Careers for History Majors in 2022 | 10 Interesting Career Options

The study of the past creates a fantastic present that sets the stage for an exciting future. Therefore, a choice for any of the careers in history majors can be the right step to take.

For instance, the study of a historical event, particularly an entire sequence of events related to a person or a thing, should be documented as a trend’s chronological event.

History majors can choose careers from a variety of job opportunities as a writer, researcher, or consultant because your alternatives are virtually unlimited. 

As a result, knowledge of the employment options available to history majors can aid in deciding which section of the thread to pursue professionally.

This article highlights all the best history majors should know about choosing careers in 2022.

10 career options for history majors

What Are The Advantages Of Taking A History Course?

Gaining a better understanding of history benefits the entire societies and the individuals who make up those civilizations. Here are five advantages gained;

  • gain a global perspective of the world; We can learn about the construction, operation, and evolution of historical communities, institutions, ideologies, governments, cultures, and technology by studying history.
  • become a versatile individual with an all-around knowledge of everything; Every piece of historical knowledge gained broadens one’s horizons and improves one’s readiness.
  • Comprehend every identity; History teaches us about the formation of great identities and how they have influenced where we are today.
  • Gain Knowledge from Past Mistakes; The study of history enables one to recognize when society is veering off course and contribute to bringing it back on track.
  • develop skills that can be passed on to others; History is a great subject for motivating and strengthening the ability to teach others.

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What Are the History Major Course Requirements?

A history degree is the best option for those interested in learning about historical events and eras. 

Students must finish many hours of general education and core history coursework as part of their history degree programs. 

Elective courses are available to students as well. Furthermore, some colleges offer concentrations in fields such as American or European history. History bachelor’s degree programs are available both online and off-campus.

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Is A History Degree Valuable?

Many students, especially those who want to work in the history field or teach history, will benefit from a history degree. 

Students who are unsure of their job ambitions and wish to develop a wide skill set while figuring out their future will benefit from this degree.

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Top 10 Most Outstanding Careers for History Majors in 2022

In this article, we’ll go through the 10 most impressive careers for history majors to pursue as a career, along with some basic information about each one so you can make an informed decision.

1. Historians

Historians are researchers that examine, interpret, and document historical events to publish their results. 

They frequently communicate with museums and other institutions, assisting them in the development of collections and exhibits by assuring historical correctness. 

They often require exceptional critical thinking, research, and writing abilities to execute their jobs well. 

Also, historians typically require undergraduate or graduate degrees in history, archaeology, or a similar discipline to find full-time work and advance their careers in the field. A PhD may also be required by some jobs and businesses. 

Successful historians have a strong understanding of dates and historical events, as well as the capacity to grasp historical cultures, people, and societies.

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2. Reporters

A reporter is a journalist who gathers, verifies, and presents newsworthy material. They must prepare questions for interviews or travel to catastrophe zones as part of their tasks to provide engaging video, audio, and written material for the channel’s viewers, listeners, or readers. 

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If you want to work as a reporter full-time, prospective employers may ask that you finish an apprenticeship program or have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in journalism or a related discipline.

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3. Political Analyst

Many political analysts have a degree in political science, history, law, or public administration as an undergraduate or graduate degree. 

Political analysts investigate the origins and operations of political systems, as well as to conduct research and analysis of current events. 

Based on the present political environment in a country or area, they may advise organizations and assist them in finding the best answers. 

Collecting and analyzing data, such as via public surveys, and conveying findings through presentations or reports are some of the most common jobs they conduct.

4. Historical Manager

A historical manager, also known as a heritage manager, is to oversee the management and conservation of historic sites and properties so that tourists can enjoy them.    

Successful heritage managers also know how to organize fundraising events and keep positive connections with investors. 

To get your foot in the door, look for entry-level employment in a museum or at a historic property managed by a reputable historical organization. 

Most heritage managers have a bachelor’s degree in history, heritage, art conservation, visual art, or museum studies. 

