big Decision Ryan Swann stood at a crossroads, contemplating a significant choice: law school. Before leaping, he sought counsel from his mentor, who posed three pivotal questions that would alter his trajectory.

The Three Questions

1. What do you want to achieve?
2. How will law help you get there?
3. Where do you see yourself in five or ten years?

These queries compelled Ryan to reflect deeply. He realized that his passion lay not in law, but in learning, data, and policy.

A Background of Service and Curiosity

• Marines veteran
• Department of the Treasury experience
• Fascination with data and policy

Despite his accomplishments, Ryan harbored doubts. Was law school the right path to achieve his goals?

A Divergent Path

Instead of pursuing law, Ryan chose:

• MBA
• Master's in Public Administration

This decision led him to a thriving career in data analytics, where he empowers companies to make informed decisions.

Lessons from Ryan's Journey

• Think critically about your goals
• Grad school isn't the only path to success
• Learning can happen anywhere (online courses, YouTube, etc.)
• Success is rarely linear; embrace detours

Ryan's story is a testament to the power of self-reflection and the multitude of paths to achievement.