2008 Woodie Awards
Philosophy major teaches skills for life's work
Alesandra Hubbard
Issue date: 11/14/08 Section: FUSE
Originally published: 11/13/08 at 6:13 PM EST
Last update: 11/13/08 at 6:10 PM EST
Donald Maier, chair of the Plattsburgh State philosophy department, explained his field of study as "anything you can possibly imagine."
He added, "Philosophers ask questions about human nature, how human beings should live, how we should treat one another, how we should evaluate one another's actions, how we should organize ourselves in society as communities."
With such a broad range of topics to explore, how can philosophy majors go about starting a career?
"Most of them (philosophy students) are not philosophy majors with a clear career path," Maier said. "There are very few jobs, if any, that are looking for a philosophy major, other than what I do - being a professor."
Still, Maier said, "there are lots and lots of things that philosophy majors end up doing."
A philosophy major can take you "anywhere," Maier said.
Maier said his students end up pursuing occupations such as an arts administrator, business administrator, civil service professional, editorial assistant, foreign service professional, grant writer, hospital administrator, journalist, lawyer, librarian, paralegal, social worker and technical writer.
PSUC Senior Career Counselor Barbara Barry said about one-third of students with a degree in philosophy end up working in non-profit organizations or as clergy.
Maier said one of the graduates from PSUC who obtained their degree in philosophy is now in the Peace Corps.
One of Maier's interests is in looking up those who have a degree in philosophy.
"The ones I find most consistent are comedians, like Steve Martin and Woody Allen," he said.
Maier said a philosophy degree provides many skills to those looking for a career.
"Any job that is looking for people with good communication skills, good writers, people who can think critically," Maier said. "Just being well-rounded - it's a well-rounded education."
Nikki Mars, a junior philosophy major at PSUC, said: "My grand plan is to get my Ph.D. After that I would like to find a job teaching at a university. I love that I love philosophy. My classes, readings, and assignments are not a chore for me because they provide me with discovery and greater knowledge about topics that I love to think about anyway."
He added, "Philosophers ask questions about human nature, how human beings should live, how we should treat one another, how we should evaluate one another's actions, how we should organize ourselves in society as communities."
With such a broad range of topics to explore, how can philosophy majors go about starting a career?
"Most of them (philosophy students) are not philosophy majors with a clear career path," Maier said. "There are very few jobs, if any, that are looking for a philosophy major, other than what I do - being a professor."
Still, Maier said, "there are lots and lots of things that philosophy majors end up doing."
A philosophy major can take you "anywhere," Maier said.
Maier said his students end up pursuing occupations such as an arts administrator, business administrator, civil service professional, editorial assistant, foreign service professional, grant writer, hospital administrator, journalist, lawyer, librarian, paralegal, social worker and technical writer.
PSUC Senior Career Counselor Barbara Barry said about one-third of students with a degree in philosophy end up working in non-profit organizations or as clergy.
Maier said one of the graduates from PSUC who obtained their degree in philosophy is now in the Peace Corps.
One of Maier's interests is in looking up those who have a degree in philosophy.
"The ones I find most consistent are comedians, like Steve Martin and Woody Allen," he said.
Maier said a philosophy degree provides many skills to those looking for a career.
"Any job that is looking for people with good communication skills, good writers, people who can think critically," Maier said. "Just being well-rounded - it's a well-rounded education."
Nikki Mars, a junior philosophy major at PSUC, said: "My grand plan is to get my Ph.D. After that I would like to find a job teaching at a university. I love that I love philosophy. My classes, readings, and assignments are not a chore for me because they provide me with discovery and greater knowledge about topics that I love to think about anyway."
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