A degree in history provides a wide range of career opportunities beyond teaching, including law, public service, publishing, journalism, film, theater, clergy, administration, and anything that requires critical thinking, research, and effective verbal and writing skills of communication. History majors develop a number of transferable skills, including analytical and rhetorical skills that can be used in multiple professions, including academic and nonacademic careers. Here are some popular jobs for history degree holders:
- Park ranger: This job involves protecting and preserving natural and cultural resources in national parks and other protected areas.
- Reporter or journalist: History majors spend a lot of time studying people in different locations, eras, and contexts, as well as how popular opinion changes over time, which means this work would come naturally.
- Librarian: History graduates are valued by a range of employers and organizations including heritage organizations, museums, and libraries.
- Museum archivist: This job involves preserving and organizing historical documents and artifacts in museums and other cultural institutions.
- History professor: This job involves teaching history at the college or university level.
- Historian: This job involves researching and writing about historical events and people.
- Technical writer: This job involves writing technical documents, such as instruction manuals and reports, for a variety of industries.
- Research analyst: This job involves collecting and analyzing data to help organizations make informed decisions.
- Legislative aide: This job involves providing support to elected officials in the legislative branch of government.
- Project manager: This job involves overseeing projects from start to finish, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
In addition to these jobs, history majors can also pursue careers in advertising, anthropology or archaeology, finance, fundraising, historical research, and more.