What can I do with a major in History?
History is the study of major social, political, cultural and economic events of the past. Knowledge of the past can enable individuals to develop pride and appreciation for the accomplishments of others. In addition, a thorough understanding of past problems and the strategies used to resolve them can help humans to plan their present and future lives more effectively. Historical study is normally divided into either ancient, medieval, or modern.
Related Occupations:
| Anthropologist |
Archeologist |
Archivist |
| Biographer |
Counselor |
Criminologist |
| Curator |
Economist |
Educator |
| FBI/CIA Agent |
Foreign News Correspondent |
Foreign Service Officer |
| Freelance Writer |
Genealogist |
Gerontologist |
| Historian |
Human Service Worker |
Journalist |
| Judge |
Lawyer |
Lecturer |
| Librarian |
Market Research Analyst |
Newspaper Reporter |
| Paralegal Assistant |
Peace Corps Worker |
Political Scientist |
| Psychologist |
Public Administrator |
Research Assistant |
| Research Library Assistant |
Sociologist |
Technical Writer |
| Urban Administrator |
Writer |
Possible employers of History majors:
| Magazines / Newspapers |
State / Federal Government |
| Colleges / Universities |
Research Foundations |
| Libraries |
Communications Media |
| Historical Societies |
Businesses and Industries |
| Archives |
Public / Private Schools |
| Advertising Firms |
Chambers of Commerce |
| Film Companies |
Museums National Parks |
| Social Service Agencies |
Volunteer Agencies |
| Zoos |
Travel / Tourism Industry |
| Hotels |
Antique Dealers |
Skills important for History majors:
- Ability to identify and evaluate records of past events, ideas, and facts accurately
- Intellectual capacity to perform well in most undergraduate and graduate curriculums
- Proficiency in reading comprehension, writing and speaking
- Proficiency for accurate details
- Ability to make keen observations, solve problems and make appropriate decisions
- Ability to conduct and clearly explain scientific research
- Ability to collect and organize important historical data
Personal attributes important for History majors:
- Appreciation for past events and accomplishments
- Independent
- Desire for intellectual growth
- Desire for recognition
- Strong interest in reading and writing
- Continuous desire to study and research the past
- Reluctance to “throw anything away”
- Analytical
- Objective
- Curious
- Resourceful
- Have a reflective nature
- Possess integrity
Related activities for History majors:
- Do an internship
- Serve as a student aide in a high school or college history department
- Work part-time or volunteer in a library, museum, or historical society
- Attend historically-related lectures, auctions or antique shows
- Join a historical association/society
Print Resources:
-
Camenson, Blythe. Careers for History Buffs & Others Who Learn From the Past. VGM Career Books, 1994 (or latest edition).
-
Camenson, Blythe. Opportunities in Museum Careers. VGM Career Books, 1996.
-
DeGalan, Julie & Stephen Lambert. Great Jobs for History Majors. VGM Career Books, 1995.
-
Guide to Departments of History. American Historical Association (ask for most recent edition).
-
Marek, Rosanne. Opportunities in Social Science Careers. VGM Career Books (latest edition).
Internet Resources:
Professional Associations
- American Association for State and Local History
- American Historical Association
- Organization of American Historians
- The Society of American Archivists
- Colorado Historical Society
- Historic Denver
This information was adapted from:
Fort Lewis College, Career Service’s homepage: http://cso.fortlewis.edu
