Philosophy – the art of thinking.
Now that your Bachelors in Philosophy is done, you may be scouring the internet looking for potential career options in this field. And we’re glad that you ended up here, because we have got just the right information for you!
We talked to BA Philosophy graduates, the colleges they go to, the companies they work for. And we cam to a definitive list of the top career options one can pursue after doing a BA in Philosophy. Here it is:
HR Executive
For students of BA Philosophy, HR executive is a slightly unusual or odd career choice. However, being special does not imply that the work is of poor quality or that the pay is low. It simply means that, for whatever reason, there aren’t many people who walk this route.
A background in ethics and philosophy makes a philosophy graduate adept in people skills and hence perfect for a role as an HR Executive. And, as you gain experience, man-management and leadership skills become increasingly important.
The role is dynamic, which means that no two days will be alike. You’ll still be a problem solver if you’re an HR executive. Plus, if you’re a ‘creative’ problem solver, you’ll get bonus points.
In this sector, salaries vary greatly. And they are based on a variety of unrelated variables, but one thing you can count on is that you will be paid what you are worth. Starting salaries will range from INR 2 Lakhs per annum, but keep in mind that this is just an approximation.
The potential for growth is strong, but the competition is fierce. The job can be difficult and stressful at times, but if you like solving problems of people, you will enjoy being an HR executive. To stand out, you’d have to be exceptionally good at your work. The sky is the limit for the fortunate few who make it.
Sales Executive
Another amazing option for you if you have just graduated after completing a BA Philosophy degree, is to become a Sales Executive. Good salary, great growth opportunities, opportunity to apply all your knowledge, and some travel sprinkled here and there. What more can a philosophy graduate need?
A degree in Philosophy helps one in understanding the needs of society; and in the process making it an apt background for the post of Sales Executive. The work profile often varies with the company and your position in the organizational chain, but your major work is going to be this only.
Leadership and management opportunities are available in ample once you attain a certain level of experience, if that is an important factor for you in choosing a career.
You can expect your starting salary to be around INR 3 Lakhs, but this is not a hard and fast rule. If you are applying to a bigger company and are able to adequately display your skills, you can get a much higher package. And as for growth prospects, the same rule applies. If you are good at what you do, you can expect quicker promotions and more leadership opportunities.
Work-life balance varies from company-to-company, but in general, your weekends are going to be holidays and working overtime is going to be a rarity.
Teacher
A great option for you, if you are a philosophy graduate, is to pursue the path to become an Teacher. The work-profile is really interesting, and you would be required to solve unique problems every day. Is there a better feeling than that? Probably not.
Those with a knack for sharing knowledge can find employment as a teacher in schools. He (or she) uses various different tools to ensure that students have a complete understanding of the subject. A lot of critical thinking is required in this profession.
BA Philosophy graduates have an added advantage, as they have been trained to do this due to regular assignments and coursework during their 3 years of graduation.
And if you are assuming that there is a dearth of companies that hire Teachers; take a look at related job postings on LinkedIn – it will blow your mind (Okay, it might not blow your mind, but it will definitely change your opinion).
Salaries are a mixed lot. Some firms offer really good starting salaries, whereas others would require you to slog for a couple of years before you get decent pay. On average, you can expect your starting salary to be around INR 2 Lakh.
PR & Advertising Executive
If you’re a BA Philosophy graduate, pursuing the road to become a PR & Advertising Executive is a fantastic choice for you. The job description is exciting, and you’ll be challenged to solve new problems every day in a creative manner. Is there anything more satisfying? No, I doubt it.
In BA Philosophy, students develop an informed perception toward life and society; making them well equipped for a role in PR and Advertising. Some aspects of the job description, as well as work-life balance, can vary from company to company. Some businesses ensure that their workers have a good work-life balance, while others do not.
With time, leadership opportunities become open, and the opportunity for career advancement is enormous. However, bear in mind that this is a desk job, so travel will be a rare aspect of your workday. So, if travel is a top priority or a make-or-break factor for you, this career path may not be the right fit for you.
The pay in this field is good, with freshers being given a good starting salary (approximately INR 3 Lakhs). The money in this sector is growing slowly but steadily. Are you ecstatic? Start applying for PR & Advertising Executive positions now. What if it’s not your cup of tea? We have got one final suggestion for you.
Social Worker
If you love philosophy so much that you can’t get enough of it, and if you are also deeply passionate about it, then becoming a Social Worker may just be the right career choice for you. Why?
A philosophy graduate learns the ethics and thought process of a society; thus making them the ideal candidates for social work. It is not a 9-5 job, which means that you will have enough time to spend with your friends and family.
Finding a job in this space is not super-difficult, especially if you have samples and portfolio projects which scream about your abundance of talent to the potential employers, which are mostly going to be NGOs.
Leadership opportunities are available to the few that are good enough to get to the top. A lot of soft skills are needed in this profession, and being an introvert might work against you. A high level of confidence is definitely a prerequisite. If you are not comfortable working within a team, and if your communication skills are next to nothing, this may not be your best bet.
Another important thing to note is salaries. Salaries are often dependent on a number of things, such as location, company, skills and so on. But on average, you can expect to earn anywhere around INR 2.5 Lakhs as a fresher in this field. Some organizations offer more, some organizations offer less, but the amount we have provided to you can be a good reference point for negotiations.
So these were some of the highest-paying professions that you can go for after completing a B.A. in Philosophy. Did you like the article and found it informative? Then please share it with fellow philosophy students so that they can make well-informed decisions about their professional life. Subscribe to our newsletter to get a weekly update about the different career options added on the website.