Career Ideas for a History Major

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 schoolteacher, 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.