I have 17 years I am really into philosophy . I would give everything to go and study it . But there is one problem. My parents doesn't know where can philosophy take me(job , career ) . I never thought about it so if you could help me PLS

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Dear Friend - I have a couple of ideas about careers, but we can get to that in a minute. Since you are already a fan of philosophy, I won't bother telling you its virtues. But you might want to try telling your parents what you love about it and show your passion for it so that they have a sense that your interest is sincere and lasting.

Some ideas about careers: First of all, studies show that (at least in the US) a young person starting out today will have an average of 6 different careers in her lifetime. That is not 6 different jobs -- I mean 6 entirely different careers (first a soldier, then student, then nurse, then nursing administrator, then medical salesperson...you get the idea). So a degree today should be flexible in that it will help you in the many different paths you will follow. A degree in today's accounting practices, for example, won't help you if accounting practices change tomorrow. So a philosophy degree is a good fit for someone starting out because philosophers know how to think through complex problems, evaluate different solutions, and then clearly communicate the best way forward. I have seen philosophy students succeed in medical school, in business, in law, in many different kinds of fields. Contrary to popular belief, philosophy majors find all kinds of jobs. There is even a list of famous business tycoons here who majored in philosophy: http://www.businessinsider.com/successful-philosophy-majors-2014-1?op=1

All that being said, I am sure your parents will still want to know what kind of job you will get when you are done with your studies. As a college professor, I can tell you exactly who gets the jobs: those who work persistently at getting them. Plan on doing three internships if possible, even if unpaid and not exactly 'philosophical.' Make sure you have good computer and interpersonal skills. Always be on time, reliable, and engaged. Go beyond what is expected of you. Excel at an internship by making yourself an indispensable part of the organization, and the organization will have no choice but to offer you paid work.

While it may weaken what I said about studying philosophy, I find that your particular course of study -- in the end -- will be less important than having analytic, writing, and technical skills, and a solid work ethic. Good luck!

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