What Kind of Job Is Available for a Historian?
Many opportunities exist for a student who earns a degree in history, although graduate work is almost always required. Most historians work at colleges and universities, but other options include museum work, political science, journalism and archival management.
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Significance
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"What in the world are you going to do with a history degree?" Be elected president of the United States, you might answer. Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and George W. Bush all earned history degrees before going on to become president.
History is one of those majors parents and guidance counselors often try to steer students away from, not seeing any practical value to it. However, many career options are available to people with a bachelor's degree in history who choose to complete a master's or doctoral degree.
Identification
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Historians research and interpret events from the past, using mainly written records but also physical objects such as clothing, maps, photographs and tools. Often historians look at past events to compare and solve current problems.
If you want to work as a historian, it is important to choose a time frame of interest, as historians usually are expected to focus on one particular era. They also may specialize in a particular subject, such as warfare, economics or immigration patterns. -
Potential
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Most historians build careers at universities or colleges, where they teach and do research. Writing and publishing their findings is another important part of this occupation. Other historians work at museums, where they manage collections and also typically do further research, write and teach. Some are employed as archivists, collecting and organizing legal documents, letters, maps, films, sound recordings and any other records in a particular field of study. Archivists are employed at museums, art galleries, auction houses, zoos and other places that keep extensive records. Government agencies and historical societies hire historians as well.
Conducting research, writing about the findings and providing educational opportunities for the public are the usual job duties for historians almost everywhere they work. Historians are expected to continually ask further questions and explore possible answers.
Considerations
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Many opportunities are available for students who enjoy history and would like to major in the subject but do not necessarily want to work specifically as historians. Publishing houses need knowledgeable people to edit history textbooks at all educational levels. A double major in journalism and history is an excellent match, either for entry to the world of newspapers and magazines or for graduate-level study in journalism. History also is a good choice for a bachelor's degree if you plan to go to law school. People with an interest in history can earn a degree in secondary education with an emphasis in history and teach history at the high school level.
Expert Insight
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Famous people with degrees in history include talk show host Conan O'Brien, actors Sean Astin and Edward Norton, MTV video jockey Ananda Lewis, comedian Sacha Baron Cohen and novelist Nelson DeMille. The chief executive officer of Lucent Technologies, Patricia Russo, has one, as does retired U.S. General John Abizaid, the former commander of all U.S. military forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. Author, publisher, talk show host and business magnate Martha Stewart also has a history degree.
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