Philosophy

Philosophy helps students develop strong skills in writing, critical thinking, reading and understanding complex texts. These skills are indispensable to any professional. The study of philosophy also provides a deeper understanding and enjoyment of the challenges and issues students face throughout their personal and professional lives.

Sample Occupations

  • Government & Law
  • Local Government Analyst
  • Foreign Service Officer
  • Compliance Officer
  • Policy Analyst
  • Paralegal/Lawyer
  • Advocacy/Non-Profit
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Development Associate
  • Museum Curator
  • Social Services
  • Case Manager
  • Counselor
  • Family Advocate
  • Education
  • Academic Advisor
  • K-12 Teacher
  • University Professor
  • Admissions Officer
  • Business & Industry
  • Compliance Officer
  • Diversity & Inclusion Consultant
  • Insurance Underwriter
  • Sales Specialist
  • Communications
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Technical Writer
  • Marketing Coordinator

Types of Employers

  • Government Agencies
  • Faith-Based Organizations
  • Private Corporations
  • Labor Unions
  • Professional Associations
  • Schools & Universities
  • Mental Health Agencies
  • Consulting Firms
  • Peace Corps
  • Publishers

Preparing for your career in

Government & Law: Develop strong communication and language skills in more than one language; intern with a local, state, or federal government agency; learn about government job application process

Advocacy/Non-profit: Volunteer/intern for a social services agency or nonprofit organization; pursue a relevant double-major (ex. social work) or graduate degree (ex. public administration)

Health & Social Services: Gain experience by volunteering or interning with a nonprofit organization; develop fundraising and grant writing skills; plan to earn a graduate degree for counseling positions; learn a language and learn to work well with people of differing backgrounds; hone written and oral communication skills; gain cultural experience with groups of interest, seek tutoring or mentoring experience

Education: Obtain a relevant master’s degree or PhD if desiring university/college employment; double-major or minor in Education if interested in K-12 teaching (or look into lateral entry options such as Teach for America)

Business & Industry: Double major or minor in business; gain related experience and contacts through internships; seek leadership positions; participate in student organizations; develop persuasive speaking skills; read trade journals and business magazines to keep current with business trends; seek an MBA for advancement

Communications: Gain writing experiencing by joining staff of a student publication; pursue internship opportunities with a community or organization that allow you to gain experience in public relations, marketing, social media, etc; build a portfolio of writing or advertising samples

How do I know if its right for me?

ASSESS: Take a career assessment, such as PathwayU, to see how your interests, values, and personality fit with majors and careers.

RESEARCH: Research the careers on this WCIDWAMI and thousands of other careers using O*Net Online, The Occupational Outlook Handbook or FirstHand.

EXPLORE: Learn more about a career field of interest by job shadowing, attending a career panel, or participating in a Career Trek. Further your exploration while gaining valuable skills by completing an internship, co-op, volunteer, or research experience.