Garnering a history degree from a university doesn’t have to mean you’ll always be tied up to history books in your entire career’s lifetime. Your love for history may have led you to take up that degree in the first place, but you’ll have to widen your perspective when considering a career path once you graduate. Not all history degree holders become historians. With skills, flexibility, and open-mindedness, you’ll have other career options to choose from.
Skill Set of History Graduates
A History degree doesn’t just entail reading through pages of historical references. Granted that you’re studying at an institution like Norwich University that molds students into dynamic professionals, by the time you graduate, you’ll be equipped with these skills:
- Research skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Strong analytical skills
- Attention to details
Career Options for History Majors
History degree holders will always have a place at a university, but there are jobs outside of the academe that are also worth trying. Here is a list of career choices for both inside and outside the educational setting:
- Academe
- Historian – This is worth mentioning as a primary career path for someone with a history degree. Being a historian is an honor, and it also pays well. But a bachelor’s degree won’t be enough to become a seasoned historian. You’ll need post-graduate studies and years of experience.
- Academic Researcher – Research is a vital field for any academic institution. Historical study is also inseparable from research. So, a history degree can earn you a way into the research world.
- University Museum Curator – If you love managing exhibits and have interest in museum management, you can become a museum curator. You’ll oversee all museum activities and artifact maintenance.
- Archivist – Historical documents require careful storage and preservation. After all, these documents are extremely important references. This is the job of an archivist or records manager. It’s important to note, however, that technology plays an important role in this field. Archivists now utilize computers to keep electronic data copies of the physical documents.
- Librarian – Does your love for books extend to various kinds of topics? If you’re keen on organizing a large amount of information and you love books, you can be a librarian.
- Elementary and High School Teacher – History class is part of basic education for children. You can share your historical knowledge to young learners at elementary and secondary schools as a teacher.
- Anthropologist – Anthropology and history are closely related fields of discipline. If your interest lies in human culture and impact, you can proceed with an anthropology master’s degree and become an anthropologist.
- Non-Academe
- Lawyer – Analyzing a legal case requires strong analytical skills, with which a history major is equipped. You can take up law after graduating and move forward to become a lawyer.
- Event Planner – Who’d have thought that organizing events in college also offers a career option? With a history degree, you can start an event planning business and plan cultural and historical events, symposiums, and tours to heritage sites.
- Tour Guide – If you’re not interested in planning events but would love to share your knowledge with others and you also love traveling, you can be a tour guide. Aside from educating tourists on historical and heritage sites, you can also amaze them with facts and trivia about scenic tourist spots.
- Journalist – Your research, analytical thinking, writing, and verbal communication skills can all be useful as a journalist, editor, or writer. Media corporations and publications welcome graduates who have these skills and can generate valuable and significant materials. You can be part of a team behind documentaries and news or magazine articles.
- Admin Assistant or Manager – Museums and cultural organizations can use the help of a historical whiz as part of the administrative staff or manager. Having a history degree in such positions is an advantage as there is already an appreciation of the goal and nature of the organization.
- Genealogist – Tracing members of the family tree requires a lot of family history digging. You can help people who need this kind of service as a genealogist.
- Market Researcher – The marketing world values research very much. You can use your research skills and statistical knowledge and be a market researcher. You’ll be collecting and analyzing consumer data for different companies.
The real world that waits outside of university is replete with career opportunities. If you’re uncertain of what path you should go for, don’t be afraid to explore. History may not appeal to many people, but it remains as an integral part of society. So, you won’t run out of options soon. Take advantage of your skills, be flexible, and open to new experiences and learning.
