What Can I Do With a Major In Philosophy?

• Department of Philosophy

To find additonal clubs and organizations, visit the Center for Student Organizations.

And connect with your Career Consultant!

SKILLS

The study of philosophy allows for the development of a core set of skills sought after by employers in a wide range of occupational settings. A sample of representative skills and abilities follows.

Critical Thinking

• Ability to analyze relationships
• Competency to identify and answer key questions
• Capacity to think and express oneself logically

Communication

• Ability to communicate persuasively
• Aptitude to speak articulately and listen objectively

Other

• Conduct and explain research
• Understanding of broad range of topics
• Awareness of and respect for various systems of thought

SAMPLE INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

• Communications (e.g., The Washington Post, Wexler & Walker Public Policy Associates, Fleishman-Hillard, Inc)
• Consulting (e.g., Accenture, KPMG, IBM)
• Government (e.g., Environmental Protection Agency, Goddard Space Center, Department of Transportation)
• Nonprofit Organizations (e.g., The Genocide Prevention Center, The Red Cross, National Organization of Women)
• Political Action Committee (e.g., American Israel Public Affairs Committee, Human Rights Campaign)
• Research/Think Tanks (e.g., The Blackstone Group, Brookings)

TIPS

• Philosophy students develop many transferable skills that can be can be utilized in a variety of careers and jobs, demonstrating the flexibility and capacity for growth that employers find valuable. These skills include analytical, organizational, research, as well as oral and written communication.
• Other skills emphasized in philosophy that are attractive to employers are idea generation, problem formulation and problem solving, diverse data integration, adaptation to change, the ability to elicit hidden assumptions, persuasion, and summarization of complicated material.
• It is important for philosophy students to identify potential career goals and seek out the experiences and education required to enter those fields.
• An undergraduate degree qualifies one for entry-level positions in business, nonprofit organizations, and government.
• Graduate and/or professional studies usually lead to careers in law, medicine, ministry, finance, psychology, counseling, diplomacy, ethics, and related areas.
• Ph.D. is required for college/university teaching and research.
• Consider earning a minor or concentration in another discipline such as: mathematics, religion, science, business, political science, women’s studies, Eastern philosophy, sustainability or environmental studies.
• Develop aptitudes for analytical thinking, logic, and statistics in order to apply philosophy to a broad range of professions such as law, government, finance, management, consulting, and related areas.
• Seek related summer or part-time work experience or internships in area(s) of interest.
• Join related student or professional organizations. Work toward leadership roles.
• Conduct informational interviews or shadow professionals in fields of interest.
• Join LinkedIn groups that are related to your career interest. To search, select “groups” under the “interests” tab. Also, review the groups that professionals in your field of interest have joined and consider joining them as well.

Interested in graduate school? Find current information on getting into graduate school at UGA’s Career Center webpage.

• O*NET Online – The O*NET database includes information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities, and interests associated with over 900 occupations.  
• My Next Move – An interactive tool for students and job seekers to learn more about their career options.  
• Occupational Outlook Handbook – The OOH is a career resource offering information on the hundreds of occupations that provide most of jobs in the United States.  
• Vault – Vault.com provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work in an industry, company, or profession – and how to position yourself to land that job.  
• Candid Career – This resource provides you with access to thousands of informational video interviews with real professionals through an easy-to-use website.  
• UGA Mentor Program – Connect with a mentor (alumni, faculty, staff) to research and explore industries and careers. Research industries and careers by connecting with a mentor for a quick chat or formal 16-week mentorship through the UGA Mentor Program.  
• Interstride - Interstride is an interactive tool for both international and domestic students to enhance their international experience and employment potential. The platform consists of job-listings, hiring trends, employer information, self-assessments, and up-to-date immigration guidance. 
• Glassdoor - Glassdoor is a free jobs and career community that offers an inside look at jobs and companies through "employee generated content" – anonymous salaries, company reviews, interview questions, and more – all posted by employees and job seekers.  
• Steppingblocks - Research your future career with real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with career and education searches designed to find your best path based on millions of others. It’s data-powered career exploration for doers like you.

General  

• Handshake (scroll down to the bottom of the page; login with your UGA MyID and password)  
• LinkedIn (this popular networking site also has a job board!) 
• Idealist (non-profit jobs) 
• USAJobs (federal jobs) 

Major/Career Specific:

• Jobs in Philosophy 
• Cultural Vistas
• Philosophy News
• Where Can Philosophy Take Me?
• Careers for Philosophy Majors
• What can you do with a philosophy degree?
• Philosophy Majors and the GRE

• Association for Informal Logic and Critical Thinking
• International Association for Environmental Philosophy
• Society of Christian Philosophers
• The Southern Society of Philosophy and Psychology
• Society for Women in Philosophy
• The International Association for Philosophy & Literature