What Jobs Can I Get With A Degree In History?

A qualification in history can open up a diverse range of career prospects. Possessing a degree in history could lead to a career in teaching, museum curation, archaeology, publishing, historic preservation, research, non-profit organisations, law, and business/marketing/advertising.

Each of these career paths offer unique opportunities to engage with the past while also having a positive impact on the present.

The wide range of career options available to those with a history degree allows for a great deal of flexibility and personal growth. Regardless of whether you choose to pursue a career in teaching, museum curation, archaeology, publishing, historic preservation, research, non-profit organisations, law, or business/marketing/advertising, there is a chance to make a meaningful contribution to society while developing professionally and intellectually.

Key Takeaways

• A history degree can lead to various career paths, such as teaching, museum curation, archaeology, publishing, historic preservation, research, non-profit organisations, law, and business/marketing/advertising.
• Certain careers require specific skills, such as artefact identification and curatorial analysis for museum curation, excavation and artefact analysis for archaeology, and technical expertise and citizen engagement for historic preservation.
• Other potential careers for history degree holders include library science, media, archivists, cultural heritage management, government agencies, historical tour guides, non-profit organisations, and law.
• Those in history-related careers may face challenges such as limited resources and budget constraints for archivists, ethical implications for preserving accurate information and protecting historical sites and artefacts from environmental impact for cultural heritage management.

Teaching

History educators are in high demand in many educational institutions, and their responsibility is to impart knowledge about the past to students. Although there are numerous advantages to teaching, such as the ability to shape the minds of future generations, there are also challenges associated with the profession, such as managing a classroom. It is crucial for history teachers to have a good understanding of effective classroom management strategies to ensure the success of their students. Moreover, history teachers should be knowledgeable about the subject they are teaching to effectively communicate the material to their students. All in all, teaching history can be a rewarding and challenging experience for those with a degree in history.

Museum/Curation

Having a degree in History offers the opportunity to pursue a career in museum/curation, involving tasks such as curating exhibitions, cataloguing artefacts, and preserving cultural heritage. A profession in museum/curation demands strong research and communication skills, as well as a deep understanding of cultural and historical artefacts. Essential skills for this type of work include artefact identification, curatorial analysis, and comprehension of museum policies and procedures. Employers seek professionals who can work collaboratively to develop exhibitions, oversee collections, and perform administrative tasks. Professionals in museum/curation must be willing to travel to assess artefacts and must be highly organised to properly document and catalogue artefacts. They must also be able to present and explain artefacts and exhibitions in a clear and engaging manner to visitors and the public.

Skill	Description	Importance
Artefact Identification	Ability to identify and differentiate artefacts	Essential
Curatorial Analysis	Understanding of museum policies and procedures	Essential
Research	Ability to find relevant sources	Critical
Communication	Ability to explain artefacts and exhibitions	Critical
Collaboration	Ability to work with other professionals	Essential
Organisation	Ability to document and catalogue artefacts	Essential

Archaeology

Archaeology provides an opportunity to explore and discover the secrets of past civilisations, uncover ancient artefacts, and reveal the stories they hold. This field involves various activities, such as excavating sites, analysing artefacts, and using conservation techniques to preserve them. Archaeologists must also take into account the cultural impact of their work, as the artefacts and sites they uncover may be culturally sensitive. It is crucial to handle these artefacts with care and respect and to understand and acknowledge the cultural implications of their work. Excavation, conservation techniques, and cultural impact are all significant aspects of a career in archaeology.

Publishing

Publishing is a crucial aspect of archaeological research, enabling scholars to disseminate their discoveries and interpretations to a broader audience.

Individuals who hold a degree in history have a multitude of opportunities in the publishing industry, including freelance writing and editorial work.

Freelance writing entails creating content for a variety of publications, ranging from magazines to newspapers.

Editorial work typically involves proofreading and editing manuscripts for publication.

Regardless of the role, a degree in history can equip an individual with a thorough understanding of a subject and the ability to effectively communicate that knowledge to diverse audiences.

