As a philosophy graduate you will have learned to think critically, argue effectively, and solve problems efficiently.

These skills don’t restrict graduates to academia or education but instead are highly sought after by many professional fields. In this article we’ll explore various career paths that a philosophy degree can open for you, detailing what these jobs entail, their responsibilities, and what you might expect to earn in Australia.

1. Journalist

Journalists utilise analytical skills to report news and inform the public on newsworthy events big and small. They work in various types of media, including digital, print, and broadcast, often specialising in specific areas like politics, culture, or technology.

Tasks & Duties

• Investigating news stories
• Conducting interviews
• Writing and editing articles
• Upholding journalistic ethics
• Staying informed on current affairs
• Using social media to share news
• Meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Average Salary: $60,000 to $70,000  annually.

Common Graduate Employers:

• Broadcast Companies
• National/Regional Newspapers
• Radio Stations
• Online Media Companies

See current graduate opportunities in journalism on GradConnection here.

2. Author

Authors develop content ranging from fiction to non-fiction and academic works. They leverage their ability to argue persuasively and think critically, producing compelling narratives and insightful analyses.

Tasks & Duties:

• Creating engaging and original content
• Researching extensively for background material
• Drafting and revising manuscripts
• Working with editors and publishers
• Promoting published works
• Managing self-employment business aspects

Average Salary: Variable; typically around $80,000 to $95,000 for full-time authors

Common Graduate Employers:

• Publishing Companies
• Communication Industry
• Copywriting

See current graduate opportunities in communications on GradConnection here.

3. HR Manager

HR Managers oversee organisational culture, employee performance, and recruitment strategies, ensuring compliance with laws and fostering a productive work environment.

Tasks & Duties:

• Recruiting and staffing logistics
• Overseeing employee benefits design and administration
• Developing policies on workplace culture and employee welfare
• Managing employee relations and payroll
• Ensuring compliance with employment laws
• Conducting performance and wage reviews
• Providing training and development opportunities

Average Salary: $120,000 to $140,000  annually.

Common Graduate Employers:

• Major corporations across various industries
• Government agencies
• Non-profit organisations

See current graduate opportunities in human resources on GradConnection here.

4. Paralegal

Paralegals assist lawyers by performing a range of tasks to support legal proceedings and research. They help manage the legal workflow and document handling for their team.

Tasks & Duties:

• Conducting legal research
• Drafting documents
• Organising files
• Managing case documents
• Assisting in the preparation of cases
• Handling correspondence
• Directing and coordinating law office activity

Average Salary: $70,000 to $90,000 annually.

Common Graduate Employers:

• Law firms
• Corporate legal departments
• Government legal departments

See current graduate opportunities in law on GradConnection here.

5. Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts evaluate existing policies and their impacts, and suggest improvements. They often work in government, think tanks, and non-profit organisations.

Tasks & Duties:

• Researching and analysing policies
• Writing policy briefs and reports
• Developing new policies
• Advising stakeholders and policymakers
• Monitoring and evaluating policy effectiveness
• Engaging with the community and stakeholders
• Organising and leading policy discussions

Average Salary: $80,000 to $100,000 annually.

Common Graduate Employers:

• Government agencies
• Think tanks
• International NGOs

See current graduate opportunities in health policy on GradConnection here.

6. Teacher

Familiar to all graduates will be the role of teachers. In primary, secondary, or tertiary education they develop and deliver educational programs to students, helping them gain the skills needed for future success.

Tasks & Duties:

• Preparing and delivering lessons
• Creating and marking assessments
• Managing classroom dynamics
• Supporting the development of students' academic and social skills
• Engaging with parents and the community
• Continuing professional development
• Adapting teaching methods based on educational research

Average Salary: $90,000 to $100,000 annually.

Common Graduate Employers:

• Public schools
• Private schools
• Universities and colleges

See current graduate opportunities in education on GradConnection here.

7. Psychologist

Psychologists assess and treat mental health issues, applying theories and techniques from various branches of psychology to help improve clients' well-being.

Tasks & Duties:

• Assessing client needs through observation, interviews, and tests
• Developing therapeutic and intervention plans
• Conducting individual or group therapy sessions
• Maintaining detailed records of client progress
• Researching and implementing new psychological techniques and therapies
• Providing crisis management when needed

Average Salary:$95,000 to $110,000 annually.

Common Graduate Employers:

• Hospitals and healthcare settings
• Private practices
• Schools and educational institutions

See current graduate opportunities in psychology on GradConnection here.

8. Social Worker

Social Workers support individuals and families through difficult times, providing guidance, advocacy, and practical assistance to improve their social and psychological wellbeing.

Tasks & Duties:

• Conducting assessments to determine client needs
• Developing intervention strategies to address client issues
• Advocating for clients and connecting them with community resources
• Providing crisis intervention
• Managing caseloads and documenting interactions
• Working collaboratively with other health and social service providers

Average Salary: $85,000 to $100,000 annually.

Common Graduate Employers:

• Government health and welfare agencies
• Community health centres
• Non-profit organisations

See current graduate opportunities in social work on GradConnection here.

9. PR Officer

PR Officers manage and improve the public image of organisations through strategies such as media interaction, strategic communication, and event management.

Tasks & Duties:

• Crafting and sharing press releases
• Organising and managing public events
• Developing and implementing communication strategies
• Building and maintaining relationships with media and stakeholders
• Monitoring media coverage and managing public perceptions
• Handling inquiries from the public and the media

Average Salary: $75,000 to $95,000 annually.

Common Graduate Employers:

• Large corporations
• Government bodies
• PR agencies

See current graduate opportunities in communications on GradConnection here.

10. Counsellor

Counsellors provide support to individuals experiencing emotional, mental, and lifestyle challenges, utilising therapeutic techniques to help their clients' well-being.

Tasks & Duties:

• Conducting sessions with clients
• Developing therapeutic processes
• Maintaining confidentiality and client records
• Providing emotional support and guidance
• Developing coping strategies with clients
• Referring clients to other services when necessary

Average Salary: $85,000 to $100,000 annually.

Common Graduate Employers:

• Health care facilities
• Educational institutions
• Private counselling practices

See current graduate opportunities in counselling on GradConnection here.

11. Marketing Consultant

Marketing Consultants analyse market trends to develop marketing strategies that help businesses reach their target audience effectively.

Tasks & Duties:

• Conducting market research
• Developing marketing plans and strategies
• Advising companies on branding, positioning, and communication
• Managing client relationships
• Implementing and monitoring marketing campaigns
• Analysing and reporting on campaign performance

Average Salary: $65,000 to $85,000 annually.

Common Graduate Employers:

• Marketing agencies
• Consulting firms
• Large corporations

See current graduate opportunities in marketing on GradConnection here.

12. Business Analyst

Business Analysts use their skills in problem-solving and analytical thinking to improve business processes, increase efficiencies, and reduce costs.

Tasks & Duties:

• Analysing business needs and requirements
• Developing solutions to business problems
• Documenting and presenting findings to stakeholders
• Managing projects and coordinating with teams
• Implementing technology solutions
• Monitoring and reporting on project progress

Average Salary: $105,000 to $125,000 annually.

Common Graduate Employers:

• Financial institutions
• Consulting firms
• Technology companies

See current graduate opportunities in data science and analytics on GradConnection here.