What Can You Do With a Degree in History?

A qualification in history provides a range of career opportunities for those seeking to have a positive impact on society. With the knowledge gained from a history degree, people can pursue various professional paths, including:

Managing museums/galleries
Archiving
Conducting academic research
Teaching at universities
Writing/journalism
Working in libraries
Social work
Art/culture criticism
Public history

Each career path presents unique challenges and experiences that empower individuals to inform, engage, and educate the public.

Key Takeaways

Obtaining a degree in history can lead to a range of career opportunities, including roles as museum/gallery curators, academic researchers, archivists, writers/journalists, university lecturers, cultural heritage managers, civil service and international organisation positions, think tanks, historical conservation, lawyers, business management, public relations and human resources, librarianship, social work, art/cultural criticism, and public historians.
History majors possess strong research and analytical abilities, an aptitude for evaluating historical context and developing strategies, an understanding of diverse cultures, the ability to analyse and interpret a diverse range of sources, the ability to create meaningful connections between people and their past, and a unique perspective on the past and present.
Being a tour guide can offer benefits, such as opportunities to travel and immerse oneself in diverse cultures, but it also has drawbacks, such as long hours and exposure to different types of weather. To become a tour guide, one must obtain a Tour Guide Certification.
Overall, a history degree provides a comprehensive understanding of international development, economic history, and the complexities of global systems. It can assist in legal research and professional networking, make valuable contributions to society by utilising knowledge of the past to positively shape the future, and possess a unique skill set that is highly in demand across various industries.

Museum/Gallery Curator

A curator of a museum or gallery uses their knowledge of history to select and interpret artefacts for display. This role involves significant challenges, such as ensuring that the artefacts are presented in a way that is both engaging and historically accurate.

Furthermore, the curator is responsible for promoting the exhibitions held in the museum or art gallery. This includes marketing, fundraising, and providing engaging and educational activities for the public.

To be successful in this role, the museum/gallery curator must have a deep understanding of history, possess a keen eye for detail, and be able to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Archivist

Archiving is the process of systematically collecting, organising and preserving historically significant documents and artefacts. An individual with a degree in history may choose to pursue a career as an archivist. Archivists are responsible for the care and curation of historical records, including the digitisation of those records. They also conduct oral histories to document the memories and experiences of individuals, which can then be used to create a more complete picture of the past. Archivists can work in a variety of settings, including libraries, universities, museums, and national and state archives. The following table outlines the educational background and skills necessary for an individual to work as an archivist:

Educational Background	Required Skills
Masters degree in history or library science	Knowledge and experience with archival digitisation
	Strong research and analytical skills
	Organisational and communication skills
	Ability to conduct oral histories

Academic Researcher

Academic researchers in the field of history employ rigorous research methods to uncover new knowledge and insights. Those who hold a degree in history can pursue a career as academic researchers and explore topics such as international trends and digital preservation. To excel in this field, academic researchers must possess excellent research and analytical skills, be adept at communicating their findings to diverse audiences, and have proficiency in utilising digital tools.

The responsibilities of an academic researcher include conducting independent research, collecting and analysing data, producing reports and papers, presenting findings to peers, and devising strategies for digital preservation.

University Lecturer

College lecturers are highly qualified educators who use their knowledge and expertise to teach students in higher education. With a degree in history, one can become a college lecturer and share their knowledge and experience with students.

College lecturers have the opportunity to engage students in stimulating discussions, encourage academic curiosity and provide guidance to students. Job prospects for college lecturers with a degree in history are favourable, as the need for qualified educators is strong in the higher education sector.

College lecturers must have a strong understanding of the subject matter and be able to provide engaging lessons and activities to students in order to effectively communicate their knowledge. In addition, college lecturers must be able to evaluate student performance and create well-structured courses that promote student engagement.

Writer/Journalist

Writers and journalists play a crucial role in disseminating news and information in our society. For individuals who have obtained a degree in history, there are various opportunities to establish a career in writing and journalism.

Historians possess a distinctive perspective on the past and can use storytelling techniques to bring to life the stories covered by the media. Additionally, having a background in history can assist writers in creating compelling pieces that offer precise and knowledgeable media coverage.

With the appropriate combination of storytelling skills and media expertise, a degree in history can provide a solid foundation for a career in writing and journalism.

Cultural Heritage Manager

From a cultural perspective, it is the responsibility of heritage managers to preserve and promote history, art, and culture. With a qualification in history, an individual can become a cultural heritage manager, utilising their knowledge and comprehension of history to safeguard and maintain cultural sites, artefacts, and documents. These managers facilitate cultural exchange, allowing for the sharing of knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of different cultures. Furthermore, they work to guarantee that cultural heritage is conserved for future generations by ensuring that cultural artefacts, sites, and documents are protected and accessible. Additionally, heritage managers assist in educating the public about the significance of preserving cultural history and artefacts and enable public interaction with cultural heritage. Heritage managers with a history degree are capable of managing a broad range of cultural heritage projects, from archaeological excavations to museum exhibitions.

