History Guide

Studying history helps us understand how societies function and change over time. If you’re drawn to unraveling the stories behind events, analyzing historical trends, and exploring the roots of culture and politics, history could be a strong fit:

• Critical Thinking: Historical study teaches you to evaluate sources, consider multiple viewpoints, and form reasoned conclusions.
• Research & Writing Skills: You’ll learn to locate, interpret, and synthesize diverse materials, honing your writing and argumentation.
• Diverse Careers: From education and archival work to diplomacy, government roles, and cultural organizations, history degrees can open unexpected doors.
• Contextual Awareness: Understanding historical events helps you see modern issues from a broader perspective, informing policy, ethics, and public discourse.
• Personal Enrichment: Many find history compelling for its own sake—rediscovering lost civilizations and analyzing major conflicts can be deeply rewarding.

However, a history major may not be for everyone. Consider these factors:

• Competitive Job Market: Many positions (like professorships or curatorships) are limited, requiring specialized degrees and strong résumés.
• Advanced Study Often Needed: Roles in academia or high-level research typically require a Master’s or PhD, adding time and cost.
• Heavy Reading & Writing: If you dislike extensive reading, analyzing, and essay writing, this field can be a tough fit.
• Variable Pay: Entry-level positions, especially in nonprofit or cultural sectors, may offer modest salaries compared to STEM fields.
• Patience & Perseverance: Archival work or historical research can be slow and detail-oriented, testing your persistence.

Ancient History focuses on the earliest civilizations, such as Egypt, Greece, Mesopotamia, and Rome:

• Archaeology & Language: Involves studying ancient artifacts, inscriptions, and languages (e.g., Latin, Ancient Greek).
• Societal Foundations: Explores how political systems, religions, and cultural practices shaped modern cultures.
• Research Tools: May include translating papyri/tablets, analyzing architectural remains, or using archaeological data.

Medieval History covers roughly the 5th to 15th centuries, bridging the end of the Roman Empire and the early Renaissance:

• Socio-Political Systems: Feudalism, chivalry, and the role of the Church in everyday life.
• Art & Culture: Illuminated manuscripts, Gothic architecture, and the development of universities.
• Sources: Chronicles, religious texts, and courtly/literary works form the basis of medieval scholarship.

Modern History examines the post-Medieval world—from the Renaissance to contemporary times:

• Major Events: Industrialization, colonialism, revolutions (French, American, etc.), World Wars, and Cold War.
• Globalization & Technology: How rapid changes in communication, trade, and innovation shape societies.
• Ideological Shifts: Explores the rise of nationalism, democracy, socialism, and more.

Cultural History delves into the customs, arts, and social norms of various societies:

• Interdisciplinary Approach: Blends anthropology, literature, and art history with traditional historical methods.
• Social Constructs: Studies gender roles, class structures, and cultural identities over time.
• Popular Culture: Might include analyzing music, fashion, and media, revealing shifts in societal values and technology.

Best History Schools include:

• Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford: Elite programs with renowned faculty and extensive archives.
• UC System: UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego have robust offerings in various historical fields.
• Columbia & University of Chicago: Known for intellectual rigor and diverse specializations.
• Top State Universities: Many large public schools have excellent history departments with ample resources.

Remember, your individual research interests and faculty mentors often matter more than school prestige alone.

Best Classes to Take: A balanced curriculum sharpens your analytical skills:

• Core Surveys: Broad overviews of ancient, medieval, and modern history to build foundational knowledge.
• Research Methods & Historiography: Learn how historians interpret sources and craft narratives.
• Interdisciplinary Classes: Political science, sociology, and economics can add depth to your historical analyses.
• Thematic Seminars: Classes focusing on specific topics (gender, environment, technology) for deeper exploration.

GPA remains an important benchmark:

• Target 3.5+: Especially if you plan to pursue graduate school or competitive internships.
• Quality Over Quantity: Focus on excelling in major classes and upper-division seminars, demonstrating mastery of key historical skills.
• Letters of Recommendation: Strong faculty endorsements can sometimes outweigh minor GPA dips if they speak to your research potential.

