Careers in History
Studying history will make you a more thoughtful and engaged citizen of the world, sure, but what can you do with a history degree? History students gain knowledge and build skills that translate easily to a multitude of careers. In recent years, we've sent our undergraduates out into the world to become teachers, financial analysts, social workers, real estate professionals, and campus outreach coordinators. We've compiled a sampling of potential careers, but the possibilities are truly endless.
The American Historical Association – the major professional organization for historians living in the United States – has broken down possible career paths down by the various functions historians perform in society. You can find a very detailed resource on careers, including some real-life examples.
Historians as Educators
- Elementary School Teachers
- Secondary Schools Teachers
- Postsecondary Education
- Education Coordinators at Historic Sites and Museums
Historians as Researchers
- Museums and Historical Organizations: curators, managers, interpreters
- Cultural Resources Management and Historic Preservation
- Think Tanks
- Consulting
- Federal and State Government
Historians as Communicators
- Writers
- Editors
- Journalists
- Documentary Editors
- Producers of Multimedia Material
- Social Media Managers
Historians as Information Managers
- Archivists
- Records Managers
- Librarians
- Information Managers
Historians as Advocates
- Lawyers and Paralegals
- Litigation Support
- Legislative Staff Work
- Foundations
- Lobbying
Historians in Businesses and Associations
- Corporate Historians
- Contract Historians
- Nonprofit Associations