Nancy McHugh, professor of philosophy, department chair, and director of the Wittenberg Institute for Public Humanities and Sciences, was recently interviewed by Zippia.com about the job market for undergraduate students.

Given all the recent changes around the world due to the COVID pandemic, Zippia sought expert opinions on what aspiring graduates can do to start off their careers in an uncertain economic climate. A panel of professors was asked what skills will be more important, where the economy is doing relatively well, and if there will be any lasting effects on the job market.

McHugh, who was specifically asked about philosophy students, noted that “students will need high problem-solving skills to tackle complex, sometimes seemingly intractable problems, the ability to think critically, the ability to engage a wide range of perspectives, and the ability to think compassionately and creatively.” She said that philosophy majors are well set up for this sort of skills cluster because it is built into most philosophy curriculum.

Zippia pointed out that companies are looking for candidates that can handle the new responsibilities of the job market and that most recent graduates should have an advantage because they are comfortable using new technology and virtual platforms.

“The ability to work remotely and collaborate across platforms is one of the biggest impacts that technology will continue to have on our students,” McHugh said in the online interview. “Philosophy grads tend to be very adept and innovative with technology. You see a lot of philosophers developing podcasts and virtual platforms for sharing information. These skills will continue to be built and used in philosophy and out in the workplace.”

To read more of her comments and to see what other professors had to say, click here.