Careers for History Majors

It is a widely common notion that history is a boring subject and someone who majors in it must have real patience and will power. However, only those who love the subject and understand its value can tell you what it is like to be transported back into time and truly understand why we are what we are today. Unfortunate as it is, this negative perception about attaining a degree in history is so widespread, that having even potential students of the subject believe that they can get a well-paying job beyond the confines of academia is difficult. It is important to understand that the knowledge of history and a degree in the same is very important in this world; and because not many people have majored in history, there is a lot of opportunity for those who have followed through with their dreams. If you truly believe in your passion and have faith that you too can make a career out of it, here's a look into the various careers for history majors that can land you your dream job.

Skills Developed by Graduates in History

A degree in history is not specific to one career, because it is so diverse a field that teaches you a variety of skills essential for different jobs. These skills include:

• The ability to conduct thorough research and critical analysis
• Compiling statistical data for research
• Interpretation of the situations of the past and its effect on the present
• Information management skills
• Working within deadlines
• Development of an independent viewpoint
• Ability to take decisions based on past consequences of events

An education in the field of history also prepares a student to read into the fine print and communicate with an audience in a simplistic manner. Don't you think such skills are required in a multitude of jobs and careers? Of course they are, and are highly valued too.

Career Choices for History Majors

With the aforementioned skills, you can easily plunge into any of the following fields with your history majors.

Careers in Media and Communication
The field of media and communication is one of the largest fields open to history majors. The knowledge that graduates in history possess is extremely beneficial in this field, and can allow you to specialize in any of the following areas. Pursuing a course in journalism will give you an additional boost in attaining jobs in this field, along with your degree in history, though it is not mandatory.

• Writing (Technical Writing, Web Writing, Blogging, Copywriting, Proposal writing, Grant writing, Writing a Book based on research, etc.)
• Editorial Jobs
• Public Relations
• Corporate Communications
• Documentary Making
• Working with Television Channels
• Advertising

Careers in Government and Politics
Who better than a graduate in history to take care of political and government jobs? Within this purview, there are numerous jobs you can get. If you are someone who wishes to make a difference to your country, why not directly enter the field of politics? By doing so, you can try for any of the following jobs:

• Diplomat
• Government Agency Administrator
• Legislative Analyst
• Senator
• International Relations Specialist
• Archivist
• Jobs in the Library of Congress
• Heritage Site Preservation
• Information Analysis for Law Making
• Foreign Service Officer
• Jobs in International Relations

Careers in Law
Historians who wish to make a career in law will be required to attend law school to be able to take it up professionally. However, if you do not want to study law you may work as legal assistants to lawyers, whose functions are similar to those of lawyers save for a few duties. Those of you interested may then choose from the following jobs.

• Attorneys
• General Counsels
• Judicial Clerks
• Solicitor
• Legal Secretary/Assistant

Careers in Finance
Students who take up a minor in business studies along with their graduation in history can use their education to pursue a career in finance. With your analytical skills and ability to conduct thorough research, the jobs available to you in the field of finance are numerous. These include careers as:

• Research Analyst
• Sales and Marketing
• Insurance

Careers in Research
Historians are often required to conduct research into events of the past to shape a bright future. These events may be pertinent to a variety of situations, from those for the country to those for a museum. As such, a career in research where you get to apply all your necessary skills can be another great option for you.

Careers in Academia
Finally, the field of education is never closed to a graduate in history, and you too can choose this field if it interests you. Based on your education and your experience, you can teach history at the school or college level, and give a beautiful look in the world of the past to budding historians.

As you can see, the choice if careers is not limited when you have fulfilled your passion of studying history and attaining suitable education in it. Have faith and apply all the skills you learn while studying to become a historian, and you are sure to make it as successfully as your peers from other fields. Good luck!