Being a history lover, if you thought choosing a career in history will limit you to teaching, study, and working in archives, then you are wrong! A college degree in history can land you on a variety of exciting job opportunities.
History buffs aren’t doomed for life. You can actually find plenty of exciting career options that also pay well. You might have to get in touch with a staffing agency to help you find a job opportunity that suits you, though. Other than that, the future outlook for history lovers is great!
Let’s cut to the chase and see what those career options are:
1: PR Manager
A public relations manager is one of the highest-paying roles for those with a history degree. While this may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a history degree, it does involve many of the skills you developed as a communicator. Additionally, your research experience has equipped you with the ability to identify audiences based on client goals and budgets.
To get the job of a PR manager, you will have to start to work your way up first, which working at entry-level positions. The more your experience, the better your salary.
2: Political Scientist
The job of a political scientist is to research political systems and their origins, development, and operations. You would also look into how those elements interact with one another. While many political science professions are in teaching and academia, this role can now also be found in the business field. Political scientists are frequently hired by government agencies these days.
3: Writer/Editor
As a writer, you would be creating historical pieces. You could also publish books, write articles, and edit other manuscripts if you have extensive knowledge of historical topics. A college degree is generally required to become a historical writer, so you can put your bachelor’s in history to good use.
4: Genealogist
One of the most exciting things about working in history is connecting the past with the present. Entering the genealogy sector might be a unique method to combine your passion for history with your research talents in order to connect past and future eras.
Genealogists use birth and marriage certificates, obituaries, court records, and other historical artifacts and documents to help individuals and families trace their roots and investigate their ancestors. You would be using software to extract the data but you’ll also learn how to analyze recordkeeping standards and trends so that your clients can get the information they need to connect members in their family tree.
5: Geographer
This role is for those who are passionate to learn more about the earth and how it interacts with other parts of the universe. You’ll be in charge of instructing students on physical and cultural phenomena. You could work for a government agency or teach at a college.
6: Journalist
For history majors, journalism is a common professional path. No, you don’t need a journalism degree to get a job in journalism. Employers value candidates with exceptional writing skills, as well as their ability to uncover good stories and connect with audiences.
7: Living Historian
If you’re the type of person who considers their job to be a fundamental part of their life, a career as a living historian might be for you. Living historians are those who work in museums, fairs, as well as other historic places to bring the past to life.
This role entails frequently dressing in period-appropriate attire and going about their daily lives as if they were from that era. Historical reenactors are not the same as living historians. Living historians portray the day-to-day life and activities of their chosen period in history and educate their visitors in the process.
The job of a living historian does not pay well like others on the list but it’s highly rewarding if history is your life!
8: Communication Officer
Communication officers assist the local government as well as national agencies in developing communication strategies. This work is ideal for History majors since it requires attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to integrate complex information.
You’ll work as a communications officer for a government agency most likely. This means you will enjoy competitive pay, flexible working hours, and a pension. While you won’t earn as much as a PR manager, you’ll have decent pay and job security, which is fair enough.
9: Sociologists
Sociologists analyze human society and social behavior. They keep track of the activities of social, religious, political, as well economic, and institutions. Their findings could help social workers, legislators administrators, and educators and in resolving social issues and developing public policy.
10: Archaeologists
Archaeologists use human remains, artifacts, architectural elements, and structures recovered by excavation.
Note:
These career options are not restricted to those with a degree in history. Those with Political Science majors, Philosophy degrees, Art History degrees, Social Science degrees, Psychology majors, and Geography degrees can also apply for these jobs.