Tour Guide

Tour guides offer a unique opportunity for individuals to access and explore cultural heritage sites and artefacts. Those with a History degree can pursue a career as a Tour Guide, gaining insight into the cultural heritage of a location and developing important skills such as communication, problem-solving, leadership, and customer service.

The advantages of being a Tour Guide include:

Opportunities to travel and immerse oneself in diverse cultures.
A chance to educate and inform people about the culture and history of a particular site.
The ability to use creativity to make the tour and its contents engaging.

Disadvantages of being a Tour Guide include:

Long hours and irregular shifts.
The physical demands of the job.
Exposure to different types of weather.

To become a Tour Guide, one must obtain a Tour Guide Certification, which requires knowledge of the local area, a professional attitude, and the ability to conduct tours in a safe and organised manner. A degree in History can prepare individuals well for this certification and pave the way to a successful career as a Tour Guide.

Government/Political Work

A degree in history equips an individual with the abilities and expertise required to pursue a vocation in government or politics. Popular options for those interested in this field include civil service, international organisations, and think tanks. Civil service involves working for government agencies in various capacities, while international organisations offer opportunities to collaborate with governments from around the world. Think tanks provide research and policy analysis to inform decision-makers.

Civil Service

Having a degree in history can be beneficial for individuals who aspire to pursue a career in civil service, as it provides them with a deeper understanding of the complexities of governmental systems. More specifically, a history degree can aid in:

Comprehending the impact of civil service on the political landscape.
Recognizing the influence of civil service on policy making.
Applying knowledge of past government systems to present-day situations.

Thus, individuals with a history degree can utilise their knowledge of the past to positively shape the future and make valuable contributions to society as a whole.

International Organisations

Having a degree in history can be advantageous for individuals who wish to pursue a career in international organisations as it can offer a more nuanced comprehension of the intricacies of global systems. International organisations have a critical role in advancing economic growth and human rights and fostering peace and stability. A history degree can be helpful in this field as it can provide an in-depth understanding of the economic, social, and political history of different countries. Additionally, possessing knowledge of economic history can aid in analysing the impact of international policies and initiatives on global economic development. In summary, a history degree can be advantageous for those seeking employment in international organisations as it can provide a comprehensive understanding of international development, economic history, and the complexities of global systems.

Think Tanks

Think tanks are organisations dedicated to researching and analysing specific topics to create policy recommendations. They often focus on electioneering strategies, oral histories, and economic and social policy.

In the field of history, think tanks are valuable for examining how the past can inform the present. For instance, they may explore how ancient political systems can be used to inform modern policy decisions. Additionally, they can utilise oral histories to gain insight into the lives of people who lived in the past.

Think tanks can help bridge the gap between the past and present, making them particularly valuable for those with a degree in history.

Historic Conservation

Exploring the field of Historic Preservation can provide individuals with a degree in history the opportunity to work to protect and preserve historic sites, structures, and artefacts. By engaging in this field, historians can work to conserve important cultural heritage for future generations, as well as create sustainable opportunities for the public to engage with their history.

This can include:

Heritage Tourism: Creating opportunities for visitors to explore and experience the history and culture of a particular place, such as through guided tours, interactive exhibits, and educational programming.
Historic Reenactment: Re-creating important moments in history through live performances and educational demonstrations.
Archaeology: Documenting and interpreting artefacts and sites to gain a better understanding of the past.

Through these activities, historians can work to create meaningful connections between people and their past, and ensure the preservation of important cultural heritage.

Solicitor

Lawyers specialise in the application of laws and legal principles to resolve disputes and protect the interests of their clients. With a degree in History, a person can develop the skills necessary to become a lawyer.

Legal research is a key part of the job, which requires a person to be able to identify, analyse, and apply relevant legal principles.

Professional networking is also important as it enables lawyers to stay up-to-date with developments in the legal field and to develop relationships with colleagues, clients, and other professionals in the legal industry.

In addition, a degree in History can help develop the critical thinking skills necessary to interpret laws, regulations, and precedents.

As such, a degree in History can provide a solid foundation for a career in law.

Business Management

A degree in history can offer numerous opportunities in the area of business management. Research and analysis are two crucial abilities that history majors possess, which can be advantageous in a business context. Human resources and public relations are also two areas of expertise that a history major can bring to the table. The unique skill set possessed by history majors is highly in demand in the business world.

Research and Analysis

Investigating the past can provide a plethora of insights, allowing for a better comprehension of the present and the potential to advise decisions that shape the future. Specifically, obtaining a degree in history enables individuals to apply their expertise to conduct research and analysis in various fields. They will possess the skills to proficiently analyse and interpret a diverse range of sources, including oral traditions, written records, and social interaction. This knowledge can then be utilised to acquire a thorough understanding of the past and to make decisions that can impact the future. With a history degree, individuals can be equipped to investigate and analyse history to inform decisions that shape the present and future.

Human Resources

Drawing on the research and analytical skills of individuals with a degree in history, Human Resources departments can gain a distinctive viewpoint when addressing personnel matters. With a thorough comprehension of the past, those with a history degree can provide valuable input regarding the establishment of current employment laws and can assist in interpreting labour relations regulations. Furthermore, individuals with a history degree can utilise their research capabilities to comprehend the intricacies of various personnel issues, enabling them to offer innovative solutions to Human Resources departments for personnel problems.