Historic Conservation

Preserving history is crucial for understanding our past, and historic preservation is a significant field of study for those interested in doing so. The field of historic preservation requires a combination of technical expertise, citizen engagement, and digital curation skills.

In particular, someone with a degree in history can pursue a career in the following areas:

1) Architectural Preservation, which involves the restoration and protection of buildings and structures from specific historical periods;

2) Museum Curator, where they will be responsible for collecting, preserving, and displaying artefacts from the past;

3) Historical Research, which involves the search for primary sources that are used to develop interpretations of the past;

4) Digital Curation, which entails the maintenance and storage of digital collections related to historical events.

All of these career paths provide meaningful opportunities for individuals interested in preserving history.

Library Science

Library science is a field of study that focuses on the efficient organisation, management, and preservation of information resources.

Individuals who pursue library science as a profession with a history degree can expect a range of career prospects and job opportunities.

This area of study equips graduates with the knowledge and abilities to work in libraries, archives, and other information centres. They will be able to work with a variety of resources, including books, newspapers, magazines, and digital media.

Furthermore, library science professionals may be responsible for cataloguing and maintaining the library’s collections, as well as providing reference services to patrons.

Library science provides students with the chance to expand their understanding of history and the importance of preserving information for future generations.

Media

Media is a significant area of study for individuals seeking to comprehend how to efficiently disseminate and use information resources.

Individuals with a degree in History may be particularly well-suited to succeed in the media field, as it necessitates a profound understanding of how information is utilised and shared.

A History degree can provide a distinct perspective for those seeking to generate content, connect with audiences on social media, and produce media content that is both informative and entertaining.

This type of knowledge is priceless for individuals who create and distribute media content, making a History degree a valuable asset for those seeking to work in the media industry.

Archivists

Archivists have a crucial role in preserving and cataloguing historical documents and artefacts, ensuring that future generations can access and learn from them. Working as an archivist provides several advantages, such as developing a profound understanding of historical events, documents, and artefacts, contributing to a greater appreciation and understanding of the past, and working to preserve the histories of diverse societies and cultures.

However, archivists also encounter several challenges, such as working with limited resources and budget constraints, dealing with the ethical implications of archiving, and ensuring the accuracy of archived information. Despite these challenges, archivists play a critical role in the preservation and dissemination of history, and individuals with a degree in history may find a rewarding career in the field.

Cultural Heritage Management

Moving from the field of archivists, a degree in history can also lead to a career in cultural heritage management. This field is focused on the environmental impact of development and the protection of historic sites. Professionals in cultural heritage management are responsible for researching and interpreting the significance of cultural sites and artefacts. They develop strategies for safeguarding such sites and artifacts, and they must be able to assess and respond to environmental impact assessments. To effectively protect sites and artefacts, cultural heritage management professionals must have an in-depth understanding of history and cultural interpretation.

Government Agencies

Government agencies can offer a career path for those who hold a degree in history, providing them with the opportunity to use their knowledge and skills to safeguard historical sites and artefacts. Archaeology offers exciting and rewarding job prospects, while cultural resource management positions are varied and good. Museum curating is fascinating, with fair career prospects, while archivist roles are interesting, with moderate job prospects. Historic preservationist positions are rewarding and offer high job prospects. Overall, history degree holders have good career opportunities in government agencies, where they can make a real difference in preserving and protecting the past.

Historic Tour Guiding

Historical tour guiding can be a thrilling and fulfilling career path for those with a passion for history, enabling them to share their knowledge with others while delving into the past. Tour guides need to possess strong organisational skills and effective communication abilities as they often work with large groups of people.

They must also have a comprehensive comprehension of the history and culture of the area they are guiding, as well as an awareness of the advantages and difficulties that come with the job. Moreover, tour guides must be engaging and patient in order to convey the history of the location effectively and ensure that their guests have an enjoyable experience.

By obtaining a degree in history, one can gain a better understanding of the past and successfully explore the benefits and challenges of a career in historical tour guiding.

