Job Description of a Historian

A professional historian is someone who has had formal training in history at the college or graduate school level. According to Careers for Students of History, historians are qualified to hold a variety of positions, particularly those jobs in which research, writing and critical thinking skills are important. Job descriptions can vary widely, depending on the position.

Education

Many historians work in education, ranging from the elementary, junior high and high school levels, and many are college and university professors.

Museums

Historians can serve as curators, exhibition consultants and informal educators in museums, historical societies or historic homes. Projects may include planning public programs, creating furnishing plans or researching exhibition content.

Libraries

Coupled with an advanced degree in library science, historians are qualified to work in libraries and archives, answering research requests and compiling information for patrons.

Writing

Writing and publishing careers are also ideal for historians. Although some historians write books while employed at a college or university, some are able to become full-time authors, writers or editors.

Corporate Jobs

Many companies employ historians to maintain corporate archives and record the company's history. Historians can also serve in public relations and marketing departments writing press releases and articles promoting the company.

References

• Careers for Students of History; Constance Schulz, Page Putnam Miller, Aaron Marrs, and Kevin Allen; 2002
• American Historical Association: Careers for History Majors

Resources

• American Historical Association: Publications on Professional Concerns