@itiswhatitis wrote:
@151949 wrote:
So how does the person who gets a degree as a museum curator or in art history, communication or philosophy make a living in the real world?
These are all degrees that some of my friend's kids have degrees in. In actual fact - the museum curator works at Walmart, art history is a SAHM - communication, actually has a masters degree - works in a grocery store at the deli counter and he is 35 years old. This is the only job he's ever had. Philosophy doesn't work at all and lives off his widowed Mother.
You can go on & on & on about your critical thinking etc. but I live in the real world.
Careers for Philosophy Majors
Many of our philosophy alumni have gone on to a career in law. The ability to think and write clearly, to analyze and present arguments, is highly valued in the law profession. Philosophy majors have one of the highest rates of acceptance at law schools. Taking some philosophy courses that have a natural tie-in with law (philosophy of law, ethics, political philosophy) may be helpful but are not necessary.
For testimony from Catherine Holzle, a Senior Attorney with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, about how her study of philosophy at Maryland has helped her in her career, click here
For testimony from attorney Jason Weinstock about how his study of philosophy at Maryland has helped him in his law career, click
Careers in the Health Professions
Maryland philosophy alumni are well-represented in the medical profession, both as practitioners and as administrators. Traditionally, medical schools look favorably upon candidates with a liberal arts degree, especially from philosophy departments. And the career paths taken by Maryland graduates are varied: psychiatry, ophthalmology, orthopedics, dentistry, neurology, cancer research. Many of our graduates have gone into health administration.
For testimony from Yvonne de Buy, associate director of management at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, about how study of philosophy at Maryland has helped her in her medical career, click
Careers in Local, State, and Federal Government
Maryland philosophy alumni have gone to a variety of positions in various government agencies, such as the Department of Transportation, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commissions, the Environmental Protections Agency, the Goddard Space Center, etc. The university’s location near Washington, DC, provides possibilities for government internships and later jobs.
Careers in Business
Business and philosophy seem at first glance to be poles apart, but, in fact, many successful people in business and industry started out as philosophy majors. Recent Maryland philosophy alumni have become stockbrokers, venture capitalists, marketing specialists, managers, editors, publishing industry executives, real-estate brokers.
Let’s face it: when you go to a job interview with a company, and you let them know that you are a philosophy major, your personal stock goes up. It shows that you are intrigued by difficult and fundamental problems, that your interests are broad, that you have a good head, and that you express yourself well. There is an aura about “philosophy” that often gives candidates a competitive edge in interview situations.
For testimony from real estate broker Adiatu Khanu, about how her philosophy degree at Maryland has helped her in her career, click here
Careers in Information Technology
Liberal arts graduates are now going into Information Technology in droves. The connection between philosophy and computers is obvious for anybody who had study logic, not to mention cognitive science. The interdisciplinary nature of the philosophy department at Maryland is an ideal training-ground for alumni going into professions where there are computer applications, such as business, industry, education, etc.
For testimony from David Kreisberg, a Technology Instructional Specialist for the Montgomery County Public Schools, about how his philosophy degree at Maryland has helped him in his career, click here.
Careers in Science
No other degree in the humanities produces as many scientists as philosophy. That may be because some students major in philosophy and in science as well. But it also helps that the department teaches philosophy of biology, philosophy of physics, and cognitive scientists.
For the testimony of Mark Lupisella, an astrobiologist at the NASA, Goddard Space Flight Center, about how his study of philosophy at Maryland pointed him in the right direction, click here.
For the testimony of Doug Powell, a statistician at the National Cancer Institute, about how his philosophy degree of Maryland has helped him, click here.
Other Careers
From our survey of career paths taken by our majors, we found that Maryland Philosophy alumni are working in a variety of areas, including foreign service, clergy, non-governmental organizations, teaching, academia, university administration. But we also found that many of them have taken several paths and have managed to combine their interests. The really fortunate ones have been able to combine their knowledge and love of philosophy with whatever else they are doing.
For the testimony of Deirdre Golash, who combines law with her background in philosophy as a teacher at American University, click here.
@151949
EVERY ONE OF THESE REQUIRES A MASTERS DEGREE OR MORE.
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