History Degree Jobs: Beyond the Museum (Untapped Roles!)
Most people immediately think of museums or teaching, right?
While those are definitely viable options, the truth is, a history degree opens doors to so much more than you might realize.
In fact, I believe the “best option” for history grads in 2025 lies in these untapped roles that are just waiting for your unique skills.
Think about it: in a rapidly changing world, the ability to analyze information, understand context, and communicate effectively is incredibly valuable.
And guess what? That’s exactly what you learn studying history!
Let’s ditch the stereotypes and dive into the exciting, unexpected career paths where a history background can give you a serious edge. I am confident that by the end of this article, you will learn more about the opportunities available for History graduates.
Section 1: The Value of a History Degree in Today’s Job Market
Okay, let’s get real. What exactly makes a history degree so valuable?
It’s not just memorizing dates and names, is it?
Of course not! It’s about honing a powerful set of skills that are surprisingly relevant in today’s job market.
Critical Thinking: You learn to evaluate sources, identify biases, and construct well-reasoned arguments.
Research: Digging deep into archives, analyzing data, and synthesizing information becomes second nature.
Analysis: You develop the ability to break down complex issues, identify patterns, and draw insightful conclusions.
Communication: You become a master storyteller, able to articulate your ideas clearly and persuasively, both in writing and verbally.
These skills aren’t just “nice to haves”; they’re essential for success in a wide range of fields.
Don’t just take my word for it. According to a study by the American Historical Association, history graduates demonstrate strong “core competencies” valued by employers, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. American Historical Association
So, how do history grads actually fare in the job market?
Well, the data might surprise you. While it’s true that some fields are more directly tied to a history degree than others, history grads often find success in diverse sectors.
A 2017 study by the Social Science Research Council found that humanities graduates, including history majors, demonstrate a higher rate of “meaningful work” compared to graduates in some other fields. Social Science Research Council
This means that history grads are more likely to find jobs that align with their values and provide a sense of purpose.
Think about it: in a world saturated with information, the ability to craft compelling narratives and analyze complex situations is more valuable than ever.
Companies need people who can understand the context behind the data, identify trends, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
That’s where history graduates shine!
Section 2: Traditional Roles vs. Emerging Opportunities
Let’s be honest, when you think of a history degree, certain career paths probably spring to mind.
Museum Curator: Preserving artifacts, creating exhibits, and educating the public about the past.
Historian: Conducting original research, writing books and articles, and teaching at the university level.
Educator: Sharing your passion for history with students in schools or colleges.
These are all valuable and rewarding careers, no doubt.
But here’s the thing: the job market is changing rapidly.
New industries are emerging, and existing ones are evolving.
This means that there are tons of opportunities for history graduates that didn’t even exist a few years ago.
We’re talking about roles that leverage your historical knowledge and analytical skills in innovative and unexpected ways.
Think about the rise of digital media, the growing importance of data analysis, and the increasing demand for cultural sensitivity in the global marketplace.
These trends are creating a demand for people who can understand the past, analyze the present, and anticipate the future.
That’s where history graduates can really make their mark.
Let’s take a look at some of these emerging job roles that are less commonly associated with history degrees.
We’ll explore industries that are growing and are in need of historical insight.
Get ready to have your mind blown!
Section 3: Untapped Roles for History Graduates
Alright, buckle up! This is where things get really interesting.
We’re going to dive into some of the untapped roles where history graduates can thrive in 2025 and beyond.
These are positions that might not be on your radar right now, but they offer incredible opportunities to use your skills in creative and impactful ways.
Digital Content Creation
In today’s digital age, content is king.
And who better to create engaging and informative content than someone with a deep understanding of history?
Think about it: there’s a huge demand for educational material, podcasts, and videos that make history accessible and exciting for a wide audience.
You could create a YouTube channel that explores historical events in a fresh and engaging way.
Imagine a series that debunks historical myths, or a podcast that interviews leading historians about their research.
You could also work for a museum or historical society, creating online exhibits and virtual tours.
Or, you could partner with educational companies to develop interactive learning resources for students of all ages.
The possibilities are endless!
To succeed in this field, it’s important to develop your digital storytelling skills.
Learn how to write compelling scripts, create visually appealing graphics, and use social media to reach your target audience.
You might even consider taking a course in video editing or podcasting to enhance your technical skills.
Cultural Resource Management
Cultural Resource Management (CRM) is a growing field that focuses on preserving and managing historical sites and cultural resources.
This involves a combination of historical research, environmental considerations, and public policy.
As a CRM professional, you might work for a government agency, a private consulting firm, or a non-profit organization.
Your responsibilities could include conducting archaeological surveys, assessing the impact of development projects on historical sites, and developing preservation plans.
This is a great option for history graduates who are passionate about protecting our cultural heritage and ensuring that future generations have access to the past.
To excel in CRM, it’s helpful to have a background in archaeology, anthropology, or environmental science, in addition to your history degree.
Consider taking courses in these areas or volunteering with a local historical society or archaeological site.
