Philosophy teaches you how you see yourself, how to think for yourself and how to analyze and communicate ideas clearly and logically. Philosophy encourages critical and methodical inquiry into elementary questions of right and wrong, truth and falsehood, the meaning of life, and the nature of reality, knowledge and society.
Skills of a Philosopher
- A philosopher can produce ideas on a diversity of programs
- A philosopher can formulate and solve problems
- A philosopher is the one who uncovers assumptions and suggest alternatives
- A philosopher is capable to write and speak clearly and effectively
- A philosopher is capable to make knowledgeable decisions, examining thoroughly the consequences of various actions
- A philosopher is able to distinguish subtle differences without overlooking similarities
- A philosopher can interpret and assess various thoughts and theories
Careers for a Philosopher
You might assume critical thinking can only get you so far in business, but here the truth is not bitter analytical ability is greatly valued across numerous sectors. If you study philosophy, you will gain a firm grounding on diverse range of careers such as,
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Career in Teaching
To pursue career in teaching you will need a professional teaching qualification. If you are planning to teach at university (tertiary level) you will face fierce competition for junior-level academic positions.
A philosopher is the most suitable candidate for research in relevant field. Preference may be given to those who possess these versatile skills,
- You must have a high aptitude for your chosen area of specialization
- You must have a clear vision of how your target research project will enrich the existing academic landscape
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Careers in the Public Sector
A philosopher may be well-placed for careers in the public sector if they are capable of understanding the complexity of societal issues and world affairs. Possible careers in the public sectors include roles in the
- Civil services
- Government
- Health services
- Police forces
- And the armed forces
Careers in public sector are as diverse they come encompassing all state-funded roles within a country.
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Careers in Publishing and Journalism
To boost up your chances of entering careers in journalism, you should develop a portfolio of journalistic work alongside your philosophy degree. Careers in publishing spin around the production of;
- Magazines
- Books
- Newspaper
- Academic journals
- And other forms of published media
The huge growth of digital publishing both online as well as for electronic devices (e-books) means that careers in publishing are still plentiful. Common careers in publishing include roles in;
- Editorial
- Production
- Marketing
- And sales
Journalism careers in the meantime includes role with a focus on
- Research
- Writing
- Editing
- Presenting various forms of broadcasting and multimedia
Less typical Philosophy Careers
Careers in Law
A legal career is not predominantly restricted to the graduates bearing law degree but in fact a philosophy degree can provide a good foundation for this career path.
Those with legal training and qualifications such as;
- LLB
- JD
- LLM
Graduates of these subjects can enter the industry in research, secretarial and paralegal positions with the potential to continue their legal training on the job.
Careers in Psychotherapy and Counseling
A philosopher must have these vital qualities to pursue their career in psychotherapy and counseling
- Excellent communication skills
- Knowledge of psychological processes
- And an ability to empathize
The majority of the work will be client-facing allowing you to be in a close relation with individuals, couples, family and friends.
If none of the above careers appeals you just remember that the only limit is your imagination.