Philosophy graduates have long been asked the question, "What are you going to do with that degree?" Yet, recent statistics demonstrate that these graduates can do almost anything they want. The Higher Education Statistics Agency notes that philosophy graduates are increasingly in demand from employers with the number of graduates in full-time or part-time employment increasing by 13% between 2002-2003 and 2005-2006. The fields seeing the greatest demand for philosophy graduates include finance, property development, health, social work, and business. In health and social work, 9% more philosophy graduates found employment six months after graduation in 2005-2006 than in 2002-2003. Among philosophy graduates in "business," property development, renting, and research, there was a 76% increase in employment between these same years. In 2001, 9.9% of philosophy graduates were unemployed six months following graduation; however, in 2006 this figure had fallen to 6.7%. Furthermore, there were 12.2% more philosophy graduates in business and finance roles six months after their graduation in 2006 compared to 2001.
The High Education Careers Services Unit (Hecsu) confirms these findings. Their reports show that philosophy graduates are finding it easier to secure work, and they are much less likely to be unemployed than five years ago. Many philosophy graduates enjoy the subject so much that they often decide to pursue postgraduate study instead of joining the workforce. The reason for the growing demand of philosophy graduates in the workplace is their grounding in analytical thinking. Employers find their approach ‘open-minded,’ and they appreciate their ability to provide clear and innovative thinking, be analytical, and question assumptions. For example, healthcare professionals require people to comment on critical moral issues in healthcare, including abortion, medical ethics committees, and ethics training courses for employees- suggesting why philosophy graduates can be so useful.
According to professor Simon Blackburn, a professor at the University of Cambridge, the flourishing career opportunities of philosophy graduates reflect a change in public perception. The image of the toga-wearing philosopher or ‘hippy’ is dissipating. The broad range of books on philosophy written by user-friendly philosophers like AC Grayling, Stephen Law, Julian Baggini, Nigel Warburton, and Alain de Botton and their move into the mainstream have brought a new complexion to the discipline.
According to Blackburn, philosophy had a certain Wittgensteinian vibe in the post-World War II era. Practitioners took pride in appearing esoteric and detached from practical affairs. There was a distinct lack of political philosophy, and moral philosophy was not addressing real moral problems, which resulted in the subject being on the fringes. However, the situation has changed dramatically, and political philosophy has become a vital part of the curriculum in Cambridge.
Jonathan Lowe, a professor of philosophy at Durham University, agrees that there has been a significant shift towards practical applications of philosophy. He attributes this trend to new financial arrangements for students, which mandate that courses be applicable to real-world scenarios. Additionally, educators have adopted new teaching methods, putting more emphasis on student-led discussions, presentations, and real-time debating. This approach prepares students to handle job interviews better.
However, the news that philosophers are highly appreciated by employers and the public is a mixed blessing, according to Blackburn. While this vote of confidence is welcome, it also indicates that people turn to philosophers mostly when they are feeling insecure or lack confidence.