Employers may also demand that they have a marketing or business management degree or equivalent job experience.

5. Historical Consultant

To work as a historical consultant in the history and art industry, the first step might be to get a history degree. 

Employers may also value a postgraduate degree or equivalent training in a business-related field. 

Start practicing problem-solving, critical thinking, and negotiation skills to improve your chances of success in this field. 

Typically, they assist clients in evaluating and testing new business sectors, possibilities, and strategies.

6. Librarian

A librarian is a professional who assists library visitors, catalogues and rents books, and makes recommendations to readers. 

Their major responsibilities include aiding library patrons with book checkouts, maintaining and analyzing the facility’s budget, and replacing books. 

Many senior librarians supervise and manage the work of library assistants and other library staff. People interested in following this career path should have at least a basic understanding of the software used by libraries to catalog books. 

During the recruitment process, companies typically expect candidates for librarian positions to demonstrate attention to detail and excellent interpersonal skills.

7. Archaeologists

An archaeologist is a historian who investigates the past by unearthing and analyzing artefacts and relics. 

Archaeologists investigate previous cultures and societies, as well as their languages, beliefs, and other aspects of daily life. 

Some archaeologists may choose to specialize in a particular period of history. Some professionals, for example, may opt to concentrate their job and studies on natural or physical sciences, while others are more interested in social sciences and prehistoric arts. 

The first stage is to finish your bachelor’s degree in history, anthropology, or a similar discipline. This gives you the skills and knowledge you’ll need to select an internship program.

8. History Educator

Typically, history educators work in primary, secondary, and postsecondary settings. Preparing classes, giving lectures, administering and grading tests, and organizing and leading special interest history groups are all examples of their daily responsibilities. 

A good history teacher is compassionate and has excellent interpersonal skills, allowing them to relate effectively with pupils of all ages. 

Their primary role is to share knowledge and provide support to students as they prepare for internal and national exams such as GCSE and A-levels.

9. Museum Archivist

The archivist in a museum displays and explains historical artifacts. No matter the function you choose, working at a museum will give your hands-on experience with art, antiques, and historical records. 

Museum archivists are also responsible for the appraisal and research of artifacts, as well as storage and processing.

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10. Historian Writer

As you write research papers and historical essays for your degree, you’ll improve your research skills, as well as your ability to communicate facts and entertainingly share historical information. 

Writing and editing jobs might be a fantastic fit for your history knowledge and writing abilities. 

You can work as a factual writer who focuses on specific historical persons, events, or locales, or as a novelist who draws inspiration from the past for fictional stories. 

A career as an editor could be an option if you excel in conceptualizing stories and perfecting the content that others have produced in this profession.

How to Begin a Career in the History

After honing their research, writing, and analytical abilities, history majors can pursue a variety of career options. Jobs in schools, museums, archives, and libraries are all possible with a history degree.

There are a lot of history majors who go on to become social studies teachers at the middle or high school level. Doctorate-holding historians can advance to the position of university professor.

How to Boost Your Career as a History Major

Volunteering your time or enrolling in a certification program can help you narrow your career options and boost your income potential by allowing you to specialize in a particular historical field. 

Other professions may require a specific license or advanced degree for entry and advancement, as well.

They discuss continuing education in history in the following sections. Do some research on your desired career path before deciding whether to invest in a higher education certificate.

Accreditation and Licenses

Some historians, based on their position, may be required to get a license. To teach in public schools, for example, one must have a state-issued license. 

Although a license may not be required in some fields, obtaining a certificate can demonstrate to potential employers that you’ve received additional training and education.

The National Association for Interpretation’s Certified Interpretive Guide credential and the Board for Certification of Genealogists’ Certified Genealogist credential are two relevant professional certifications. The credentials you pursue should be in line with your long-term job ambitions.

Continual Education

A bachelor’s degree is sufficient for entry-level work in history, but most historians require a master’s degree in order to rise up the ranks. 

