Despite all the buzz about
STEM programs, why do so many people choose a low-tech major like philosophy? Can a philosophy degree pave your path to
financial success?
Philosophy majors are passionate about their field because
it transforms their inner selves. Philosophy
courses help you develop the ability to think logically, make sound decisions,
and communicate effectively – key skills in a variety of careers.
Why People
Find Philosophy Fascinating
Philosophy – the pursuit of
knowledge for its own sake -- has been around since the days of chariot
races. Thousands of years later, we’re still
sharing the wisdom of Plato and Marcus Aurelius – no longer on scrolls, but on
social media.
To outsiders, students in
this discipline may seem as archaic as 1950s beatniks reciting Jack Kerouac
poetry in a coffee shop. Like slow fashion and the perfect omelet, philosophy requires free
time. You can’t right-swipe your way to
wisdom.
Philosophy develops your
ability to think critically and present arguments. A philosopher -- equal parts optimist and
pessimist -- examines the world and his own beliefs for answers to the Big
Questions. Why are we here? What can we trust to be true? Do we really know what we think we know?
When you choose this degree,
you join an eclectic cadre of intellectuals.
Famous philosophy majors include former U.S. President Bill Clinton,
game show host Alex Trebek, and veteran actor Harrison Ford.
Can You
Earn Money With a Philosophy Degree?
The wisdom of earning a
degree in, well, wisdom remains open
to debate. Some people insist that it’s
on a par with a business degree; others are skeptical. How can you earn a paycheck by debating
whether a tree fell in a forest, if no one saw it fall?
To increase their
employability, many philosophy students add a minor, a second major, or a
graduate degree in a complementary field.
Popular choices include:
- education
- computer science
- math
- business
- law
- political science
- psychology
- history
- journalism
Regardless of which
additional subject they choose, philosophy students typically excel at taking
tests (even formidable, life-changing tests like the bar exam).
Careers for
Philosophy Majors
A philosophy degree carries
an air of intellectualism, respectability, and trustworthiness that suits
a plethora of careers. Although
teaching is a traditional employment path for philosophy majors, many alternatives await.
Business. Tales of philosophy majors who conquered the
business world abound. Patrick M. Byrne,
the founder and former CEO of Overstock.com, became a cryptocurrency
pioneer. Gerald M. Levin built the
legendary AOL Time Warner media empire.
George Soros became a billionaire investor and philanthropist.
Visionary bosses surround
themselves with people who think outside the box. If your interview at a Fortune 500 company
veers into a discussion about probable impossibilities being preferable to
improbable possibilities, Aristotle may give you an edge in landing the
job.
Besides your analytical
abilities, your writing skills will also come in handy on your way up the
ladder. When you become the CEO of your
own corporation, you will draft a mission statement reflecting your company’s
duties to society and memos praising your employees’ contributions toward achieving those
goals.
Politics. The idealism that philosophy inspires can
grow into a desire to change the world.
Late Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau began his political career
as a lawyer and an activist. Campaigning
and writing speeches for candidates are also ways to build your fame in the
political arena.
Literature. Philosophy has given us countless famous
authors, including Alexander Solzhenitsyn, Mary Higgins Clark, and Philip K.
Dick. Great thinkers have created
masterpieces in every literary genre, from historical epics to groundbreaking
science fiction. If writing books is your ambition, research skills and an active imagination will help you develop your thoughts for publication.
Entertainment. If you can handle the challenges
of global fame, show business (it’s called The Industry in Southern
California, as if there is no other) may be your ticket to
success. Acting, writing, directing,
producing – many positions exist in front of and behind the camera.
Comedy may not be pretty,
but it’s profound. Philosophy majors,
familiar with human foibles and life’s ironies, often venture into stand-up
comedy. Steve Martin – actor, comedian,
novelist, playwright, banjo player – is a Renaissance man who discovered creative
ways to share his wry brilliance with the world.
Conclusion
The study of philosophy is a
personal journey with far-reaching effects.
Someday you may have a dynamic conversation about life, truth, and
reality with a prospective employer…and unexpected doors may open.
