The thrill of discovery is the driving force behind history. Studying history at the graduate level means researching and analyzing the many periods of human civilization–everything from the agricultural revolution, colonialism, and industrialization to epidemics that wiped out populations.
It can be fascinating to dive into the past, and many discoveries are still being made today. For example, recent findings by historians have led to the discovery of Sally Hemings’ Monticello home and the release of top-secret documents from President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. These discoveries and technological advances that enable data collection and research in new ways have opened up many career options for history students, including the eight careers discussed in this article.
Each of these eight career options includes information about the job, the skills required, the typical responsibilities, earnings potential, and industry growth projections for each career. The only thing you’ll need is a top-notch resume. You can visit resume writing service in San Diego and get one.
Historian
One of the most popular tracks that a Master in Arts in History graduate could pursue is as a historian. Many historians work in the preservation and curating of important documents, artifacts, and memorabilia for federal, state, and local government agencies. Others are historians who manage museum archives and conduct outreach for the tourism industry.
Historians need to be able to do thorough research. However, this skill goes beyond just digging through archives. Historians must be able to objectively analyze the data gleaned from their research to establish historical facts. A historian must have strong organizational and detail-oriented skills. This is because a lack of either can compromise the integrity or credibility of their research. For historians to communicate their findings compellingly, they must also have excellent communication skills.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, according to the BLS, historians made a median annual salary of $59,120. According to the BLS, the average salary for high-level jobs such as the federal government was $94,800.
Educator
A Master of Arts degree in History can help students prepare for a career as an educator at high school and postsecondary levels. These roles allow individuals to be stewards of humanity’s development by sharing the successes and failures of civilizations across thousands of years with the next generation. To communicate this information livelily, they must have excellent communication and speaking skills. However, they must also be able to engage students with critical thinking and active listening skills. These skills combine to give students a chance to learn from the past and help shape the future. A teacher can use their knowledge to narrow down to a particular topic, such as U.S. History and the history of ancient civilizations. Students seeking advice on their career paths can also seek guidance from educators.
The salaries of history teachers vary. According to the BLS, the median income for high school teachers was $59,170 in 2017, while the median wage for postsecondary history instructors was about $80,000 in 2017. According to the BLS, the industry’s employment will increase by 8 percent between 2016-2026. This is approximately average.
Researcher
Historical research is a popular career choice for those interested in documentaries, museum exhibits, and books. Scholars also often use their findings to create scholarly articles, book covers, and other forms of documentation. To create accurate, objective presentations about historical events, researchers must have strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
To ensure accuracy in their findings, researchers must have strong organizational skills. They also need to communicate their findings to others in a compelling manner. They also help other historians with historical questions and provide the basis for historical research.
Museums, federal agencies that manage cultural resources, and the private sector can also use their expertise to help create exhibits or publications for public distribution. According to the BLS, in 2017, the median salary for professional historical researchers was $47,360. BLS also predicts that this occupation will experience a faster-than-average growth of 13 percent between 2016-2026.
Library Science
A history graduate degree could provide the foundation for a career as a library science professional. Librarians assist others in finding reliable sources and materials for research. They also show people how to use the Internet’s search capabilities efficiently. Librarian scientists need to be able to organize, collect data, and analyze information.
This could help them guide people toward the right sources. To effectively communicate information and ideas to others, they must have strong communication skills in writing and speaking. To effectively interact with patrons who seek guidance, library science specialists need to be able to provide excellent customer service. According to the BLS, in 2017, this occupation earned a median income of $58,520. BLS projects that the industry will see a 9 percent increase in employment by 2026.
Archivist
There are many options for those interested in a career as an archivist. Archivists work closely with donors and staff to process and organize historical records and collections. These can include cultural artifacts and works of art. These archivists are often responsible for organizing and classifying these materials systematically, making them accessible to researchers. An archivist may be responsible for digitizing existing collections and preserving audio and film components.
Strong research skills are essential for archives. They can use these skills to discover the context and historical significance of artifacts that they come across. They should be able to work in small groups and independently, often including members of the general public.
Because some artifacts they come across may require special preservation care, they will need to solve problems quickly. To manage and create complex artifact-related databases, strong computer skills are essential for archives. According to BLS, the median salary for archivists was $47,360 in 2017. The BLS predicts a 13 percent increase in the job prospects for archivists between 2016-2026.
Journalists
Journalists gather information and communicate it to the public. However, they also recall past events to help them write about current events. These stories are more than just keeping history alive. They often offer a deeper context and can encourage people to see the event from a more sympathetic perspective.
A journalist must have a good sense of storytelling and be able to connect with audiences. Journalists must have strong research skills to understand the story being covered fully. A journalist might interview someone on the same stage as Dr. King’s famous speech “I Have a Dream” to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. To illustrate Dr. King’s dream, a journalist might show footage of local volunteers.
Journalism and history both have the appeal of a well-told story. Journalists must also have exceptional listening skills to discern the most important information from their interview subjects. According to the BLS, in 2017, journalists made a median of $41,000.
Editor
A Master of Arts degree in History may lead to a career as an editor. This is a job that guides history-related projects across all media. Editors can use their skills in various formats, such as magazines, books, films, and university presses. Editors ensure that content is accurate and tailored to the intended medium.
Successful editors are meticulous and detail-oriented. Editing projects often have deadlines, so it is important to have excellent time management skills and a good understanding of the production process. Editorial professionals must have a solid understanding of the project’s layout and design requirements. This knowledge will help them determine the level of editing required.
According to the BLS, editors in 2017 made a median salary close to $59,000. A bachelor’s degree is sufficient for some jobs, but many publishing houses prefer that their editors have a master’s. In 2016, there were 127,000 editors in the United States. The job outlook for this position is expected to stay the same over the next ten years.
Author and writer
Historians can combine their research skills and knowledge with creativity to pursue a career in writing or publishing. This profession allows people to use imagination and observational skills to create compelling narratives about historical events and eras. They can also bring them to the masses in an entertaining and digestible way.
Sometimes, authors and writers can use history to provide the context for a piece of fiction. Their writing skills may also be used to add intrigue to nonfiction books. This field requires a solid grasp of syntax and grammar and a flair for problem-solving for narrative flow. According to the BLS, authors, and writers earned an average salary of $61,820 in 2017. The industry’s projected growth in employment between 2016-2026 is 9 percent.
There are many possibilities.
History can open you up to many different career options across many industries. History degrees offer a level of career choice that is not available to more rigid majors. The degree can tie its holders to the past and propel them toward a bright future.
