Careers for History majors

A history degree prepares students for a variety of jobs, including educator, researcher, writer, editor, information manager, advocate, businessperson, or simply as a history professional. Professional historians need diverse skills because they often carry out multiple historical activities in any particular workplace. Historians in museums manage and interpret collections of objects but are also called upon to serve as researchers, writers, editors, and educators. Similarly, archivists trained as historians will process and protect collections of historical source materials, but also need to research, educate, write, edit, and provide advocacy information. We examine careers for historians in a variety of workplaces, briefly describe some of the varied activities you might be called upon to perform, and assess the type of training and preparation you will need for a successful career in the field. The study of the past not only prepares students for understanding the present but also enables them to acquire valuable skills that are applicable to many careers. The abilities to criticize, organize, and synthesize extensive materials and to write with clarity and precision are important qualities for success in a variety of jobs not directly related to history.