There is a lot that can be said about the use of history majors in the workforce. I have worked at many different jobs to put myself through college as a history major over the past few years. Here are some of my observations on what jobs can a history major get, and how to be successful at your work.
A history major can get a wide range of jobs, from teaching high school students to working in museums.
History majors who want to work in education can get a teaching license and teach history, social studies, or other subjects at the secondary level. History majors who want to work in museums may find jobs as curators, conservators, or educators. History majors who want to work in government might find themselves working as historians, archivists or librarians.
A history major can also prepare you for graduate school or law school by providing you with an understanding of how to do research and write effectively.
What jobs can a history major get
Introduction
Here’s something you might not have heard at all while studying to be a history major: Some of the most valuable skills you develop in college are the ones that can help you get a job later on. In fact, certain classes or experiences in school can act like stepping stones that set you up for further success in your career and life. There are many jobs available for history majors, and once you find one, it’s likely going to be a great fit.
Some things that can help you get a job as a history major:
The key to landing a job as a history major is to gain experience through internships and volunteering. It will also help if you can get to know your professors’ alumni networks, network with other history majors, develop good writing skills because most jobs will involve writing in some way, and make yourself known as someone who is capable of doing great things.
Gain some experience through internships and volunteering.
Internships and volunteering are a great way to get experience, but you’ll want to make sure that the internship or volunteer opportunity is relevant to what you want to do in the future. Even though it might seem like a waste of time now, having relevant experience on your resume will help when it comes time for interviews.
Get to know your professors’ alumni networks.
Get to know your professors’ alumni networks.
Professors often have connections with companies and other people that can help you find work. They may be able to make a recommendation, put in a good word for you, or even connect you with someone who is now working in the field that interests you.
Make sure to ask your professors how they’re connected to their alumni networks before graduation day.
Network with other history majors.
One of the best things you can do for yourself is learn about other people’s experiences. If you’re not sure what you want to do with your degree, reaching out to other history majors in your area will help you get a better feel for the job market and all that it has to offer.
Don’t just talk about your own life—ask them what they’ve been up to since graduation. You’ll be surprised by how much they’ve changed and learned since they were in college themselves, so don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Develop good writing skills, because most jobs will involve writing in some way.
Develop good writing skills, because most jobs will involve writing in some way. History majors often have to do a lot of writing, since they’re analyzing historical documents and creating their own research papers. This makes it crucial that you know how to write clearly and effectively.
If you want to become a historian or teach at the college level, you will need excellent writing skills—your professors expect it! But even if your goal is not specifically related to history as a profession, there are many other fields that value strong communication skills and require historians who can present information clearly and concisely.
Many companies are hiring history majors!
History majors have many well-developed skills that businesses need, including communication, analytical and research skills. They also have strong writing and people skills. These qualities make them valuable in a variety of careers outside academia.
Find out which aspects of your major translate well into employment opportunities outside the academy:
- History majors have excellent written communication skills because they are trained to read primary documents and write about them effectively. In addition, they get practice doing this on assignments throughout their coursework (especially those who take classes like Methods of Historical Research). If you want to work in an office setting or with non-profit organizations, these abilities are exactly what employers want from you!
- The ability to gather data from multiple sources is essential when conducting research for a paper or project—and it’s something that employers value highly as well! As an academic historian yourself, you’ll know how important it is to cite sources accurately. This skill will come in handy when working for companies that need someone who can compile information from various departments or individuals who don’t always share information easily (i.e., politics).
Conclusion
We hope that this article has given you some ideas about what jobs might be available to history majors. The most important thing is to take advantage of all the opportunities you have, whether it’s interning at a museum or volunteering for a nonprofit organization. And remember: keep an open mind! You never know what job opportunities will come your way once you start looking outside your major’s degree requirements. So keep looking, keep learning new things about yourself (and others), and enjoy your journey.
