Employment Prospects with philosophy degree

Brief Introduction

Philosophy graduate from Chinese Universities had taught to think logically and critically about issues, to analyze and construct arguments and to be open to new ways of thinking. In addition, philosophy graduate are able to write clearly and persuasively, absorb and sift complex information and to distinguish between different views and come to a reasoned opinion. There are also self-motivated, creative and used to prioritizing the work and working to deadline. 

Undergraduate and postgraduate Philosophy degree holders always ask themselves “What can I do with my degree?” this article attempts to give a brief answer to such question. Although the main interest may be in how to make the best use of philosophy degree subject, there are many issues which are common to all undergraduates and postgraduates planning their careers. Some of these are covered in current article which will help you to assess your strengths, weaknesses, interests, abilities and skills in order to relate career options to what you want from your career. Let take quick reminder of the common courses undertaken by philosophy students.

Major skills gained by philosophy graduates 

A degree in Philosophy provides graduates with a wide range of transferable skills, which are important in many career fields.  

- Clear & logical thinking 

- Critical evaluation 

- Being open to new ways of thinking 

- Negotiating 

- Organizing 

- Write clearly and persuasively

- Planning 

- Problem solving 

- Research 

- Capacity for independent thought 

- Working to deadlines  

- Literacy and expression 

To the many employers everywhere in the world who recruit graduates in any discipline, these skills will be more important than the actual subject of your degree. Luck for philosophy degree holders! Because they already gained all those skills during their studies, employers will not have choice other than recruiting someone with philosophy degree.  

Employment prospects with philosophy degree 

Philosophy students move into a variety of careers after graduating including teaching, publishing, journalism, marketing, the media and the legal profession. They are found working with almost every type of employer in the public, private and not-for-profit sector. For example in UK, the number of all graduates in full-time and part-time work six months after graduation has risen by 9% between 2002-03 and 2005-06. Interestingly, for philosophy graduates it has gone up by 13%, and currently is more than 20%. These figures may be higher in some countries like US, China, Japan etc. 

University lecturer

This does not require a teaching qualification, but you will need a higher degree, ideally a PhD plus teaching experience. Professor with philosophy degree are able to make students think for themselves and make them open to new way of thinking. 

Local Government Officer

Local government offers a diverse and wide-ranging professional environment with good prospects for progression and promotion. It covers a breadth of officer roles, with many specialist areas including housing, finance, human resources, education, planning, transport, tourism, libraries, leisure and recreation, regeneration, social work, health and IT. 

Charity Officer 

A charity officer works for, or is a trustee of, a charitable organization. The job title can refer to personnel in several roles within a charity. In larger organizations, the role may focus on a specific area, such as project management, business development, finance, marketing, public relations, fundraising or volunteer management which needs first philosophical thinking. 

Civil Service

Philosophy degree holders joining the civil service are involved in a wide variety of tasks, such as researching and analyzing policy options, drafting material that will be used as the basis for new legislation, supporting Ministers in parliamentary work and the management of their departments and liaising with outside organizations.

Publishing

philosophy degree holder may work in editorial roles or in business roles such as production and marketing like book or magazines cover designers.  

Law

Solicitors advise clients on legal issues, using statutes and case law to determine their relevance to their client's problem. Barristers also investigate and advise on legal issues, often the more complex ones, and present the client's case in court if necessary. There may even be an historical element to some legal research, in areas such as planning and property law. 

Graduates with a bachelor's degree could qualify for these job careers options, but most require masters, doctoral or postdoctoral education. Employers are often interested in recruiting international graduated students, because they trust their skills and working ability.