Research

To effectively communicate the history of a location, researching the area can provide insight into the social and political forces that have shaped it. By conducting research, alternative perspectives of the history of a location can be uncovered, as well as the public perception of the area at different points in its history. Researching a location is a crucial aspect of comprehending its history, as it allows for a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the past. It also permits a more precise portrayal of a location’s history and the people who lived through it. Researching a location can aid in creating a more comprehensive picture of its history, thereby contributing to a more accurate representation of the area.

Non-Profit Organisations

Non-profit organisations play a vital role in safeguarding and interpreting the history of a place, offering resources and assistance to local communities to safeguard the area’s unique cultural heritage.

With a degree in history, individuals can explore various career options in the non-profit sector, such as:

• Advocacy work that involves collaborating with policymakers to establish laws and regulations that safeguard historic sites and artefacts.
• Grant writing that includes researching and applying for grants to finance programmes and projects for preservation and education.
• Organising events to raise awareness about historical topics.
• Developing educational materials and programmes to educate the public about history.

Individuals with a history degree have the opportunity to contribute to the non-profit sector with their knowledge and expertise in the field. They can work towards promoting the appreciation and understanding of history, as well as ensuring that our collective cultural heritage is safeguarded for future generations.

Law

Those with a background in history can utilise their knowledge to pursue a career in law, providing research, analysis, and guidance pertaining to the protection of historic sites and artefacts. This can include legal writing, examining civil rights issues, and advocating for the preservation of historical sites. With a degree in history, one can work as a lawyer, public policy analyst, or act as a consultant for various organisations. In addition, a degree in history can provide a good foundation for a career in law, as many law school courses rely heavily on the study of history.

Job	Description
Lawyer	Develops legal cases, advocates for clients in court, and provides legal advice
Public Policy Analyst	Analyses the effects of policies and regulations on society and proposes solutions
Consultant	Offers advice to organisations or individuals to help them in their decision-making

Business/Marketing/Advertising

A background in history can provide a strong foundation for careers in business, marketing, and advertising. The skill of analysing and interpreting past events can be highly advantageous in the business world. Individuals who graduate with a degree in history may find it easier to succeed in these industries.

The following are some benefits of having a history degree when pursuing a career in business, marketing, or advertising:

• The ability to interpret and analyse past events to make informed decisions in the present
• Understanding of societal and cultural trends
• Knowledge of the significance of storytelling, particularly in social media and event planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I require to pursue a career in history?

In order to follow a profession in history, it is necessary to possess a robust comprehension of research techniques, as well as a thorough understanding of ancient civilisations. Furthermore, a calm, methodical, and captivating writing approach is crucial for triumph in this field.

Are there online courses I can take to supplement my history degree?

There are a range of online courses that can complement a degree in History. These courses can offer job search techniques, networking prospects, and further understanding. They can improve abilities and knowledge, making individuals more competitive in the job market.

What is the average salary for a job in history?

The average salary for a career in history may differ based on research techniques, career advancement, and years of experience. Those interested in pursuing a career in history should take these factors into account when evaluating potential salaries.

Do I require any particular skills to work in the field of history?

To work in the history field, it is necessary to have cultural competence and the ability to conduct historical research. It is also important to have patience and a talent for effective communication. Moreover, a willingness to help others is advantageous in this profession.

Are there any advantages to obtaining a degree in history?

Having a degree in history can prove advantageous in terms of marketing the subject, research methodologies, and overall comprehension of the field. Understanding the basics of historical thinking enables one to cultivate effective communication and analytical abilities, as well as a deep appreciation for the subject, which can be useful in various professional settings.

Final Thoughts

Individuals who have obtained a degree in history have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of career paths. They can pursue careers in teaching, museum and curation, archaeology, publishing, historic preservation, research, non-profit organisations, law, and business/marketing/advertising. The degree in history offers a broad range of subject matter, skills, and knowledge, which enables history degree holders to find professional success in various fields. As a result, individuals with a history degree can confidently choose a career that aligns with their interests and skills. With this degree, they can look forward to a fulfilling professional career in their chosen field.