Career Compass: Philosophy

As a philosophy student in the Faculty of Arts, you will learn how to use logic, language and assessment of evidence to understand the world, our place in the world, and our values. Philosophers use the tools of rigorous logic and clear conceptual analysis. Their goal is to understand things such as nature of reason, the physical universe, right and wrong, the human mind, and sometimes even the meaning of life. The study of philosophy will help you not only consider these important questions, but also improve your clarity of expression and ability to think critically. It will provide you with a general intellectual toolbox to help you understand reality and solve problems in the real world.

Skills you will gain by studying PHILOSOPHY

• The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• The ability to listen carefully and accurately
• The ability to analyze, develop and formulate logical arguments
• The ability to think, reason and communicate well in front of an audience or group with little to no preparation (the ability to think on your feet)
• The ability to think abstractly and critically assess evidence to understand and develop innovative solutions to complex problems, whether on your own or in a group
• The ability to make informed decisions by thoroughly examining the consequences of various actions
• The skills to foster and indefinitely preserve your intellectual curiosity

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Honours and Advanced: 6 credit hours at or above the 1000 level.
General: 6 credit hours at or above the 1000 level.

To do this year:

1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor in the Faculty of Arts to help you plan your program.
2. If you need academic support, visit the Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a learning skills instructor.

CAREER TIPS

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Register for the Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.
5. Join the the University of Manitoba Philosophy Facebook group.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including Philosophy and Ethics Centre Students’ Associations, Arts Student Body Council and UMSU.
2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience or join the Student Leadership Development Program.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as Community Engaged Learning programs.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Considering international opportunities? Explore Exchange Programs through the International Centre.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit Migizii Agamik, the International Centre or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba. Join the Philosophy Student Association Mailing List to learn about upcoming events.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Honours and Advanced: Refer to the academic calendar for a complete list of program requirements.

General: 3 credit hours of Philosophy at or above the 1000 level and 6 credit hours of History of Philosophy courses.

To do this year:

1. Should you follow a 3- or 4- year plan? Meet with an academic advisor and career consultant to map out your options.
2. When choosing a minor, take courses that will open opportunities.

CAREER TIPS

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
3. Become a student affiliate with a professional organization such as the Canadian Philosophical Association or Canadian Society for the History and Philosophy of Science.
4. Attend the Centre for Human Rights Lecture Series.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Explore student research opportunities: Apply for an Undergraduate Research Award.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out legal and social service organizations such as the John Howard Society of Manitoba and local neighbourhood associations or volunteer opportunities through Volunteer Manitoba.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Become a Faculty of Arts Student Ambassador.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange or Travel Study program, or a service-learning program, My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday".

Staying local? Check out the WUSC Student Refugee Program or Community Engaged Learning programs. Consider learning a new language and culture through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Honours and Advanced: Refer to the Academic Calendar for a complete list of program requirements.

General: 15 credit hours of Philosophy at or above the 2000 level

To do this year:

1. Meet with a philosophy advisor for honours program approval.
2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).

Investigate your career options:

1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.
4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other academic institutions.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition. Consider submitting a paper to journals such as the UBC Journal of Philosophical Enquiries or presenting at the Annual Congress of The Canadian Philosophical Association. 

Check out student job opportunities with: Legal Aid Manitoba, social services agencies and market research firms.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as Post-Secondary Recruitment Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Did you travel abroad? Become an exchange mentor for the International Student Mentorship Program, join the exchange student community at the University of Manitoba or write an article about your experience.

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program, volunteer for the Land and Water: Land-based Education or take part in Graduation Pow Wow.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Refer to the Academic Calendar for a complete list of program requirements

To do this year:

1. Meet with a philosophy advisor for honours program approval.
2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

CAREER TIPS

Start job search 9 months in advance:
Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to graduate school:
Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Job Bank, Find My Job, Indeed or other search engines.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment:
Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus or explore Manitoba Start, which offers events and free workshops for newcomers to assist their job search.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Alumni Relations Officer
• Communications Officer
• Community Organizer
• Conciliation/Mediation Officer
• Editor/Digital Editor
• Employment Equity Officer
• Foreign Service Officer
• Humanities Bibliographer
• Intelligence Officer
• Legal Researcher
• Lobbyist
• Political Aid
• Probation/Parole Officer
• Social Program Coordinator
• Student Advocate
• Underwriter
• Victim Services Coordinator
• Volunteer Coordinator

Options requiring other education

• Archivist
• Bioethicist
• City Planner
• Human Resources
• Journalist
• Labour Relations Officer
• Lawyer
• Librarian
• Marketing Manager
• Marriage and Family Therapist
• Ombudsperson
• Physician
• Policy Analyst
• Private Investigator
• Social Worker
• Spiritual Care Provider
• University Professor

Industries such as business, communications, government, health and law would value a philosophy major in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Critical thinking
• Oral and written communication
• Problem solving
• Teamwork
• Continuous learning
• Numeracy and data use
• Digital technology
• Industry specific knowledge

Attain skills through your classroom education by taking advantage of experiential education opportunities.

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.