NAPSITES' Confusion Over Philosophy's Career Prospects
By Anita
It is another session for deep reflection especially for many students of Philosophy. While some are content with just sticking their noses in dusty books reading about Ancient Milesians, others inquire the essence of criticising the ideas they live by, if not to ask, what career prospects the course itself offers.
As a veteran lecturer of Philosophy would say, "Philosophy teaches the birth and construction of ideas and every organisation needs organised thoughts to thrive". Hence, Philosophy is applicable to every discipline and relates to the conduct of human relations in all walks of life.
This, however, still does not specifically state where a graduate of Philosophy can actually work and automatically fit in.
Below are myriads of career opportunities available to a steeped philosopher besides being a midwife:
Academia
Many philosophers become professors or researchers, teaching and conducting research in philosophy departments in universities with commendable reputation and scholarly works that have contributed to communities. This is besides a sustainable pay.
Law
Philosophy intersects with law as it equips its students with skillset such as critical thinking, argumentation and ethics. This instills a valuable foundation for the pursuit of a legal career.
Public Policy
Philosophical thinking can assist in crafting and analyzing public policies, especially in areas related to ethics and social justice.
Journalism and Writing
Philosophical training enhances writing, research, and analytical skills, which can be applied in journalism, blogging, or other forms of writing.
Nonprofit and Advocacy Organizations Advocacy for social causes often involves ethical and philosophical considerations. Philosophy can be an asset in roles within nonprofit organizations.
Teaching and Education
Philosophy majors often become educators, teaching critical thinking and ethics in schools or as private tutors.
Consulting and Public Speaking Philosophers with expertise in ethics and logic can work as consultants or public speakers on various topics.
Writing and Publishing
Philosophy graduates can work as authors, editors, or publishers, particularly for books related to philosophy or ethics.
Government and Public Service Government roles that involve policy analysis and ethical decision-making can benefit from philosophical training.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Ethics With the growth of AI, there's a need for professionals who can address the ethical and philosophical aspects of AI development and deployment.
Counseling and Psychology
Philosophical thinking can complement counseling and therapy practices, especially in existential or philosophical counseling.
So before you start to despair, know that you have a wide range of options available to you. In many cases, it's not just the specific philosophical content but the critical thinking, analytical, and ethical reasoning skills that philosophy fosters that are highly valuable in a wide range of careers.
It is very common for people with philosophy degrees to apply their skills and knowledge in fields that may not seem directly related to philosophy at first glance. At the very least, the next time that uncle, aunty or nosy neighbour asks what you're going to do with your Philosophy degree, you now have a couple of answers for them.
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