Where to go with a degree in philosophy?

Question

I love philosophy and fully intend on attaining a degree in it. I couldn't imagine studying anything else save for maybe psychology, linguistics, history and religious studies. As one could presume it's to my great dismay that careers connected to philosophy are scarce. I figured I could either proceed to law school and become a lawyer, study psychology and become a psychologist, or perpetuate to a PhD in philosophy and become a professor. The last one I like the best obviously, but is it feasible? I need advice on what career paths I can take with a degree in philosophy, so please help. And please do not advise me to study business, medicine or something more "practical." I acknowledge the difficulty of pursuing philosophy but it's my passion and I am adamant about studying it.

Answer 1

Follow your passion and the rest will fall into place.  Most people don't have a clue what they want to do for a career, even after they get out of college.  If it is a passion, you could always become a Philosophy professor yourself and study it forever.

Answer 2

There is quite a lot that one can do with just a bachelors in philosophy:

- Become a technical writer

- Exec level admin/management careers.

- Editing and publishing

- A career in law (not just a lawyer)

- Mediation

- PR/Journalism

- A career in the political arena

- Research positions

If a PhD seems a little daunting then you could opt for a Masters and become a philosophical counselor. See the APPA website for more information on this.

Beyond that then you there is the tried and tested method of obtaining your PhD or perhaps a little twist on your last statement you could minor in business, economics, psychology or something more "practical" just to make yourself more marketable and to give you more opportunities to advance your academic career.