Aside from teaching, what careers are there for history majors?

Answer 1

You can be a lawyer if you go to law school. Why did you get a degree in history???

Among the jobs you can consider are: advertising executive, analyst, archivist, broadcaster, campaign worker, consultant, congressional aide, editor, foreign service officer, foundation staffer, information specialist, intelligence agent, journalist, legal assistant, lobbyist, personnel manager, public relations staffer, researcher, teacher . . . the list can be almost endless.


Law school

Applications to law schools across the country have skyrocketed in the last couple of decades, and it certainly is a competitive career to pursue. History is an excellent major for undergraduates who plan that route. Knowledge of history is assumed in law school. One cannot grasp the legal system without a firm historical base, so history majors have a solid preparation for legal study.

Public history and historic preservation

These are fast-growing fields in our country and many history majors find employment after college in these areas. Museums, historical societies, national parks, official historic sites, and tourism bureaus all need employees with a knowledge of history. Scholarly presses hire history graduates as sales representatives, editors, copy editors, and researchers. Libraries, archives, state and local historical societies, and government offices all hire history majors with increasing regularity. And in recent years, a real spark has been put into efforts to save historical landmarks. Historic preservation societies and organizations have sprung up all over the country and are looking for well-trained workers to help protect this country’s cultural and physical heritage.

Christian ministry

A lot of people assume that if you want to go into the ministry, you need to be a religion major. But bear in mind you’ll get all the theology you need in your divinity school; some divinity schools actually prefer undergraduate study in some other discipline for the breadth of mind necessary for successful ministry. Nothing fits this billing better than history.

Communications

History majors are well prepared in the art of communication. And with the communications field exploding in the past decade with the introduction of the Internet, hundreds of cable channels, and a variety of other new technologies, employment opportunities abound for those who not only know how to say something, but who also have something to say. Movies, television programs, news programs, newspapers, and magazines all require people with solid communication and research skills. History majors are especially suited for these areas.

Government

Federal, state, and local governments are the largest employers in the nation. These have positions for college graduates with and without particular degree specialties. They look for graduates skilled in critical thinking, research, communications, and with an understanding of how the system works. History majors have an advantage over other applicants in that these skills are essential to the discipline.

Business and industry

A myth perpetrated upon our nation’s college students is that a business degree is necessary for a job in business and industry. If you love accounting, finance, or marketing, then great, major in business. But these are not required for students to enter the business world. Most corporations want independent thinkers who know how to find information and apply it to the tasks at hand. Many want people who have knowledge of other countries and other cultures. What better major than history to prepare a student for all of these opportunities? Corporations will train their employees in the nuts and bolts of how the business works — this includes business majors as well as others — so it is not absolutely necessary to have that training going in the door. History is an excellent discipline for those interested in business.

Yeah, these are great, but what else do you have?

Careers for history majors are only limited by their own imaginations. I know history majors who became artists, small business owners, military officers, insurance agents, bankers, politicians, restauranteurs, lobbyists, archivists, doctors, musicians, city planners, architects, writers, newspaper editors, physical therapists, professional athletes, actors, social workers, travel agents, and retired millionaires (and I don’t know that many people, so imagine what else is out there). The next time someone asks, “What can I do with a history major?” say to them, “You can become a leader of your society who is well educated, interesting, informed, reasonable, and employed!”

Answer 2

Taylor,

I am a history major, also, and I've found the job market pretty tough. I actually tried to get into teaching, but I found certification to be a giant pain in the rear. It's amazing to me that history majors who have mucho knowledge about their content area are so easily shunned for those who had some history and a bunch of methods classes--but that's a history major talking. Anyhow, I ended up working at a university.

With a master's degree, you will find that many places don't really care what area your master's is in. If you're wanting to do something more liberal arts related, you may want to get a master's in history, museum studies, library studies, etc...then more doors open at major establishments. You may even be able to instruct at a community college or satellite campus with a master's. However, you can apply for law if that's what you're into.

If you decide that you've had enough school for awhile, you'll just need to accept an entry level position somewhere (20-30k) and work your way up. Don't forget to emphasize your skills while applying for jobs--history majors typically have high reasoning and analytical skills, plus an above average attention to detail (due to a bunch of research).

Answer 3

You can also consider going into Art Sales - meaning working for a gallery or consulting firm finding art and selling art for companies and private owners. There's also art law, art agent and many people curate for other venues like upscale bars or restaurants may frequently change their artwork and shows to attract business. Curating can extend well past a museum. The key thing is your looking at a competitive and relatively small field, I recommend getting as many internships and direct experience that you can and network within the museum, etc industry. Taking these steps while your in undergrad and grad school will help you infinitely when you're on the job hunt later. Keep your chin up and work hard!!

Answer 4

Go get a job in a museum.