I would like to major in history, but . . . .
WHAT CAN I DO WHEN I GRADUATE?
by Dr. Robert F. Pace,
Former Associate Professor of History, Longwood University
Students approach me every year with the sentiment expressed above.
I imagine there are many more who ask the same question, then give themselves
the discouraging answer: "I can't do anything with a history major, I guess
I'll just major in ____________." I understand this reasoning. In fact,
I had a similar conversation with myself in 1984 when I started college.
I only became a history major in my junior year (after I had majored in
biology, then psychology, then religion, first). I have not regretted my
decision to major in history once since I made that switch over a decade
ago. I have also learned that the answer to the big question, "what can
I do when I graduate?" is: anything you want to do!
Let's face it, there are people who do not enjoy the study of history.
Personally, I don't understand them, but I accept that this is the case.
But there are also those who either come to college with a great love and
appreciation of history, or become inspired in that first Western Civilization
class (it happens) and start thinking they would like to devote a large
part of their education to the discipline. There is, nevertheless, always
someone (friend, family member, legislator) who says: "It's O.K. to like
history, just don't major in it because you'll never get a job." Therefore,
I am writing this to provide another point of view: it's great to major
in history. So, below is just a sampling of opportunities available to
history majors after graduation.
Teaching:
This, of course, is the route that I took. But to teach at the collegiate
level these days, one has to complete a doctorate in history. Personally,
I recommend it, but many people would prefer to teach at the secondary
level. For those of you who have this goal, what can I say? You are some
of the most important people in our society. You will help to shape young
minds in some of the most crucial years of adolescence, and for that, I
commend you and thank you. History, of course, is a terrific major for
those seeking employment as a secondary teacher.
But I don't want to teach...
I understand, and frankly, we don't want you to teach unless you have a
burning desire to do so. But history is still a great major for you as
well. The opportunities are limitless. For instance:
Law School:
Applications to law schools across the country have skyrocketed in the
last couple of decades, and it certainly is a competitive career to pursue,
but history is an excellent major for undergraduates who plan that route.
Knowledge of history is assumed in law school. One cannot grasp the legal
system without a firm historical base, so history majors have a solid preparation
for legal study.
Public History and Historic Preservation:
These are fast-growing fields in our country and many history majors find
employment after college in these areas. Museums, historical societies,
national parks, official historic sites, and tourism bureaus all need employees
with a knowledge of history. Scholarly presses hire history graduates as
sales representatives, editors, copyeditors, and researchers. Libraries,
archives, state and local historical societies, and government offices
all hire history majors with increasing regularity. And in recent years,
a real spark has been put into efforts to save historical landmarks. Historic
preservation societies and organizations have sprung up all over the country
and are looking for well-trained workers to help protect this country's
cultural and physical heritage.
Communications:
History majors are well prepared in the art of communication. And with
the communications field exploding in the past decade with the introduction
of the Internet, hundreds of cable channels, and a variety of other new
technologies, employment opportunities abound for those who not only know
how to say something, but who also have something to say. Movies, television
programs, news programs, newspapers, and magazines all require people with
solid communication and research skills. History majors are especially
suited for these areas.
Government:
Federal, state, and local governments are the largest employers in the
nation. These have positions for college graduates with and without particular
degree specialties. They look for graduates skilled in critical thinking,
research, communications, and an understanding of how the system works.
History majors have an advantage over other applicants in that these skills
are essential to the discipline.
Business and Industry
A myth perpetrated upon our nation's college students is that a business
degree is necessary for a job in business and industry. If you love accounting,
finance, or marketing, then great, major in business. But these are not
required for students to enter the business world. Most corporations want
independent thinkers who know how to find information and apply it to the
tasks at hand. Many want people who have knowledge of other countries and
other cultures. What better major than history to prepare a student for
all of these opportunities? Corporations will train their employees in
the nuts and bolts of how the business works--this includes business majors
as well as others--so it is not absolutely necessary to have that training
going in the door. History is an excellent discipline for those interested
in business.
Yeah, these are great, but what else do you have?
Careers for history majors are only limited by their own imaginations.
I know history majors who became artists, ministers, small business owners,
military officers, insurance agents, bankers, politicians, restauranteurs,
lobbyists, archivists, doctors, musicians, city planners, architects, writers,
newspaper editors, physical therapists, professional athletes, actors,
social workers, travel agents, and retired millionaires (and I don't know
that many people, so imagine what else is out there). So the next time
someone asks, "What can I do with a history major?" Say to them, "You can
become a leader of your society who is well educated, interesting, informed,
reasonable, and employed!"
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