Skills you’ll develop
While studying Philosophy, you’re learning how to use curiosity and logic to go beyond face-value assumptions and challenge accepted wisdom. You’ll develop important skills grounded in the various areas of philosophy, including epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, political philosophy, philosophy of science and the history of philosophy.
These skills may include:
- Recognizing and articulating fundamental questions about what exists, what we can know, and how we should live our lives
- Acknowledging underrepresented points of view and ways of knowing
- Identifying and applying research methods used to articulate and defend precise philosophical positions
- Rigorous reasoning showing sensitivity to issues of translation, textual transmission, and the historical and cultural context in which philosophical ideas develop
- Public speaking and debating that demonstrate critical and reflective thinking, problem solving, and carefully reasoned arguments
- Persuasively expressing views and anticipating or refuting objections
- Clear and concise written communication illustrating rational and logical thinking
- Applying philosophical learning to important public issues and articulating the value these perspectives add
Explore career possibilities
Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including education, government, non-profit, business, law, health, publishing, media, the arts, consulting, and others.
There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas.
Visit the Job Bank Canada website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field. Some career options may require further education or training.
- Advertising coordinator
- Appraiser
- Archivist
- Bibliographer
- Bioethicist
- Charitable organization director
- Communications specialist
- Communications policy researcher
- Community development worker
- Computer programmer
- Copywriter
- Counsellor
- Curator
- Documentarian or Filmmaker
- Elections officer
- Filmmaker
- Financial planner
- Fundraiser or Grant writer
- Foreign service officer
- Human resources manager
- Human rights officer
- Immigration officer
- Intelligence analyst
- Intelligence investigator
- International development worker
- Journalist
- Judicial clerk
- Labour organizer
- Labour relations mediator
- Lawyer
- Librarian
- Lobbyist
- Media or Information consultant
- Mediator
- News analyst
- Paralegal
- Parliamentary assistant
- Patent agent
- Public opinion interviewer
- Public relations specialist
- Social policy researcher
- Social worker
- Student affairs professional
- Speech writer
- Student affairs and employment officer
- Teacher or Professor
- Technical writer
- Tourism consultant
- Urban and Land Use Planning
- Writer
Make the most of your program
Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities, develop your skillset, and help you clarify your values and interests.
- UBC Philosophy Students’ Association
Meet other UBC students through events and programs. - Departmental events
Stay updated on the news and events at the UBC Department of Philosophy. - Departmental research opportunities
Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions. - Philosophy Essay Clinic
Seek out feedback and improve your philosophical writing skills. - UBC Philosophy Colloquia
Meet with fellow Philosophy students and faculty to learn about and discuss new topics from a variety of guest speakers. - SFU’s Philosophers’ Café
Join other students, scholars and community members for philosophical discussions that are open to the public. - Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations
Develop new skills and gain practical knowledge in a heritage field over the summer.
Build your network
Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.
The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.
- American Philosophical Association
- American Philosophical Society
- Canadian Association for Environmental Philosophy
- Canadian Bioethics Society
- Federation for the Humanities & Social Sciences
- Canadian Philosophical Association
- Canadian Society for Continental Philosophy
- Canadian Society for the Study of Practical Ethics
- Canadian Society for the Study of Rhetoric
- Canadian Society for Women in Philosophy
- Classical Association of Canada
- Ethics Practitioners’ Association of Canada
- Hellenistic Philosophy Society
- International Federation of Philosophical Societies
- North American Society for Social Philosophy
- Philosophy of Science Association
- Rhetoric Society of America
- Society for Exact Philosophy
- Society for Philosophy in the Contemporary World
Connect with alumni
Learn about possible career paths by browsing alumni stories or viewing the profiles of UBC Philosophy graduates on LinkedIn.
As you read, take note of interesting job titles, organizations, and experiences you may want to explore. If a particular story or profile aligns with your goals, consider reaching out for an informational interview.
More information
Throughout your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.