Primary vs. Secondary Sources: a cornerstone of historical methodology:

• Primary Sources: Original materials from the time under study (letters, diaries, official documents, artifacts). They offer firsthand perspectives but require contextual analysis.
• Secondary Sources: Scholarly works interpreting primary data (books, articles, documentaries). Essential for understanding historiographical debates.
• Evaluating Reliability: Bias, authorship, and preservation affect how these sources are used.
• Digital Archives: Increasingly, primary sources are digitized, making them more accessible but requiring digital literacy.

Internships can provide crucial hands-on experience:

• Museums & Archives: Work on cataloging artifacts, assisting with exhibitions, or digitizing collections.
• Historical Societies: Small organizations may allow you to handle research tasks or help plan community events.
• Government Agencies: Places like the National Archives or local historical commissions offer real-world policy and record-management perspectives.
• Alignment: Seek internships related to your area of focus—e.g., military museums if you’re interested in military history.

Networking is vital in a field where opportunities can be niche:

• Conferences & Symposia: Attending events like the AHA (American Historical Association) conferences can introduce you to mentors and potential employers.
• Professional Organizations: Joining groups like the Organization of American Historians (OAH) or regional societies expands your circle.
• Faculty Connections: Professors often have contacts in archives or museums—tap their networks for advice or introductions.
• Online Communities: Social media or academic forums (H-Net, LinkedIn) can help you discover job postings and research collaborations.

Research Opportunities build your academic profile:

• Undergrad Projects: Collaborate with faculty on grants or join departmental research labs, focusing on archival analysis or field studies.
• Publications: Try to present or publish papers in student journals or conferences—these bolster grad school applications.
• Senior Thesis: A well-researched thesis can act as a writing sample, showcasing your depth of knowledge and research skills.

Digital Skills can set you apart in a traditional field:

• Databases & Cataloging Software: Understanding tools like PastPerfect or museum software can boost your résumé.
• GIS & Mapping: Geographic Information Systems are increasingly used for historical research, visualizing data across regions and time.
• Digitization & Digital Humanities: Many projects involve scanning, transcribing, or analyzing big datasets—tech skills are in growing demand.
• Web & Social Media: Knowing how to create engaging content for institutional websites or social channels can help you land public-facing roles.

Academic Historian:

• University Teaching & Research: Requires a PhD, teaching undergrads and grads while pursuing specialized research projects.
• Publishing Expectations: Scholarly articles and peer-reviewed books are key to tenure-track positions.
• Competitive Market: Tenure-track openings can be limited, pushing many to adjunct or visiting roles initially.

Museum Curator:

• Artifact Management: Acquiring, cataloging, and preserving collections relevant to the museum's theme.
• Exhibition Design: Crafting engaging displays, writing informative labels, and sometimes designing interactive experiences.
• Educational Outreach: Hosting lectures, tours, workshops, and coordinating public events or gallery openings.

Archivist:

• Document Preservation: Managing historical documents, photographs, and records in stable environments.
• Data Organization: Creating metadata, finding aids, and digitization strategies for easier research access.
• Technical Skills: Knowledge of archival software, conservation techniques, and possibly minor restoration.

Historical Consultant:

• Accuracy & Verification: Work with filmmakers, authors, or organizations to ensure period authenticity.
• Research Services: Delve into archives, newspapers, or genealogical records to inform creative or corporate projects.
• Client Variety: May include media productions, heritage tourism, game developers, or marketing campaigns with a historical angle.

Writer/Author:

• Historical Books & Biographies: Popular or academic works about specific eras, figures, or events.
• Journalism & Magazines: Contribute historical context or deep dives for media outlets, bridging past and present for readers.
• Freelance Challenges: Income can be unstable, and many supplement writing with teaching or other work.
• Digital Platforms: YouTube, podcasts, and blogs have expanded the ways historians reach audiences and monetize content.

Other roles span numerous fields:

• Historic Preservationist: Protect and restore heritage buildings or sites, often working with government agencies.
• Government Historian: Provide expertise on historical contexts for policy, or manage official archives.
• Educator: Teach at K–12 schools or in adult learning programs, translating historical knowledge for broader audiences.

