<p>S1 has been offered many opportunities because he attends U of C not typically available to college students. These range from foundations and think tanks to multinational companies. S2’s GF is a recent graduate who was heavily recruited and paid a substantial bonus to join a firm. She, however, misses the “life of the mind” and is giving it up to return to the academy for a more theoretical grad program. All of S1’s friends, yes even philosophy majors, have landed either great jobs or are attending top professional or grad schools. According to Andrew Abbott U of C grads show little correlation between major and eventual career (likely the same elsewhere), and end up in the upper 5% income range. So I wouldn’t worry about career too awfully much. Do well and enjoy yourself, the rest will work out.</p>