1.3 Careers in History
A history degree equips you with invaluable transferable skills, opening doors to a wide range of careers. From critical thinking and research to effective communication and problem-solving, these abilities are highly sought after by employers across various industries. Whether you're passionate about preserving the past or shaping the future, history graduates excel in fields like education, heritage, law, journalism, politics, and business. This degree not only deepens your understanding of historical events but also hones the analyticalThinking analytically is the ability to examine and break down complex information or situations into smaller parts to understand and interpret them more clearly. It involves logical thinking, evaluation, and drawing conclusions based on evidence. and strategic skills needed to thrive in diverse professional environments.
A history degree opens up a diverse range of career options due to the transferable skills you’ll gain. There are many fields to have careers in, such as:
Education and Academia
If you love history, teaching it could be the next step. Academia allows you to further specialise in your field of interest and contribute original research.
Museums and Heritage
Working in museums, galleries, and heritage organisations is another popular route for history graduates. These roles often involve curating exhibits, managing collections, or conducting research to educate the public. You may also work in archivesArchives are collections of historical documents and records preserved for research, including letters, photos, and government records., preserving historical documents and artefacts.
Law and Legal Careers
The analytical and research skills you develop during a history degree are highly valued in the legal profession. Many history graduates go on to study law, working as solicitors, barristers, or in legal research and advocacy roles. Look into a law conversionThe act of changing someone's religion. course (often 1-2 years after your BA) if this interests you.
Journalism and Media
The ability to research, critically analyse, and write persuasively is crucial in journalism. History graduates often find themselves working as journalists, editors, or content creators, particularly in roles that involve in-depth research and storytelling.
Civil Service and Politics
History graduates frequently work in governmentThe public authority that provides services, collects taxes, sets laws and regulations, and helps manage the economy., policy-making, and diplomacy. The ability to understand historical contextA discrete unit of archaeological evidence, such as a layer of soil, a structure, or a feature, that can be recorded and interpreted., analyse current events, and think critically makes history graduates well-suited to roles in the civil service, international relations, and political analysis.
Business, Marketing, and Management
Many employers value history graduates for their ability to think strategically, communicate effectively, and manage complex projects. These skills translate well into careers in business, marketing, and management, where problem-solving is key.