<p>When I say "do" I mean literally use the expert knowledge to benefit society, help people, etc.
Isn't that what learned people should do in the first place?
(Not implying that teaching/researching is not a great vocation, but I hope that's not the only option)</p>
<p>I suspect that, depending on the field of the PhD, you could get a job with a non-profit.</p>
<p>If your PhD is in foreign languages or literatures, you might be able to work as an interpreter or in the foreign service.</p>
<p>There are also many sorts of psychotherapy these days that combine the arts with psychology (music therapy, dance therapy, etc). Though you'd need additional training for that.</p>
<p>If your PhD is in religion or anything related you might be able to do some sort of pastoral work.</p>
<p>My belief is only do the PhD if you want a research-related career. Don't do it because you think it will impress others. Humanities PhDs in general are not worth more in value than other degrees (including some master's degrees).</p>
<p>I just have to correct this common misconception:</p>
<p>
[quote]
If your PhD is in religion or anything related you might be able to do some sort of pastoral work.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>A PhD in Religion is a research degree, like any other PhD. Folks who study Religion can focus in Anthropology of Religion, History of Religions, Sociology of Religion, Philosophy of Religion, etc. </p>
<p>Pastoral work is NOT done by PhDs in Religion. Even PhDs in Theology (an entirely different field from Religion) are not trained in pastoral work. The pastorally-oriented degree is the M.Div.</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p><stepping off="" of="" soapbox=""></stepping></p>
<p>As Professor X stated, if you want a PRACTICE-oriented profession, get the professional master's degree (i.e. M.Div, MSW, MBA, MPA, etc..). Most companies and organizations don't require a PhD. A Master's degree is sufficient in most cases.</p>
<p>If you want a research career in academia and think tanks, then the PhD is the way to go.</p>
<p>If you want to be a writer, a PhD is not necessary.</p>
<p>Well, my mom got her English PhD in the 80's...she's an optician now.</p>
<p>Professor X: Hmm, sorry about that. That's what I would have thought, but when I looked through the web to help my housemate figure out what she might be able to do career-wise with the master's degree that she is pursuing in religion (she works for the university, so it's nearly free, and she started out doing it for fun and personal enrichment), the sites always talk about pastorally-oriented careers (plus teaching and research, but I assume that those are givens), so I figured that I must have been wrong. Thanks for the correction.</p>
<p>Also, since you are clearly more informed, if <em>you</em> have any ideas about what my housemate could do with her degree, I'd love to hear them in a PM or something, if you have a bit of free time. :)</p>