Teaching and Learning History

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How to get a Job with a Philosophy Degree

  • 1.  How to get a Job with a Philosophy Degree

    Posted 09-16-2013 01:49:00 PM
    This message has been cross posted to the following Discussions: Teaching and Learning History and Tuning Grant Committee .
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    Dear Colleagues:

    Yesterday, the New York Times' Magazine published an article, "How to get a Job with a Philosophy Degree," that intersects with many of the themes we have discussed with Tuning. (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/15/magazine/how-to-get-a-job-with-a-philosophy-degree.html?ref=magazine). Last year, a conference was held at Wake Forest on "Rethinking Success: From the Liberal Arts to Careers in the 21st Century" and some of the materials may be found here: http://rethinkingsuccess.wfu.edu/

     

    A number of historians are quoted in the article, and their opinions reflect some of those that were part of the own.   One of the interesting comments in the text reflects some of my thinking as it pertains to my university. 

    "Brad Henderson, a 34-year-old partner at Boston Consulting Group, who is in charge of the firm's Midwestern recruiting. Henderson, an alumnus of the University of Chicago, does not object to career programming in principle but worries that at some colleges, "this race to get jobs becomes more important than the actual 'let's educate our students,' " Henderson said. "It's not uncommon to encounter a 20-year-old who has not benefited from the maturation you get from higher education, from true engagement in a classroom - it becomes more about taking classes as an extended way to build your résumé."

     I am interested to know what is happening on your campuses.  Many Tuners have worked with their career centers, and I have too.   Yet, this race has become a focus of St. John's with a new center, career specialists, and programming.  When I make any request, faculty lines or budget requests, I have to demonstrate how it will promote career placement.   




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    Elaine Carey
    St. John's Univ., NY
    Queens NY
    careye@stjohns.edu
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