Why Study Philosophy?

When starting out, think of philosophy as a tool that will enable you to have new ideas on any subject. Law school can train you (e.g. Socratic Method), and philosophy can enable you.

Taking a philosophy major or minor in college can help you in business and economics, art and music, law and jurisprudence, political science and politics, economics and sociology, and scientific research. There you will have an advantage that your colleagues simply won't have.

• Attain personal success
  
• Increase your range of thought
  
• Improve your writing and thought organization
  
• Essential for certain majors

On a deeper level:

• Find meaning to life
• Develop an appreciation for life
• Experience the world with a heightened consciousness
  
• Create your own philosophy

A more in-depth explaination of reasons to study philosophy can be found here: http://www.iup.edu/philosophy/PHILbrochure/

According to the University, those who study philosophy are among the elite in college, and this is generally true for most academic, research, corporate, or political environment.

However, one does not need to be distinguished or recognized.

    Straighten yourself and you will not stand steady;
    Display yourself and you will not be clearly seen;
    Justify yourself and you will not be respected;
    Promote yourself and you will not be believed;
    Pride yourself and you will not endure.

    The sage accepts the world
    As the world accepts the Way;
    He does not display himself, so is clearly seen,
    Does not justify himself, so is recognized,
    Does not boast, so is credited,
    Does not pride himself, so endures,
    Does not contend, so none contend against him.

- Dao De Jing

Anyone, can gain a deeper knowledge, rational or intuitive, of the world while being rewarded without having to seek a high office, a new title, or a degree.