CAREERS FOR PHILOSOPHERS

Clare Saunders

University of Sheffield, Thursday 11 November 2010

OUTLINE OF THIS TALK

Introduction to the Subject CentreWho we areOur work on employability in philosophy

Careers for philosophersWhich careers?Why? ‘Generic’ and ‘subject specific’ skills

Enhancing your employability

INTRODUCTION TO THE SUBJECT CENTRE FOR PHILOSOPHICAL AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES

“Supporting teachers and learners in Philosophical and Religious Studies in higher education across the UK”

‘Philosophical and Religious Studies’ (PRS) includes: Philosophy History and Philosophy of Science, Technology and

Medicine Theology and Religious Studies

Part of the Higher Education Academy

SUBJECT CENTRE FOR PRS – WHAT WE DO

Provide a forum for sharing expertise, via:EventsPublications Our website: http://prs.heacademy.ac.uk

Support new developments via:Project fundingDevelopment work on new initiatives

Provide a ‘voice’ for PRS in UK HE policy issues

SUBJECT CENTRE EMPLOYABILITY RESOURCES Student employability guides:

Information about the skills developed by a philosophy degree

The kinds of skills employers look for in graduates

How to demonstrate to employers that these skills match up

Case studies about the career paths of past graduates

Employability projects: Entrepreneurship Working with Values: Corporate Social Responsibility in

the Workplace and Higher Education

http://prs.heacademy.ac.uk/projects/employability/index.html

CAREERS FOR PHILOSOPHERS – WHICH?

2010 graduate destination statistics: Business and finance (10.2%) Commercial, industrial and public sector management

(9.8%) Marketing, sales and advertising (8.1%)

Wide range of other careers including: Public sector, e.g. central / local government, civil

service, NHS, teaching, police, fire service… Not-for-profit sector – charities, non-governmental

organisations Law IT Media and communications, e.g. journalism, publishing,

public relations

‘It’s a great degree… that leaves a lot of doors open and closes very few’

CAREERS FOR PHILOSOPHERS – WHY? PHILOSOPHERS’ PERSPECTIVES

Helen Beebee (University of Birmingham)

Barry Smith (Birkbeck, University of London)

[Philosophy graduates] are good at understanding things, pulling them apart, working out where the weak points are and thinking creatively about how to solve problems and develop and justify their positions. I think [they] have really learnt to think for themselves – perhaps more than in a lot of other subjects.

Smart employers will want people who can see ahead…

We are having to rethink many cherished assumptions, and philosophy helps people to do this in a systematic

way.

A GRADUATE RECRUITER’S PERSPECTIVE

Carl Gilleard (Chief Executive, Association of Graduate Recruiters)

A graduate today can fully expect to still be in the world of work in 2058. The one thing we can be

certain of is that we will be applying skills that we haven’t even thought of today. We will have to

relearn and relearn and relearn… Being able to think laterally, having good analytical skills, being an effective communicator… employers are beginning to ask ‘Where are we going to find these skills?’… Philosophy in particular is one of those disciplines that employers have started to

recognise as having more about it that links to the world of work than they might have imagined.

MORE EMPLOYERS’ PERSPECTIVES A graduate today can fully expect to still be in the world of work in

2058. The one thing we can be certain of is that we

Lucy Adams (Human Resources Director, Serco)

Fiona Czerniawska (Director, Management Consultancies Association)

We need people who have the ability to look for different approaches and take an open mind to issues. These skills are promoted by philosophical

approaches.

A philosophy degree has trained the individual’s brain and given them the ability to provide management-

consulting firms with the sort of skills that they require and clients demand. These skills can include the

ability to be very analytical, provide clear and innovative thinking, and question assumptions.

EMPLOYABILITY AND PHILOSOPHY

Generic skills valued by employers and emphasised in philosophy include: Independence of thought (‘learning to learn’,

initiative, flexibility) Analysis and critical thinking Argumentation and clarity of expression Ability to appreciate and assess different

viewpoints (open mindedness, creative thinking)

Philosophy also provides a strong foundation for tackling ‘big picture’ challenges of 21st century life and work, e.g. Globalisation Corporate and social responsibility Sustainability

EMPLOYABILITY VS. ACADEMIC DEMANDS?

Cognitive skills – analysis, attention to detail, judgement, planning and organising

Generic competencies – influencing, interpersonal sensitivity, listening, questioning, written communication

Personal capabilities – ‘achievement orientation’, adaptability / flexibility, creativity, decisiveness, initiative, leadership, lifelong learning and development…

Philosophical skills – articulacy, logical thinking, sensitivity in interpretation, clarity and rigour, ability to analyse arguments, consider unfamiliar ideas and ways of thinking…

Engaging in philosophical debate – ability to work with others, cross traditional subject boundaries…

Breadth of view

Generic skills

Personal attributes

Council for Industry and Higher Education

Philosophy Subject Benchmark Statement

ENHANCING YOUR EMPLOYABILITY

Clearly articulate your skills and relate them to the job market

Seek and exploit opportunities to develop your skillsWithin the curriculum, e.g. presentationsBeyond the curriculum, e.g. student

societies, volunteering, employment

Apply your academic skills to your career planning – e.g. research, analysis

BEYOND EMPLOYABILITY…

James Garvey (Royal Institute of Philosophy)

Value of philosophy not limited to labour market return: Intrinsic rewards Wider benefits

for individual and society intellectual, cultural, social, health and well being…

When I get asked about jobs for philosophers I say that philosophy does all sorts of valuable and wonderful

things. You might also get a job, but look at all of these wonderful things…

SOURCES OF FURTHER INFORMATION, ADVICE AND GUIDANCE Your careers service!

Press coverage of graduate opportunities for philosophers includes: Guardian (23 Sep 2010) Live Q&A: what can I do with a

degree in philosophy? Times Higher Education (1 Jan 2009) More things in

heaven and earth, Horatio Guardian (20 Nov 2007) I think, therefore I earn

For a recent summary of the research evidence on philosophy graduates in the labour market: Saunders & Addis (2010) What’s the value of a

humanities degree? – in Graduate Market Trends (published by Higher Education Careers Services Unit)

SUBJECT CENTRE EMPLOYABILITY RESOURCES Student employability guides:

Information about the skills developed by a philosophy degree

The kinds of skills employers look for in graduates

How to demonstrate to employers that these skills match up

Case studies about the career paths of past graduates

Employability projects: Entrepreneurship Working with Values: Corporate Social Responsibility in

the Workplace and Higher Education

http://prs.heacademy.ac.uk/projects/employability/index.html

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING…

Any questions?

Contact us: Clare Saunders, Senior Academic Co-ordinator

(Philosophy) clare@prs.heacademy.ac.uk 0113 343 1166 http://prs.heacademy.ac.uk Subject Centre for Philosophical and Religious

Studies School of Humanities, University of Leeds, Leeds

LS2 9JT