Employability for Philosophers

» Why study Philosophy?

Studying Philosophy enables you to think logically and systematically - a key competence for all jobs. Not rarely, chief executive persons of leading companies have studied philosophy. You learn how to deal with terms, concepts, arguments and explanatory models in both a reflected and responsible way. Moreover, you will be able to understand the ethical and political dimension of ideas and arguments, relate them to a history of ideas and cultural traditions, and can reflect your own point of view. This is particularly important for working in cross-cultural and interdisciplinary environments.

A degree in philosophy is useful for a career as journalist, teacher, academic researcher in both the humanities and the sciences, consultant or publisher, just to name a few.

On the excellent employability of philosophers, see the article "I think, therefore I earn" von S. Shepherd in The Guardian 20.11.2007.

Braunschweig's philosophers work in a continuous dialogue with engineers and scientists. Students may find their studies in Braunschweig particularly attractive because they get to learn interdisciplinary work "hands on", while they are still studying (for example, in the M.A. program KTW).

By the way, many famous philosophers started their careers as scientists, mathematicians, physicians or engineers: Edmund Husserl and Bertrand Russell were mathematicians, Ludwig Wittgenstein was trained as engineer, Max Scheler was educated as physician, Helmuth Plessner was a trained biologist, ...

» How to find a job?

  • Online information on jobs for philosophers are listed at: www.philo.de
    und bei www.philos.de
  • We also recommend:
    Helge Klausener (Hg.) (2004): Berufe für Philosophen. Darmstadt: Wissenschaftliche Buchgesellschaft.
  • Dr. Thomas Sukopp offered a related course in Summer 2010. For viewing the Power Point Slides, please check his Website.