Members of the American Philosophical Association’s Committee for Non-Academic Careers who have PhDs in philosophy but who work outside of academia are holding office hours for philosophers considering careers outside of academia and anyone who’d like to learn more about “how they can prepare and support philosophers for opportunities outside academia.”

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Here’s information they sent along about the program:

Who are we?

We’re members of the APA’s Committee for Non-Academic Careers—philosophy PhDs that, for one reason or another, work outside academia. Though some of us may still publish and teach in academia, our work and careers are primarily non-academic. We volunteer our time to meet with folks interested in learning more about life beyond academia. 

Why are we doing this?

Don’t get us wrong, we love philosophy; we love it so much that we got PhDs in it. But we’ve found that academic programs often fall short when it comes to careers. Students are often ill-prepared for the life, careers, and opportunities that await them beyond academia. Combine this inadequacy with an abysmal academic job market, and no established conventions for philosophers in industry, and you have a recipe for anxiety, existential upheaval, and despair that even the best of Schopenhauer or Nietzsche’s work can’t appease. But don’t despair, there are many many philosophers in industry, and we want to help!

What are we doing?

We find that one-on-one time with folks is the best and most direct way to help as everyone’s goals and focus are different. One may, for example, may be interested in learning what sort of career options are available to them, while another might want specific feedback on their resume, or help interviewing.  

Who should sign up?

We’re happy to talk to anyone: not just folks interested in leaving academia, but also faculty, administrations, and any other professionals interested in learning more about how they can prepare and support philosophers for opportunities outside academia. Conversations are 1:1, and your personal details are not shared (just like normal office hours).

How do I sign up?

We have each set up individual office hours with links and descriptions below. You can select someone who seems like a good match, then browse their available hours and select a time that works for you. We look forward to hearing from you!

Related: the APA’s Beyond The Academy resources.