Philosophy

A major in Philosophy relates to a variety of occupational titles and employment settings. Use your time at Bethel to focus on functional transferable skills as well as Philosophy knowledge to make yourself more marketable. Skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, management, and communication are important for employers to see in a Philosophy graduate.

What is Your Focus?

Here's how to build skills as a Bethel student that will prepare you to compete for some of the most popular Philosophy jobs today.

Social/Community Services

Job Titles:
Clergy Member, Social Worker, Counselor, Community Service Director

Potential Employers:
Social Service Agencies, Non-Profit Organizations, Churches and Ministries, Museums

Strategies:

Pursue graduate programs for therapy and administrative work
Gain experience with peer and youth counseling and referrals
Acquire certification in your state
Develop excellent oral and written communication skills
Seek internships/work with population of choice

Government

Job Titles:
Foreign Service Operator, Immigration Inspector, Intelligence Specialist

Potential Employers:
Federal Government, State or Local Government Agencies

Strategies:

Consider a minor in Political Science or Business
Learn federal, state, and local job application process
Develop excellent oral and written communication skills
Obtain internship / volunteer experience in area of interest
Gain experience with research and grant/proposal writing

Research / Writing

Job Titles:
Writer, Training Instructor, Columnist, Commentator, Archivist, Anthropologist

Potential Employers:
Non-Profit Organizations, Colleges, Universities, Research Firms, Museums, Magazines, Newspapers, Professional Journals, Archives

Strategies:

Pursue graduate school opportunities for nearly all positions
Acquire experience with grant and proposal writing
Gain awareness of current literature and hot topics in field
Develop excellent oral communication and presentation skills

Education

Job Titles:
Teaching, Educational Administration, Professor

Potential Employers:
Community Education Programs, Colleges and Universities

Strategies:

Pursue an advanced degree to teach at the college and university level
Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills
Pursue graduate programs for most positions
Gain leadership and management experience
Seek part-time and summer employment in educational settings
Develop ability to motivate self and others

Business

Job Titles:
Administrative Official, Researcher, Public Relations Specialist

Potential Employers:
Corporations, Non-Profit Organizations, Consulting Firms

Strategies:

Consider a double major or minor in business
Acquire internships or part time work in area of specialization
Plan on acquiring experience, advanced education and certification
Develop excellent oral and written communication skills
Gain debate and mediation experience

Ministry

Job Titles:
Clergy Member, Counselor, Pastor

Potential Employers:
Christian Organizations, Churches, Ministries

Strategies:

Pursue appropriate seminary training
Gain experience with ministry population of choice
Develop excellent oral and written communication skills
Obtain mentors and seek out ministry positions at Bethel and in churches

Employment Web Sites

General Career Exploration Website - O*Net
Spotlight on Careers Website (You must be logged into the Bethel network to receive access to this site.)

For current employment websites, type keywords such as "philosophy employment" in an online search engine.

Professional Philosophy Organizations

Need More Information?

For more information or assistance with an internship, graduate school or the job search process, please set up an appointment with a Career Counselor in the Office of Career Services by calling 651.638.6460 or stopping by CC322.

Adapted From:
http://www2.gasou.edu/sta/career
http://careers.wcu.edu/majors