What are some careers that I could have with a history major?

Question

I know that it depends on how far I study as well, but I could use some actual careers besides being a teacher. Not that there is anything wrong with being a teacher, I was just wondering what else I could do. I really enjoy history and for the longest time it has been my most favorite subject. I just want to know what is out there for me. Just some general things that you know will be fine.I don't have time to be talking to advisors or counselors right now. I've got lots of homework...Thanks Y'all.

Answer 1

I am also a history major. Look into state, local, and federal jobs. Many jobs with government entities require a degree and only in very specialized jobs do they care what the degree is in. I knew a bunch of military officers who had degrees in all sorts of stuff like film and english. History is a great degree to have if you want work for the government. History is not going to hold you back as long as you develop some sort of decent work experience. Have you thought about getting a minor in business just in case.

Police departments pay more for cops with degrees. Chain retail stores hire people with plain old BA's for management. Managing a grocery store may sound lame but some of those guys make a ton of $$$$!!! Many banks hire for financial services and the only requirement is a degree, and not necessarily in Business. Working for insurance companies, stock broker, etc.

Start looking at jobs with on the job training. My stockbroker has a degree in journalism and my other stockbroker was a submarine officer!!! Many companies may start you out at the bottom but you will get to the top if you aren't an idiot and you have degree. Unless you want a specific job (accounting, engineer, biologist) your degree isn't going to limit you. Employers want to see that you are trainable and that you can accomplish a large task. Just having a degree makes them feel all warm and fuzzy about your ability to take on a large workload. I know a girl who has a degree in sociology and she sells pharmaceuticals. Start networking!!!!!! Nepotism is how the world really works!!!

A degree is only half the equation. I know plenty of people with some pretty big scientific degrees but they are destined for mediocrity because they have no social skills and are terrible employees. Just remember you need more than just the sheepskin.

Hope this helps. Oh, and the guy who got a history degree from my school started the Discovery Channel. Bet he regrets having a history degree:-)

Answer 2

1. Political areas - Treasurer/president/chairman/secretary of your community's board/county/village hall

2. Museum tour guide or any other job in a museum - It may sound cheesy, but being able to teach your passion to, for instance, a group of students on a field trip, is very rewarding.

3. A writer for the newspaper. You could have your own column and talk about history that affects the present world.

4. A researcher

5. A book writer, or a person that contributes to the making of another author's books, such as school books. You can work on moments in history that you know the most about.

6. You could be a substitute teacher at schools just for a while, as an intern, to really build up your resume

Good luck in all future endeavors!

Answer 3

I have a history degree and I'm a teacher. I've heard the Feds (FBI, IRS, National Park Service, etc) like to hire people with history degrees. If you pursue a graduate degree you could also probably land a gig at a museum, university, publishing house, etc.

But to be honest, I wouldn't worry about it right now. Just study what you like. Most employers just want to see that you have A DEGREE. The subject is not always important. Having a degree shows a potential employer 2 things: 1) You are trainable (you can learn), and 2) You are motivated, determined, etc (you didn't drop out of college). For example, my friend has a degree in biochemistry...and he's a sales rep for Hewlett Packard. It has nothing to do with chemistry. My other friend majored in Psychology and he works in the corporate office of a casino...not in some psych ward or something. So, you get the idea: Just get a degree. As long as your major isn't totally off the wall (aka "I majored in Underwater Basket Weaving"), you'll probably do fine. :)

Answer 4

Just do what you're passionate about, and you'll find a way to make money. I've met many successful history majors in all sorts of industries (some of which were already mentioned): political analysts, essayists, writers, journalists, lawyers, management consultants, entrepreneurs.

People always say to study something practical--something that will clearly lead to a high paying job. While there's some truth to that, I would suggest you do whatever you feel most drawn to, where your talents lie, and excel in that area. If you're not sure yet, then college is the best time to explore your options. You probably won't know until you leave anyway, and grad school will allow you to make a more targeted decision about your education.

To an employer, someone who got a 3.8 GPA studying history, and sharpened his analytical thinking and leadership skills at school is FAR more valuable than someone who studied something "practical" like computer engineering, hated it, and barely got out with a 2.9, and a case of depression. Believe me; I've seen many of both cases.

Take as many classes in different subjects as you can. Read often. Learn about the world, more about yourself, and eventually you'll find what you were meant to do. Goodluck.

Answer 5

Congratulations on choosing the Master Discipline as your major! I'm a little biased, btw..haha.

As for career opportunites...well, I graduated with my BA in 2005 and am currently attending law school. Law is a big field for history majors. I wasn't that interested in becoming a teacher either, at least not one at the grade school level.

Good luck!

Answer 6

If you're tired of teaching, then I think the easiest option for you is to join the government service. They need writers who majored in History. Working at the Supreme Court (even though I was not a lawyer) was my first job after I graduated from my Philippine Studies (major in history and literature) at the University of the Philippines. And I never regretted my decision since teaching was never an option for me. If that doesn't suit you, apply for consultancy positions (for educators) or be a freelance writer/editor (either of school textbooks or other informational materials). That way, you can work from home. Good luck!:)

Answer 7

I;ve been thinking and I cant come up with anything! My sister is also a history major but she's going to be a teacher. You should ask other history majors at your school. Someone has to have an idea other than a teacher.

Answer 8

It's an excellent background for a lawyer. It's a good background for a journalist. You could go to graduate school in public affairs or government. It's a good background for anyone wanting to go into government or politics. There are historical and archeological consulting firms that are hired by developers who have to check out if a site has historical relics that should be preserved. There are history museums; you could combine history and museum administration. There are state archives departments that have all kinds of fascinating historical stuff; they need people to work for them. I think there are people who are historical consultants for, like, films.

Answer 9

Most colleges' websites offer something along the lines of "What can I do With a Major in.....?".
Some examples:
http://www.uncwil.edu/stuaff/career/Majors/
http://www.asu.edu/studentaffairs/career/Students/ChoosingAMajor/whatcanIdowith.htm
http://career.berkeley.edu/Major/Major.stm

There are many more. Good luck!!

Answer 10

Joe-

Have you considered working in a library? Studying history gives you lots of "skills" for library work- research, attention to detail, etc. There are many jobs for "support staff" in libraries. If you want to be a librarian, you need to go on to library school for your Master's degree.

Also, try the link I provided. This information came from a librarian working at a Career Center (in her library)

Good luck!