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. 

• Elementary School Teachers 
  
• Secondary Schools Teachers
  
• Postsecondary Education 
  
• Education Coordinators at Historic Sites and Museums

• Museums and Historical Organizations: curators, managers, interpreters  
  
• Cultural Resources Management and Historic Preservation 
  
• Think Tanks
  
• Consulting
  
• Federal and State Government

• Writers
  
• Editors
  
• Journalists
  
• Documentary Editors
  
• Producers of Multimedia Material
  
• Social Media Managers

• Archivists
  
• Records Managers
  
• Librarians
  
• Information Managers

• Lawyers and Paralegals 
  
• Litigation Support 
  
• Legislative Staff Work 
  
• Foundations
• Lobbying

• Corporate Historians
  
• Contract Historians
  
• Nonprofit Associations