Career Opportunities

Cap Uldriks, ’73, serves as counsel at the Olsson Frank Weeda Terman Bode Matz law firm in Washington, D.C. This follows more than 30 years at the Food and Drug Administration, where he was instrumental in policy decisions pertaining to newly developed medical devices. He has also established the Casper E. Uldriks Philosophy Scholarship as a future gift.

Analysis of arguments, clear and precise expression of one’s views—particularly in writing—and the ability to comprehend complex systems of thought are skills cultivated by philosophy courses that are useful in all areas of life. But our students find their philosophy background particularly useful in the professions.

Pre-law students take Logic and Critical Reasoning (107) to prepare for the LSAT and sharpen their analytical skills for law school, while Philosophical Issues in the Law (335) is a critical examination of important legal concepts and institutions.

Students preparing for medical school, dental school, or the allied health professions discover that Biomedical Ethics (308) examines moral problems raised by advancements in medical research and technology that they will soon face.

Ethics (201), Social Philosophy (202) and Contemporary Moral Problems (206) are useful for students interested in public policy, and Business Ethics (303) examines moral problems posed by corporate conduct (e.g., profit-maximization vs. social responsibility, deception vs. honesty in advertising, preferential hiring vs. reverse discrimination). It thus raises crucial issues for those students moving towards careers in business or commerce.

The critical skills and sense of intellectual heritage that follow the study of philosophy are not only useful in finding a job, but they foster maturity of judgment, personal growth and lifelong learning.

Learn more about why the study of philosophy is a worthwhile endeavor for a wide range of career paths.