Careers for Philosophers

1. Careers for Philosophers Clare Saunders University of Sheffield, Thursday 11 November 2010

2. Outline of this talk • Introduction to the Subject Centre • Who we are • Our work on employability in philosophy • Careers for philosophers • Which careers? • Why? • ‘Generic’ and ‘subject specific’ skills • Enhancing your employability

3. 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

4. Subject Centre for PRS – what we do • Provide a forum for sharing expertise, via: • Events • Publications • Our website: http://prs.heacademy.ac.uk • Support new developments via: • Project funding • Development work on new initiatives • Provide a ‘voice’ for PRS in UK HE policy issues

5. 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

6. 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’

7. 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.

8. A Graduate Recruiter’s Perspective 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. Carl Gilleard(Chief Executive, Association of Graduate Recruiters)

9. 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.

10. 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

11. Employability vs. Academic Demands? Council for Industry and Higher Education Philosophy Subject Benchmark Statement • 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

12. Enhancing your Employability • Clearly articulate your skills and relate them to the job market • Seek and exploit opportunities to develop your skills • Within the curriculum, e.g. presentations • Beyond the curriculum, e.g. student societies, volunteering, employment • Apply your academic skills to your career planning – e.g. research, analysis

13. 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…

14. 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)

15. 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

16. 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