Corporate Historian
Believe it or not, many companies are starting to recognize the value of having a corporate historian on staff.
A corporate historian helps businesses understand their legacy and culture through a historical lens.
This can involve researching the company’s origins, documenting its key milestones, and analyzing its impact on society.
The information gathered by a corporate historian can be used to inform strategic decision-making, improve employee morale, and enhance the company’s brand image.
For example, a corporate historian might research the company’s past successes and failures to identify patterns that can inform future strategies.
Or, they might document the company’s culture and values to help attract and retain top talent.
This is a relatively new field, but it’s growing rapidly as more companies realize the importance of understanding their history.
To become a corporate historian, it’s helpful to have strong research and writing skills, as well as a good understanding of business principles.
Consider taking courses in business administration or marketing to complement your history degree.
Policy Analysis and Advocacy
History graduates are well-equipped to work in think tanks or non-profit organizations, applying their skills to analyze historical data for policy development.
You can use your knowledge of the past to inform current policy debates and advocate for positive change.
For example, you might research the historical roots of a particular social problem, such as poverty or inequality, and develop policy recommendations based on your findings.
Or, you might analyze the impact of past policies on different groups of people to inform current policy decisions.
This is a great option for history graduates who are passionate about making a difference in the world and using their skills to promote social justice.
To succeed in policy analysis and advocacy, it’s important to have strong analytical and communication skills, as well as a good understanding of public policy.
Consider taking courses in political science, economics, or sociology to complement your history degree.
Heritage Tourism
The tourism sector offers a wealth of opportunities for history graduates, particularly in roles that develop and promote historical tourism experiences.
You could work for a tourism agency, a historical site, or a museum, developing and marketing tours, exhibits, and events that bring history to life for visitors.
For example, you might create a walking tour of a historic neighborhood, or develop an interactive exhibit that tells the story of a particular historical event.
You could also work with local businesses to create heritage tourism packages that showcase the history and culture of the area.
This is a great option for history graduates who are passionate about sharing their love of history with others and creating engaging and memorable experiences.
To excel in heritage tourism, it’s important to have strong communication and marketing skills, as well as a good understanding of tourism trends.
Consider taking courses in tourism management or marketing to complement your history degree.
Publishing and Editing
If you have a passion for writing and a love of history, a career in publishing or editing might be a perfect fit.
You could work for a publishing house, a magazine, or an online platform, writing and editing historical articles, books, and other content.
You could also work as a freelance writer or editor, specializing in historical topics.
This is a great option for history graduates who enjoy researching and writing about the past and have a keen eye for detail.
To succeed in publishing and editing, it’s important to have strong writing and editing skills, as well as a good understanding of the publishing industry.
Consider taking courses in journalism, creative writing, or editing to complement your history degree.
Data Analysis in Historical Research
The intersection of history and technology is creating new opportunities for history graduates in data analysis roles.
You can use your historical knowledge and analytical skills to analyze large datasets and uncover hidden patterns and insights.
For example, you might analyze census data to track demographic trends over time, or analyze social media data to understand public opinion about historical events.
You could also work with historians and other researchers to develop new methods for analyzing historical data.
This is a rapidly growing field, as more and more historians are recognizing the value of using data analysis techniques to enhance their research.
To succeed in data analysis, it’s important to have strong analytical and quantitative skills, as well as a good understanding of statistical methods.
Consider taking courses in statistics, data science, or computer programming to complement your history degree.
Section 4: Skills Enhancement and Professional Development
Okay, so you’re excited about these untapped roles, right?
But how do you actually prepare yourself for them?
The key is to embrace continuous learning and skill enhancement.
Here are some strategies to help you stand out from the crowd:
Relevant Courses: Take courses that complement your history degree and develop skills that are in demand in these emerging fields.
Consider courses in digital marketing, data analysis, project management, or even coding.
Certifications: Earning certifications in specific software or methodologies can demonstrate your expertise and make you more attractive to employers.
Look into certifications in areas like data analytics, project management, or digital marketing.
Workshops: Attend workshops and conferences to learn about the latest trends and best practices in your chosen field.
This is also a great way to network with professionals and learn about job opportunities.
Internships: Internships are invaluable for gaining real-world experience and building your professional network.
Seek out internships in the fields that interest you, even if they’re not directly related to history.
Volunteer Experiences: Volunteering can also be a great way to gain experience and make a difference in your community.
Consider volunteering with a local historical society, museum, or non-profit organization.
The key is to be proactive and take ownership of your professional development.
Identify the skills that you need to succeed in your chosen field and actively seek out opportunities to develop those skills.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! As you can see, a history degree is far more versatile than you might have thought.
There are tons of exciting and rewarding career paths available to you beyond the traditional museum setting.
As the job market continues to evolve, those with a history degree should feel empowered to explore these untapped roles.
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and seek out positions that not only utilize your skills but also fulfill your passions for history.
Remember, your ability to analyze information, understand context, and communicate effectively is incredibly valuable in today’s world.
Embrace your unique skills, explore your options, and go out there and make your mark!
