Resources

What do History Students NEED to KNOW?

What is So Important About a History Degree?

History provides a narrative of the political, social, economic, enviromental and cultural events humankind has placed on record. In order to do this, historians examine and relate actions and events of the past, analyze documents and record data in order to help people understand the events of today and possible trends of the future.

Historical training provides preparation for careers in teaching, general research, government, communications, finance and banking, sales, management, and public service. Advanced degrees or professional training can provide qualifications for success in college teaching, law, or library science.

Skills

The following are some skill areas developed by the study of history in conjunction with general university courses.

Communications and Critical Thinking Skills:

• Reading, analyzing, and interpreting documents
  
• Listening to and recording information; summarizing, synthesizing, and describing past events
  
• Comparing and contrasting events, figures and movements of the past
  
• Writing historical analyses
  
• Public speaking
  
• Evaluating ideas
  
• Presenting arguments.
• Writing Historiographic Essays

Historical Perspective "Know-How":

• Comparing cultures
  
• Recognizing public response to industrial and technological changes
  
• Recognizing and relating past and present social, political, economic and cultural issues and problems
  
• Assessing and evaluating change in social, political, economic and cultural organizations, etc.

Organization Skills:

• Collecting, retaining and organizing information
  
• Classifying historical materials
  
• Defining problems
  
• Producing on time.

Research Skills:

• Using libraries, reference materials
  
• Asking questions, interviewing
  
• Persistently searching for information
  
• Collecting, examining and evaluating historical data
  

Potential Employers

COMMUNICATIONS, MEDIA INDUSTRY:

• Publishing companies
  
• Magazines
  
• Newspapers
  
• Film companies
  
• Television
  
• Radio
  
• Trade, technical, professional publishers.

CORPORATIONS, MANUFACTURERS:

• Research departments
  
• Administration
  
• Public relations
  
• Human resources

BUSINESS:

• Insurance agencies
  
• Law offices
  
• Banks
  
• Financial institutions

TRANSPORTATION AND TRAVEL:

• Travel agencies
  
• Travel lines
  
• Tour agencies.

ORGANIZATIONS:

• Museums
  
• Galleries
  
• Historical societies

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS:

• Secondary schools
  
• Junior colleges
• Four-year universities and colleges

CITIES AND COUNTIES:

• Libraries
  
• Chambers of commerce
  
• Personnel administration
  
• Welfare departments
  
• Cultural centers

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT:

• Legislative committee staffs
  
• National Archives
  
• Library of Congress
  
• Departments of Interior, Defense, and State
  
• National Park Service
  
• Smithsonian Institute
  
• NASA
  
• National Security Administration
  
• Bureau of Prisons
  
• Central Intelligence Agency
  

Related Job Titles:

The following are examples of occupations that utilize the skills and knowledge developed by this major. Some may require additional specialized education or training beyond the bachelor's degree.

Biographer, Administrative Assistant, Management Trainee, Research Assistant, Claims Investigator, Special Agent, Bank Officier, Museum Registrar, Tour Guide, Correspondent, College Official, Archivist, Customs Inspector, Cultural Affairs Officer, Curator, Fundraiser, Information Specialist, Editor, Insurance Agent, Market Researcher, Lawyer, Librarian, Paralegal, Reporter, Newscaster, Employment Interviewer, Teacher/Professor, Social Worker, Art Appraiser, Cataloger.

A college major does not determine your career. Achievement of any college degree represents to employers the ability to learn, think critically, organize and present information. This combined with your particular collection of skills and experience, makes you qualified for a much wider range of positions.

Locating Employers:

The following written and human resources may be helpful in planning your career or further education.

• Telephone Directories
  
• The National Directory of Addresses and Telephone Numbers
  
• National Trade and Professional Associations of the United States
  
• Directories of State and Federal Government Agencies
  
• Peterson's Business and Management Jobs
  
• The Complete Guide to Public Employment-Krannich
  
• Career Choices for the 90's: History
  

(Also, don't forget academic departmental resources, past employers, and contacts known to friends, family, or social acquaintances.)

Enhancing Employability:

Several factors influence employability in addition to the academic major. Knowledge of computer technology and applications can be very advantageous, as can a background in business, education, or law. Preparation in psychology, speech, art, or other humanities can enhance one's employability in media fields, including advertising and public relations. Additional coursework in political science, economics, statistical analysis, international relations. Additional coursework in political science, economics, statistical analysis, international relations or foreign language can only help one's preparedness, as can an internship, summer job, or volunteer position.

(Adapted from Whitman College handout)