What to Do With a History Degree: A Comprehensive Guide to Career Prospects

Introduction

In the hallowed halls of academia, history stands as a beacon of knowledge and understanding, shaping our perception of the past and informing our present. With a history degree, you embark on a journey into the tapestry of human civilization, exploring pivotal events, influential figures, and the complexities of societies. But what does the future hold for history graduates? The answer lies in a myriad of promising career paths that leverage your analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Career Paths in Education

1. Teaching History at the Secondary Level

As a history teacher, you have the profound responsibility of igniting a passion for history in young minds. You will create engaging and thought-provoking lessons, guide students in developing critical thinking skills, and inspire them to appreciate the lessons of the past. According to the National Education Association, the median annual salary for high school history teachers in the United States is $59,660.

2. Teaching History at the Post-Secondary Level

At the college or university level, you can impart your historical knowledge to students pursuing higher education. You may focus on a specific area of history, conduct research, and publish scholarly articles. As of March 2021, the median annual salary for post-secondary history teachers was $83,260, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

3. Educational Administration

With your strong academic foundation and leadership skills, consider pursuing a career in educational administration. You could become a school principal, curriculum supervisor, or superintendent, shaping the educational experiences of students from kindergarten to college.

Career Paths in Research and Archives

4. Historian

History graduates can apply their research skills to become historians, exploring and interpreting the past through meticulous analysis of primary and secondary sources. They may work in museums, archives, or historical societies, contributing to our understanding of human history.

5. Archivist

As an archivist, you will preserve and manage historical documents and artifacts, ensuring their availability for future research and scholarship. According to the Society of American Archivists, the median annual salary for archivists in the United States is $55,550.

6. Museum Curator

Museum curators are responsible for preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting historical artifacts and collections. They create engaging exhibits, educate the public, and conduct research to expand the museum’s knowledge base.

Career Paths in Business and Industry

7. Business Analyst

With their analytical abilities and understanding of historical trends, history graduates can excel as business analysts. They identify problems, analyze data, and develop solutions to improve business operations and decision-making. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for business analysts is $93,000.

8. Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts gather and analyze data to understand consumer behavior and market trends. History graduates can use their research skills and knowledge of human behavior to gain insights and inform marketing strategies.

9. Corporate Historian

Companies often hire historians to document their history, preserve their legacy, and provide insights into past decisions and industry trends. Corporate historians maintain archives, conduct research, and write reports and presentations.

Career Paths in Government and Non-Profit Organizations

10. Historian for Government Agencies

Government agencies, such as the National Park Service, the Library of Congress, and the National Archives, employ historians to conduct research, preserve historical artifacts, and advise on policy decisions.

11. Non-Profit Organization Director

Non-profit organizations dedicated to historical preservation, education, and social justice often hire history graduates to lead and manage their programs. These roles require strong leadership, communication, and fundraising skills.

Career Paths in Media and Communications

12. Writer

History graduates have a knack for storytelling and persuasive writing. They can pursue careers as writers for historical magazines, newspapers, and online publications. They may also write books, screenplays, or documentaries.

13. Journalist

With their critical thinking skills and knowledge of historical events, history graduates can become journalists who report on current events and analyze historical trends. They may work for newspapers, magazines, or broadcast news organizations.

14. Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists manage the public image of organizations and individuals. History graduates can use their research and communication skills to develop and execute public relations campaigns that convey historical context and shape public opinion.

Creating Your Own Path: Innovative Applications of a History Degree

While traditional career paths offer well-established options, there are also countless ways to create your own path with a history degree. By combining your historical knowledge with other disciplines and pursuing unique interests, you can explore new and emerging fields.

• Historian-Technologist: Merge history with computer science to develop digital archives, historical databases, and interactive historical simulations.
• Historian-Entrepreneur: Start a business that leverages your historical expertise, such as a historical consulting firm, a historical tourism company, or a platform for online historical resources.
• Historian-Advocate: Use your knowledge of history to advocate for social justice, historical preservation, or other causes you care about.
• Historian-Artist: Express your historical insights through art installations, documentaries, or historical fiction.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Network and Seek Mentors: Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and connect with professionals in your field to expand your knowledge and build your network.
• Develop Transferable Skills: Emphasize the transferable skills you gained in your history degree, such as critical thinking, communication, and research.
• Explore Internships and Research Opportunities: Gain practical experience in your field of interest before graduation.
• Be Adaptable and Creative: Embrace the ever-changing nature of the job market and be open to new opportunities and alternative career paths.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest historical research and trends to stay competitive and informed in your field.

Why a History Degree Matters: Key Benefits

• Develops Critical Thinking Skills: History trains you to analyze evidence, interpret complex events, and form logical conclusions.
• Enhances Communication Skills: Writing historical essays and presenting research papers improves your written and oral communication abilities.
• Provides a Deep Understanding of Human Behavior and Society: Studying history gives you insights into the motivations and actions of individuals and groups, enabling you to better understand human interactions.
• Cultivates Cultural Awareness: History promotes an understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives, broadening your worldview and fostering empathy.
• Prepares You for a Wide Range of Careers: A history degree provides a solid foundation for success in various fields, including education, research, business, government, and non-profit work.

Useful Tables

Table 1: Median Annual Salaries for History Degree Careers

Table 2: Employment Projections for History Degree Careers

Table 3: Transferable Skills of a History Degree

Table 4: Innovative Applications of a History Degree