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- A history degree equips graduates with research, writing, and critical thinking skills.
- Teaching and educational roles are popular career paths for history graduates.
- Research positions, such as archivists and historical analysts, utilize a history background.
- Government and public service roles, including policy analysis and public history, are viable options.
- Media and journalism careers benefit from a historian’s storytelling and analytical abilities.
- History graduates often transition into legal careers, advocacy, or nonprofit work.
- Business and management roles value the strategic and organizational skills of history graduates.
- Creative industries, including writing, film, and game design, align with history graduates’ storytelling talents.
- A history degree offers diverse career opportunities across many industries.
A history degree is a versatile qualification. It provides you with knowledge about past events, cultures, and societies. But many people wonder, “What jobs can you get with a history degree?” The answer is broad. A history degree develops skills in research, writing, and critical thinking. These skills apply to many industries. This blog explores career paths for history graduates, showing the variety of options available.
What Jobs Can You Get With a History Degree?
History degrees focus on understanding events, analyzing evidence, and interpreting the past. Graduates become excellent researchers and communicators. This makes them valuable in many fields.
If you are considering a history degree or already have one, you might be asking, “What jobs can you get with a history degree?” The answer spans education, business, law, and more. This post breaks down these opportunities.
1. Education Careers
Many history graduates find rewarding careers in education. Teaching at schools is a common choice. History teachers pass their knowledge to younger generations. To teach in public schools, additional certifications might be required. Higher education roles are another option. History graduates can pursue advanced degrees to become professors. They can also work in museums, leading educational tours or designing exhibits.
Educational careers offer a chance to share a passion for history. They also allow for personal growth as you continue learning.
2. Research Positions
Research is a natural path for history graduates. Historical researchers work for universities, think tanks, or independent organizations. They analyze historical data, artifacts, and documents. Their findings often contribute to books, documentaries, or policy decisions.
Archivists are another research-focused role. They organize and maintain historical records. This job involves preserving important documents and ensuring they are accessible for study. If you enjoy analyzing data and piecing together stories, research roles could be perfect for you.
3. Government and Public Service
“What jobs can you get with a history degree in government?” Many. History graduates often work as policy analysts, diplomats, or public administrators. These roles benefit from a historian’s ability to analyze complex information.
Public historians work for government agencies to preserve local history. They help manage landmarks, historical sites, or community archives. History graduates also thrive in intelligence or foreign service roles. Their analytical skills and understanding of global contexts make them ideal candidates.
4. Media and Journalism
The media industry values history graduates. They bring strong writing skills and analytical thinking to journalism. They can work as reporters, editors, or producers. Specializing in historical documentaries or investigative reporting is another option.
History graduates can also become authors or content creators. They might write books, blogs, or scripts about historical events. The media industry appreciates their storytelling ability and attention to detail.
5. Legal and Advocacy Roles
History graduates often pursue law degrees. Their background in research and argumentation helps them excel in legal studies. Lawyers, paralegals, and legal researchers often have history degrees.
Advocacy and nonprofit work are also good fits. History graduates understand cultural and social contexts. This helps them in roles focused on human rights, environmental issues, or policy advocacy. They bring a unique perspective to solving social challenges.
6. Business and Management
Many history graduates succeed in business. Their critical thinking and communication skills are assets in management, marketing, and consulting. Businesses value employees who can analyze trends, develop strategies, and communicate effectively.
History graduates often excel in project management. Their ability to organize information and lead teams is crucial. They might also work in human resources, helping to manage organizational culture and employee relations.
7. Creative Careers
Creative industries welcome history graduates. Their storytelling skills and imagination suit roles in writing, film, or game design. They might develop historically accurate content for films or create educational video games.
Art and design roles in museums or galleries are other options. These roles involve curating exhibits or creating materials that engage the public. If you are passionate about combining creativity with historical knowledge, these careers could be fulfilling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the related questions people also ask:
What skills do you gain with a history degree?
A history degree develops research, critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills. Graduates also learn to interpret historical data and communicate complex ideas effectively.
Can you work in education with a history degree?
Yes, history graduates often become teachers or professors. They can also work in museums, creating educational exhibits or leading tours.
Is a history degree useful for a career in law?
Absolutely. Many history graduates pursue legal careers, using their research and analytical skills to excel as lawyers, paralegals, or legal researchers.
What government jobs can you get with a history degree?
History graduates can work as policy analysts, public historians, or in foreign service and intelligence roles, contributing to public administration and historical preservation.
Can a history degree lead to a journalism career?
History graduates can work in journalism as reporters, editors, or content creators. Their storytelling skills are especially valuable in investigative reporting or documentary production.
What business roles are suitable for history graduates?
History graduates thrive in roles such as project management, consulting, marketing, and human resources, where their analytical and organizational skills are highly valued.
Are there creative careers for history graduates?
They can work in writing, film, game design, or museum curation, focusing on historically inspired storytelling and content creation.
What nonprofit roles can you get with a history degree?
History graduates often work in advocacy, human rights, and policy roles in nonprofits, leveraging their understanding of social and cultural contexts.
Is a history degree versatile in the job market?
Definitely. A history degree provides transferable skills applicable to education, research, government, law, business, media, and creative industries.
The Bottom Line
A history degree opens many doors. It develops skills that are valuable across industries. So, “What jobs can you get with a history degree?” The options are extensive. You could teach, research, or work in government. You might explore journalism, law, or business. Creative fields and nonprofit roles also offer opportunities.
Choosing a career depends on your interests and goals. History graduates have the flexibility to pursue diverse paths. By building on the skills gained from your degree, you can find a career that is both rewarding and impactful. A history degree is not just about studying the past; it’s a foundation for a bright future.