What types of entry-level jobs are typically available to majors in Philosophy?
What types of internships are typically secured by Philosophy majors?
What are former Philosophy majors doing now?
What sort of graduate study have majors in Philosophy pursued?
How can you learn more about careers that might interest you?
What types of entry-level jobs are typically available to majors in Philosophy?
The beauty of a liberal arts education is that it challenges students to develop a wide range of universally applicable and life-enriching skills, so your major is less representative of your abilities than it is of your interests. In other words, you can do just about anything with any degree. The following entry-level jobs are typical of those that majors in Philosophy pursue because jobs like these make use not only of the broad liberal-arts skill set, but also of the interests cultivated in the Philosophy curriculum.
Indian Law Resource Center, Washington, DC: Administrative Assistant
The job involves both administrative and program elements, but is at least 50% administrative; program elements will depend on the background and abilities of the applicant. Spanish language ability is very desirable. The successful candidate will provide overall administrative and logistical support necessary to ensure smooth operations and overall programmatic achievement. (Idealist.org)
The National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis, TN: Development Assistant
Provides support services to the Director of Development and maintains records relevant to the development efforts of the National Civil Rights Museum. Duties include, but are not limited to, data entry, providing analytical reports, assisting with office mailings, preparing donor lists, coordinating the office's central filing system, answering phones and greeting visitors. Must have excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including Excel and Word and recent experience using them. Experience with Raiser's Edge fundraising software is preferred. The National Civil Rights Museum is an equal opportunity employer. (globalmuseum.org)
New York Civic, New York, NY: Director of Research
NYCivic endeavors to improve city and state government by studying public issues and making informed suggestions. We reach out to citizens, both electronically and in person. The Director of Research must be an effective communicator to give this mission a technological advantage. The person will maintain and expand our database of over 12,000 names, update, improve, and maintain our website, and work closely with the organization's president to establish a good-government think tank. NYCivic also hosts forums and discussions, and the director of research will help organize and manage these events. (idealist.org)
- IFES, Afghanistan and Nepal: Program Assistant
IFES, an international, nonprofit organization that supports the building of democratic societies, seeks a Program Assistant. Responsibilities: Reviews and submits field expense reports and consultant payments to the Program Officer for approval. Supports recruitment and mobilization of consultants and employees for field assignments. Maintains project records and documents, including consultant contracts. Conducts basic research and provides general support in proposal development process. Drafts and edits documents including: background materials, quarterly and monthly reports, final project reports and business letters. (International Career Employment Weekly, via the CSO Password Page)
What types of internships are typically secured by Philosophy majors?
The following is a very short list of the types of internships typically pursued by majors in Philosophy:
MassVOTE: research intern assists with research in the policy and fundraising areas. The intern will work with Policy Director and Executive Director to perform extensive research in the areas of political policy, election reform and fundraising. Experience performing diverse forms of research is required. Ability to work independently in a multi-cultural setting is a must. The position is 20 hours per week with flexible days/times.
Center for American Progress: Interns will be directly engaged with the Center's policy experts and will participate in a variety of activities including research, writing, and web-based projects. They will also assist staff with administrative tasks and help organize the Center's many conferences and events.
Harper's Magazine: Each intern is assigned to assist particular editors, while participating in the more general tasks shared by all interns, such as researching the Harper's Index and reading unsolicited manuscripts. The range of responsibilities and level of challenge depend largely on initiative and self-motivation. Interns are always welcome to suggest ideas, for instance, and to try to generate material for any section of the magazine.
- Simon & Schuster: Interns will have the opportunity to become involved in the day-to-day activities and special projects of the department. A staff member will act as the Intern's manager and mentor for guidance, support, and career advice allowing for a meaningful and in-depth learning experience.
What are former Philosophy majors doing now?
Here are the job titles and employers of a few Middlebury alumni who majored in Philosophy. If you'd like to speak with an alumnus or alumna about his or her career, or ask for advice about your own, then search MiddNet for an alumni career advisor today!
Director of Research, The Congressional Institute, Washington, DC
Corporate Attorney, Bell, Boyd and Lloyd, LLC, Chicago, IL
Family Physician, Jackson County Family Care Clinic, Scottsboro, AL
Research Associate, Abt Associates, Cambridge, MA
Executive Director, Kennedy School of Government, Cambridge, MA
- National Correspondent, San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco, CA
What sort of graduate study have majors in Philosophy pursued?
Listed below are some of the graduate schools attended, and degrees attained, by Middlebury alumni who majored in Philosophy:
London School of Economics, Ph.D; Cambridge University, M.A.
University of Iowa School of Law, J.D.
University of Virginia, M.D.
University of Pennsylvania, M.B.A.
University of Montana, Ph.D
Duke University, M.A.
- William and Mary College, J.D.
How can you learn more about careers that might interest you?
Read a book. The following books, available for perusal in the CSO Library, may be of particular interest to Philosophy majors:
Careers in Government, Mary Elisabeth Pitz
Leading Social Entrepreneurs: Changing the World,Gillian Parrish, Ed.
Making a Living While Making a Difference,Melissa Everett
Careers in Law,Gary A. Munneke
How to Get Any Job with Any Major, Donald Asher
- Do What You Are, Paul D. Tieger and Linda Barron-Tieger
Use the Web. The following Web sites may be useful:
More Resources and Services
Stop by CSO for a Drop-In, or call to make an appointment with a counselor to talk about contacting alumni, assessing your career interests/preferences, and other actions you can take to prepare yourself for the transition from Middlebury to the professional world.