It is possible to continue your education even if you do not plan on pursuing an advanced degree.

Coursera, for example, provides free access to a wide range of history courses from prestigious universities and colleges around the world. 

You can also apply for history fellowships, which provide funding for research or residency in your area of study.

Credentials can provide you with an advantage in a highly competitive field like history.

It’s critical to keep up-to-date on the latest historical concepts and methods. The following is a list of methods in which you can enhance your career in history.

Organizations of Experts

A professional organization’s membership advantages can include access to industry publications, online learning opportunities, conferences, blogs, and discounts.

Networking

Networking is a great way to collaborate with others and discover new possibilities. For historians, professional groups, museums, and libraries, host networking events.

Taking Online Courses

Taking history classes online is a great way to broaden your horizons and focus on topics that interest you or are relevant to your career. 

Free online courses can be found on a variety of websites, and some even let you purchase certificates to put on your resume.

You can gain a competitive advantage and raise your earning potential by furthering your education.

How to Become a Historian from a Non-Historical Career

Making a career change is not as difficult as it seems. To get a new job, you may have to spend time and money on a new degree or certificate, or you may need to gain work experience.

Once you’ve decided on a career path, do some research to find out what credentials you’ll need. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in history, you may be able to apply to several graduate programs.

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Experiential knowledge is important in other positions. Many of the skills required to begin a career in history already exist if you have worked in fields such as research, writing, or the humanities.

Careers Job Opportunities for History Majors

Many careers are open to history majors after graduation. When working with government agencies or developers or museums to help shape educational programs or exhibits, history teachers can find work. 

The salary potential varies according to demand and cost of living in different industries and states.

Industries

They can find employment in a variety of industries, including government agencies, businesses, and museums. They provide lists of industries that employ historians in the next section.

The Federal Government

The federal government relies on the expertise of professionals in this field to provide a wide range of public services. 

In order to collect and preserve historical data, historians frequently collaborate with libraries and archives.

The typical annual salary is $98,050.

Development of Scientific Research

Research is a major part of this sector. In this industry, history majors can work as consultants. History majors that chose careers worthwhile can make it big time in this industry.

The average salary is $69,830

Historic Sites and Museums

The preservation and creation of exhibits for historical sites, items, and natural wonders that have cultural or educational significance are the focus of careers in this business. 

Collection of historical data in the field, as well as curating and directing museum activities, are examples of duties.

The typical income is $60,630.

Residential, commercial, and industrial structures are all part of this industry’s scope of work. 

Historic preservationists collaborate with developers and government agencies to ensure the preservation of historic buildings.

Typical Earnings: $75,740

Government at the State Level

Historians in state governments generally preserve historical papers and artifacts in public libraries or archives.

The typical income is $56,730 per year.

Locations

Careers in history can be found all throughout the country, although some offer better prospects than others. 

Historical researchers can expect to make more than $85,000 a year in the District of Columbia; Alaska; California; or Maryland. 

The demand and cost of living in a given place are usually reflected in a person’s wage.

Conclusions

History as major deals ‌with extending one’s knowledge of past events to effect a better grasp of the present event. 

A fascinating truth about choosing any of the careers for history majors is that they are adaptable to nearly any type of vocation, and they fit into most professional majors. 

So, if you’re thinking about majoring in history, go for it without hesitation or doubt….because history offers you great job opportunities.

FAQs

Are there any free online history courses?

Of course, there are assorted free online courses to choose from that offer you a certificate at the end of the program. Go through this link and make your choice www.alison.com

How much money can I earn with a history bachelor’s degree?

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in history have good earning potential, yet job choices heavily influenced the pay. Education, law, and management are the three major careers for historians, and they all make above-average salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for education professionals was $52,380 in 2020, $84,910 for legal professionals, and $109,760 for management professionals.

How long does a history major last?

Most students typically complete a bachelor’s degree in history in four years. If necessary, part-time students and working professionals can frequently take more time.

References

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