Explore creative routes like travel writing, virtual museum curation, or even historical gaming collaborations.

Public Historian:

• Community Engagement: Making history accessible to the public through exhibits, events, local research, and educational programs.
• Outreach & Programming: Collaborate with libraries, historical societies, or parks to inform and inspire diverse audiences.
• Storytelling Skills: Emphasis on creating narratives that resonate beyond academia, sparking public interest.
• Digital Tools: Web-based projects, online archives, or interactive media can attract new audiences to historical topics.

The unfortunate truth is that in fields with limited funding, unpaid or low-paid internships are common. However, these experiences can be stepping stones:

• Building Credibility: Even brief stints at well-known museums or archives add weight to your résumé.
• Hands-On Exposure: Fielding daily tasks like exhibit setup, artifact handling, or genealogical research fosters professional growth.
• Recommendations: Impressing supervisors can lead to strong reference letters or direct job offers.

Networking is crucial to discover hidden roles or upcoming opportunities:

• Maintain University Ties: Professors and mentors often hear about job leads and can connect you to others in the field.
• Local Historical Groups: Some cities have history clubs, genealogical societies, or volunteer groups that attract industry professionals.
• Online Presence: LinkedIn and professional email lists let you stay updated on postings and events beyond your geographic area.

Job Fairs offer direct contact with potential employers:

• University Events: Many schools host humanities or liberal arts–focused fairs, inviting museums, nonprofits, or government agencies.
• Preparation: Bring polished résumés, a concise “elevator pitch,” and knowledge about the organizations attending.
• Follow-Up: Collect business cards, send thank-you emails, and keep the conversation going after the event.

Transferrable Skills from history:

• Writing & Editing: History majors excel at coherent, persuasive writing—valuable in marketing, communications, or publishing.
• Analytical Thinking: Employers in business or policy value the ability to dissect complex information and interpret data in context.
• Research & Synthesis: Vetting multiple sources and constructing arguments can be critical in legal, consulting, or educational settings.

Advanced Degrees (MA, PhD) can expand career horizons:

• Academic Path: Most tenure-track historian roles require a PhD, emphasizing research specialization and teaching experience.
• Research Emphasis: Graduate studies encourage deep dives into niche topics, culminating in dissertations or theses.
• Funding Opportunities: Fellowships or assistantships may ease financial burdens, though competition is stiff.

Publications help establish your authority:

• Academic Journals: Submitting peer-reviewed articles demonstrates subject mastery and research depth.
• Books & Monographs: Crafting a comprehensive work can solidify your reputation, though it’s a long process.
• Conference Papers: Presenting at scholarly gatherings is an excellent way to gather feedback before formal publication.
• Online Platforms: Blogs, digital journals, or open access repositories can accelerate visibility and feedback loops.

Professional Organizations offer more than just networking:

• Resources & Data: Associations often share exclusive job boards, grants, or historical datasets.
• Workshops & Training: Expand skills (e.g., digital humanities, oral history methods) through specialized seminars.
• Community & Recognition: Awards, peer recognition, and shared research fosters a sense of belonging and credibility.

Funding & Grants can significantly impact your research and career progression:

• Institutional Grants: Universities sometimes provide internal funding for travel or archival visits if your research aligns with departmental goals.
• External Sponsors: Organizations like the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) offer competitive grants for significant historical projects.
• Proposal Writing: Developing a clear, compelling project narrative is crucial—faculty mentors or experienced peers can offer feedback.
• Grant Cycles: Deadlines typically occur months ahead; plan accordingly for application reviews and revisions.

A career in history can be rewarding and intellectually fulfilling. It’s a chance to bring the past to life—whether through teaching, curation, writing, or digital projects. While the field isn’t known for the highest salaries, the opportunity to explore diverse narratives and preserve cultural heritage often provides immense personal satisfaction. If you’re passionate about uncovering stories, analyzing contexts, and sharing knowledge, don’t be afraid to carve your own path in the vast, ever-evolving discipline of history.