History

Career Programs and Student Development

Explore - What Can I Do with This Major?

History

Return to Major/Minor Page

Links to related Web Sites are listed at the bottom of this page.

AREAS

EMPLOYERS

STRATEGIES

GOVERNMENT

Federal agencies including:

The Smithsonian Institute
National Archives and Records
Library of Congress
National Park Service
Intelligence services
Foreign service

State and local agencies including:

Archives and libraries
Museums, parks, and historic sites
Municipal archives
Arts and humanities councils

Gain relevant experience in student government or other related organizations.
Complete an internship with a government agency.
Maintain a superior academic record.
Plan on obtaining an advanced degree.
Develop foreign language skills.
Become familiar with specialized government hiring procedures.
Consider a variety of entry-level positions in all branches of local, state, and federal government.

POLITICS

Elected or appointed public officials (i.e.,
legislators, governors, mayors, judges)
National political party headquarters
Public interest/advocacy groups
Political campaigns

Gain experience and make contacts through internships with government agencies or public officials.
Volunteer to work with public interest groups, political campaigns, political associations, or community service projects.
Participate in student government and campus politics.

LAW

Law firms
Corporate legal departments
Government agencies
Public advocacy groups

Obtain paralegal training or law degree.
Gain experience through summer or part-time work in a law firm.
Volunteer with a public advocacy group.
Participate in mock trial and pre-law associations.

NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATIONS

History museums and historic sites
Historical associations and societies
Cultural heritage organizations
Historical projects
Research and service institutions

Volunteer with various nonprofit organizations of interest.
Consider supplementing curriculum with relevant course work in anthropology, sociology, art history, or foreign languages.

CURATORIAL AND
ARCHIVAL MANAGEMENT

Museums
Historical homes
Art galleries
Special collections
Historical societies
Libraries
Universities and colleges
National, state, and local government
Corporations
Non-profit organizations
Research institutes

Acquire strong computer knowledge and experience.
Obtain an internship or volunteer in a related
organization.
Develop excellent written and oral communication
skills.
Hone organizational skills and develop attention to
detail.
Earn a master's degree in information sciences for
advanced opportunities in data management.

JOURNALISM

Broadcast
Print

News departments of local, public, and
commercial radio and TV stations
Syndicated radio services
Newspapers
National, state, and regional radio networks

Work on campus newspaper, TV, or radio.
Find summer or part-time work with local commercial TV or radio station.
Volunteer with public TV or radio.
Consider obtaining a minor or double major in
journalism or broadcasting/electronic media.

EDUCATION

Teaching
Elementary, Middle, or Secondary
Higher Education
Community Education

Public and private schools
Colleges and universities
Museums
Zoological parks, aquariums, wildlife refuges, and bird sanctuaries
Aboretums, gardens, and conservatories
Camps
National and state parks

Develop excellent presentation skills.
Become skilled in the use of multimedia.
Learn how to develop curriculums and workshops.
Become an "expert" in a particular subject.
Obtain teaching certificate for public school teaching.
Obtain a graduate degree for college and/or
university teaching.
Gain experience as a tutor, camp counselor, church school teacher, etc.
Build strong relationships with professors,
supervisors, or other community leaders for
strong personal recommendations.
Complete an internship or volunteer in a setting of
interest.

BUSINESS

Management
Sales
Office Administration

All major retail firms including drug, specialty,
variety, and department store chains
Wholesalers
Manufacturers
Insurance companies
Real estate agencies
Financial institutions
Nonprofit organizations

Earn a minor in business.
Obtain related experience through advertisement
sales positions with campus yearbook or
newspaper.
Gain relevant retail sales experience.
Acquire good computer and statistical skills.
Develop excellent communication skills.
Demonstrate a high energy level.
Obtain leadership experience in student or
community organizations.
Consider an MBA for brand management,
consulting, and research opportunities.

GENERAL INFORMATION
• An undergraduate degree in history is good preparation for graduate study in history as well as other areas such as psychology, law, or business.
• Research the prerequisites of the area of interest and tailor program of study to meet curricular and skill needs.
• Part-time, summer, internship, and volunteer experiences are critical.
• Develop skills by obtaining a leadership role in a school or community organization.
• Get involved in Student Government.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are imperative for most careers related to history, politics, or government.
• Become familiar with the government application process for opportunities in federal, state, or local government.
• Prepare to develop a speciality area including both academic training and work experience for history related careers.
• Develop patience, persistence, and drive in obtaining history related positions.
• For careers in politics, be prepared to volunteer extensively before being hired or elected as an employee or official. Begin by working with the campaign
or official of choice while in college.
• For careers in arts and humanities, obtain a broad liberal arts background including knowledge of the arts, personal and mass communication, and
foreign languages.
• Join related social and/or professional organizations.
• Develop a network of both formal and informal contacts.
• Research websites and books that address various job opportunities, pay structure, and hiring processes.

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