Introduction to the Career

A historian is a professional who studies and interprets past events, trends, and human behaviors. They utilize research and analytical methods to investigate and evaluate historical data and its relevance in contemporary times. Historians work in various settings, including educational institutions, museums, government agencies, and corporations.

Career Values, Traits, and Skills

To excel as a historian, one should possess the following values, traits, and skills:

• Passion for history: A genuine interest in history is a necessity for a career in this field.
• Analytical and Logical Thinking: Historians regularly assess and synthesize data to analyze historical activities and events to develop compelling interpretations.
• Research skills: Historians should have strong research skills in data collection, fact gathering, verification, and a focus on accuracy and depth of data.
• Communication skills: Accuracy and precision are essential elements in a historian’s role, which requires effective communication with stakeholders, whether it is with teammates or society-wide audiences.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Historians should have the skills in making observations and analyzing data to come up with informed judgments.
• Attention to detail: This quality is vital to evaluate historical data’s accuracy and draw compelling conclusions from it.

Career Path

Typically a career in history as a historian would require at least a bachelor’s degree, and some positions ask for an advanced degree. Obtaining a graduate degree in history or a related field, such as public history, museum studies, or cultural preservation, significantly increases job prospects.

After graduation, there are several career paths you can take as a historian. Some pursue academic careers at colleges and universities as history professors, while others work in the private sector as historical consultants, researchers, museum professionals, or governmental policy-making communities.

Salary Range

The salary range for historians varies significantly depending on their employer, qualifications, experience, and location. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median wage for historians in May 2020 was $63,100 per year.

Tips for Success

To achieve success in this field, keep the following tips in mind:

• Continue learning and researching: Read, study, and stay focused on updates and emerging trends in the field of history.
• Develop a specialty: Develop expertise in a specific area of history to become more marketable to employers.
• Network: Attend conferences and professional gatherings to meet peers and establish professional connections.
• Gain work experience: Look for opportunities to gain practical experience in research or related fields.

References

• American Historical Association: https://www.historians.org/
• US Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/historians.htm