Philosophy | Career Centre

Have you always been fascinated by the meaning of things, ideas and how ancient and modern cultures have tackled some of life’s most basic philosophical queries and human realities? Have you wondered how concepts of freedom, happiness and justice have evolved in history and been treated by great thinkers over time? Majoring in Philosophy will expose you to the traditional areas of philosophic pedagogy through an interdisciplinary approach and will help you understand various critical contemporary challenges ranging from fields such as feminist studies to cognitive science. Whether you use this background as a springboard into a career fresh out of school or as preparation for a particular career goal, groundwork in Philosophy can be a most exciting direction for your education and your future.

Career Options in Philosophy

Below is a sample list of some future choices to explore following studies in Philosophy. This list is not exhaustive but it provides a solid idea of what fellow graduates have gone on to do and what potential careers a Philosophy degree can offer. Some options are more directly associated with specific areas of Philosophy than others.

Activist
Author
Archivist
Blogger
Child Welfare Advocate
Community Centre Director
Diplomat
Entrepreneur
Freelance Writer
Foreign Service Worker
Health Policy Advisor
Historian
Historical Site Coordinator
Human Resources Manager
Human Rights Advocate
International Development Worker
Interpreter

Journalist
Lawyer/Legal Aid Representative
Lobbyist
Marketing Specialist
Media Correspondent
Museum Curator
Non-Profit Organization Director
Politician
Political Strategist
Public Relations Representative
Public Policy Advisor
Publisher
Researcher
Social Service Worker
Speech Writer
UN Representative

Some of these career choices may require additional education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential education or professional formative courses and exams. For a more in-depth description of some of the careers mentioned above visit Career Cruising (login information can be found on the home page of the Career Centre's online system) or the National Occupational Classification website.

Skills Developed through a Philosophy Degree

A background in Philosophy ensures that you develop the skills and mindset to tackle many different professional challenges. Here are just a few of the skills a Philosophy degree can help you develop:

Core Skills

A deep understanding and appreciation for the field traditionally devoted to the “love of wisdom” and the concept of the pursuit of knowledge and fundamental truths
The capacity to think creatively, ask the right questions and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument
Solid preparation for a variety of professions requiring argumentation, analytical thinking capabilities as well as sharp problem solving skills
Strong writing skills and the ability to critically analyze written work rationally and logically and present your findings in an organized and clear manner

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
The ability to organize, understand and analyze sources of information and to apply novel forms of technology or new information to different professional settings and tasks
The ability to learn new information and apply this to professional demands
The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas
The skills to collect various types of information, assess them, analyze and incorporate potential linkages from different fields, put them into writing and efficiently convey your message and the goal of your work

Management and Teamwork

The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project’s intended and successful end result
The capacity to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds
The ability to debate, persuade, mediate and present your thoughts and opinions to others, as well as the capacity to recognize and incorporate other potential solutions or applications to given problems
The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing the industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field. The following is a selection of organizations related to the field of Philosophy that you may want to visit as you research career options for Philosophy graduates.