Students sometimes wonder about the career prospects for philosophy majors. While some philosophy majors pursue graduate study and then academic careers at colleges and universities, an undergraduate degree in philosophy is excellent preparation for many careers outside the academy as well.
Philosophers are trained to think, speak, and write clearly, critically and independently; thus, philosopher majors are positioned to make significant contributions to any profession in which these skills are prized.
The value of philosophy for a wide range of professions is consistently supported by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) surveys showing that the competency they value the most in potential employees is critical thinking.
Philosophy, of course, is the discipline par excellence when it comes to training in critical thinking. A second major in philosophy or a minor in philosophy would allow you to tell a compelling story about your training as a critical thinker to potential employers.
As a student in the College of Arts & Sciences, students can take advantage of individualized career coaching, with many resources to help them prepare for successful lives. Students with liberal arts degrees are highly sought after because they are educated to think critically and become problem solvers for 21st century issues.
Learn more about Career Success at OHIO, or use Handshake to schedule an appointment with a career coach to get started.
Philosophy students can gain useful career experience and earn course credit through PHIL 4910: Internships. Prior to taking the course, students may complete and submit an application for two Philosophy-specific internships.
Review the internships page to learn more about available internships, the application and review process, grading and standards of professional conduct.
Did you know that Thales, one of the first philosophers, is also thought to have conducted the first recorded case of futures trading?
Aristotle tells us that Thales "was reproached for his poverty, which was supposed to show that philosophy was of no use. According to the story, he knew by his skill in the stars while it was yet winter that there would be a great harvest of olives in the coming year; so, having a little money, he gave deposits for the use of all the olive-presses in Chios and Miletus, which he hired at a low price because no one bid against him. When the harvest-time came, and many were wanted all at once and of a sudden, he let them out at any rate he pleased, and made a quantity of money" (Politics, 1259a9-16; translated by Benjamin Jowett).