If you’re passionate about the past and curious about what jobs can you do with history, you’re not alone. Many individuals with a keen interest in historical events and eras often wonder how to turn their passion into a fulfilling career. Fortunately, the study of history can open the door to a diverse range of career paths that capitalize on skills like critical thinking, research, and writing.
What Jobs Can You Do with History?
While teaching is a common choice for history enthusiasts, there are numerous other careers using history that might capture your interest. Whether you’re looking to work in education, research, or the expanding fields of digital and public history, opportunities abound for history enthusiasts. Let’s explore some of these exciting career paths.
Historical Researcher
A career as a historical researcher allows you to dive deep into archival work, uncovering and interpreting historical data. Researchers can be employed by academic institutions, museums, government agencies, or private firms. Your role may involve piecing together historical narratives from primary sources, documents, and other materials.
Museum Curator
Museum curators have the unique duty of managing collections of artwork and historical items. They organize exhibitions and educational programs, ensuring that pieces of history are displayed in a way that educates and captivates audiences. This role often requires a strong foundation in both history and art.
Archivist
Archivists manage and maintain important historical records and documents. These professionals work in libraries, government agencies, and other organizations where sensitive or crucial historical information is preserved. They ensure that these materials remain accessible to researchers and the general public.
History Teacher or Professor
One of the most traditional paths, teaching history at the secondary or post-secondary level, allows you to inspire a new generation of learners. With a degree in history, you may become an influential educator, sharing your knowledge through compelling lectures and discussions.
Public Historian
As a public historian, you will engage with history outside of the traditional classroom setting. This role might involve working in historic preservation, managing heritage sites, or engaging the community in historical projects. The goal is to make history accessible and relevant to a wider audience.
Historical Consultant
Many industries seek historical consultants for projects that require a historical perspective. Whether working on films, books, or documentaries, consultants provide insights that ensure historical accuracy and depth. This role combines the creativity of storytelling with the precision of historical scholarship.
Policy Analyst or Advisor
A strong grasp of history can be an asset in the field of policy analysis. By understanding historical contexts and precedents, policy analysts can advise governments, think tanks, and NGOs on issues ranging from international relations to socioeconomic policies. This role benefits from strong analytical and research skills.
Cultural Resource Manager
This career path involves overseeing the preservation of cultural and historical sites. Cultural resource managers often work in collaboration with archaeologists and preservationists, ensuring that historical sites are protected for future generations. A background in history enriches your understanding of a site’s significance.
For those looking to transition to a rewarding career in history later in life, consider exploring new career paths that may align with your passion and experience.
Exploring New Horizons: Careers Using History
With historical knowledge as your foundation, there is a wide array of job opportunities. For example, historical consultants often work with filmmakers to ensure period accuracy. Museums and libraries require knowledgeable staff to preserve and curate exhibits. Moreover, public sector jobs often need historians for analysis and advice.
If you are looking to further explore this field, the education of history can provide a deeper understanding. The skills you develop in researching, writing, and critical thinking are highly valued across many industries.
In summary, if you’ve been pondering what jobs can you do with history, you’ll find that history offers a gateway to myriad career paths. Whether you’re educating, preserving, consulting, or analyzing, the skills you carry can lead to a fulfilling professional journey.
Takeaways
- History graduates have a wide range of potential careers, from teaching to consulting.
- Critical thinking, research, and writing skills are crucial assets in the job market.
- Public history and digital history are growing fields offering new opportunities.
- Exploring history-related roles can also lead to careers in policy and cultural management.
- Continuous learning and adapting are key in leveraging historical skills across various sectors.
FAQs
What types of jobs are available for history graduates?
History graduates can find roles in education, museums, archives, research organizations, cultural resource management, consulting for films or books, and policy advising.
Is teaching the only career option with a history degree?
No, teaching is one of many options. Other paths include archivist, museum curator, public historian, and historical consultant. The skills from a history degree are applicable in many fields.
How can a history degree be applied to the business world?
History graduates bring skills such as research, analysis, and critical thinking to the business world. They can work in roles such as market research, communications, and strategic planning.
What is public history?
Public history involves presenting history to the public in accessible ways, often outside an academic setting. This can include working at museums, historic sites, and in community education.
Are there opportunities for historians in digital media?
Yes, digital history is an emerging field where historians use digital tools to present historical data and stories. Roles can include content creation, digital archiving, and online education.