Public Relations

Utilising the research and analytical skills of those with knowledge of the past, Public Relations departments can benefit from the unique perspective of a degree in history. History majors can use their knowledge of the events and trends that have shaped our world to assist Public Relations in creating effective and comprehensive advertising campaigns. Through the use of historical interpretations, Public Relations departments can gain insight into what appeals to their target audiences and use this knowledge to create more successful campaigns. In addition, a degree in history can provide Public Relations departments with an invaluable resource in understanding the context of current events, which can be used to create more effective messaging. A degree in history can also provide Public Relations departments with the ability to make connections between the past and present, so that they can provide their clients with the most up-to-date information.

Keyword	Definition	Example
Advertising Campaigns	A series of advertisement messages that share a single idea and theme, which make up an integrated marketing communication (IMC)	A company’s new product launch campaign
Historical Interpretations	A specific set of interpretations of the past that are based on a particular point of view	A historian’s interpretation of the events leading up to the American Revolution

Librarianship

For those who have obtained a degree in history, working as a librarian offers a special chance to utilise their abilities in managing and safeguarding information. With their capability to comprehend and scrutinise primary and secondary sources, individuals with a background in history can provide significant expertise in creating non-fiction works and recording oral histories.

As a librarian, they can utilise their knowledge of the past to assist in the management and preservation of information, which enables them to create a long-lasting impact on their society.

Social Work

Social work offers a meaningful career path for those with a background in history, enabling them to apply their knowledge towards promoting social change and enhancing the lives of those in need. Through social work, individuals can gain an in-depth understanding of the social implications of various issues, thereby informing policy decisions and shaping the impact of public services. Additionally, those with a history degree are better equipped to evaluate the historical context of social problems and develop strategies to address them. Furthermore, a history background can provide a strong foundation for comprehending diverse cultures, which is advantageous when working with a broad range of clients. Ultimately, those with a history degree can bring a distinctive perspective to social work, bridging the gap between the past and present.

Art/Cultural Critic

Those who hold a degree in history have a unique perspective on the field of art/cultural criticism. They can provide valuable insights into the past and present implications of works of art. This area of study is particularly relevant to history graduates as it enables them to delve into the cultural identities and ideologies associated with works of art, as well as the historical accuracy of such works. By drawing on their studies, history graduates can offer informative and engaging insights into works of art to their audience. Moreover, they can provide a well-organised and clear analysis of works of art, thus contributing to the cultural understanding of their audience.	Keywords	Explanation
Cultural Identity	Investigating the cultural identity related to works of art.
Historical Accuracy	Scrutinizing the historical accuracy of works of art.

Public Historian

Public historians work to discover, interpret, and promote the significance of historical events, objects, and individuals. Being a public historian involves using various techniques to uncover the past, such as archaeological excavations, primary source research, and oral histories. Public historians must also consider the ethical implications of their work, particularly when it comes to interpreting events and objects. Analysis of public history trends is also crucial, as it helps public historians understand the current state of the field and how it can be enhanced. Therefore, a degree in history can be very valuable for those pursuing a career in public history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I require to follow a profession in history?

A profession in history necessitates robust research and analytical abilities, along with knowledge of researching archives and interpreting artefacts. It is important to have a thorough comprehension of historical events and cultures to precisely depict the past. Furthermore, communication and writing abilities are crucial to effectively convey knowledge.

Is obtaining a degree in history a worthwhile investment?

When discussing the worth of a history degree, it is important to take into account the employment prospects. Although a history degree does not guarantee a particular job, it equips individuals with a diverse set of abilities that can be useful in various work environments. With the appropriate determination and focus, obtaining a degree in history can be a wise investment.

How much money can I earn with a degree in history?

A degree in History can offer job security and teaching chances. It can also lead to several other career options with competitive salaries. People with a History degree can anticipate earning a competitive salary that matches their skills and experience if they have the appropriate experience and qualifications.

What skills do I require to thrive in a profession in history?

A prosperous career in history necessitates adeptness in professional writing and critical thinking abilities. To achieve success, one must possess the capability to communicate efficiently and logically, arrange ideas in a lucid manner, captivate the audience, and offer significant remedies to benefit others.

What is the level of competition in the job market for individuals with a history degree?

The employment market for individuals holding a history degree is highly competitive due to the presence of numerous qualified candidates. To enhance their prospects, one can conduct interviews with alumni, investigate potential job openings, and build professional connections. These actions can improve one’s resume and provide an advantage over other candidates.

Final Thoughts

The possibilities for those who have obtained a degree in history are practically limitless. They can pursue careers as museum or gallery curators, archivists, academic researchers, college professors, writers or journalists, librarians, social workers, art or cultural critics, or public historians. Many of these positions require research and analysis of historical data, as well as the preservation and interpretation of artefacts and records.

In addition, those with a degree in history may find employment in other fields, such as public policy, law, education, or business. Regardless of the chosen profession, those with a degree in history are well-equipped to make a significant contribution to society.

It is evident that individuals who have achieved a degree in history have a vast range of career opportunities available to them.