Career Development Grid

Historians are professionals who research, analyze, and interpret the past to better understand the present and the future. They use a variety of sources, including primary documents, artifacts, and oral histories, to reconstruct events and movements from the past. Historians work in a variety of settings, including museums, archives, universities, and government agencies.
Education and Training:
To become a historian, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in history or a related field. However, most historians have a master’s degree or a Ph.D. in history. During their studies, historians learn research methods, critical thinking, and analytical skills. They also gain knowledge of historical events, movements, and themes.
Typical Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Historians research and analyze historical events and movements. They collect and interpret data, write reports, and present their findings to others. They also teach history at universities, work in museums and archives, and conduct historical research for government agencies and private organizations.
Earning Potential:
The earning potential for historians varies depending on their level of education, experience, and the sector they work in. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for historians in the United States was $63,100 in May 2020.
Opportunities for Career Advancement:
Historians can advance in their careers by publishing research, becoming experts in a particular field, or taking on leadership roles in their organizations. They can also become professors of history, curators of museums, or directors of archives.
Challenges Facing Historians:
One of the biggest challenges facing historians is the limited job market. There are relatively few job openings for historians, and competition can be fierce. Historians also face challenges in terms of funding for research and the preservation of historical artifacts.
Gaining Experience and Building a Network:
To gain experience and build a network in the field of history, you can volunteer at museums or archives, attend conferences and workshops, and participate in historical societies and organizations. You can also seek out internships or research assistant positions with historians or historical organizations.
Job Prospects:
The job prospects for historians are expected to grow at a rate of 3% from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. However, competition for jobs is expected to remain high.
Skills and Qualities Needed to Succeed:
To succeed as a historian, you need strong research, analytical, and critical thinking skills. You also need excellent writing

To become a historian, you typically need to complete a bachelor’s degree in history or a related field, such as anthropology, political science, or archaeology. Many historians also pursue advanced degrees, such as a master’s or doctorate in history, to specialize in a particular area of study and enhance their career opportunities.
In addition to formal education, historians often gain practical experience through internships, fellowships, or research assistantships. They may also participate in professional organizations and attend conferences to stay up-to-date on the latest research and trends in the field.
Overall, becoming a historian requires a strong academic background in history, research skills, and a passion for understanding and interpreting the past.

Historians are professionals who research, analyze, and interpret historical events, trends, and patterns. They typically perform the following job duties and responsibilities:
1. Conduct research: Historians gather information from various sources such as archives, libraries, museums, and other records to study historical events and people.
2. Analyze data: They evaluate and analyze data to identify patterns, trends, and themes that help them understand the past.
3. Interpret historical events: Historians use their research and analysis to interpret historical events and provide insights into the motivations and actions of historical figures.
4. Write reports and articles: Based on their research and analysis, historians write reports, articles, and books to share their findings with others.
5. Teach and educate: Historians may teach history at schools, colleges, and universities, and educate the public about historical events and their significance.
6. Collaborate with other professionals: Historians often collaborate with other professionals, such as archaeologists, anthropologists, and sociologists, to gain a better understanding of historical events.
7. Preserve historical artifacts: Historians may work to preserve historical artifacts, documents, and buildings to ensure that they are available for future generations to study and learn from.
Overall, historians play a critical role in preserving and interpreting our past, and their work helps us understand how we got to where we are today.

The earning potential for historians can vary widely depending on their level of education, experience, and the type of work they do. In the short term, salaries for entry-level historians are typically in the range of $30,000 to $50,000 per year. However, with experience and advanced degrees, historians can earn significantly more.
In the long term, historians can earn high salaries if they become experts in their field and are able to secure high-paying positions in academia, government, or the private sector. Historians who become tenured professors at universities can earn salaries in the range of $80,000 to $150,000 per year. Historians who work in government or the private sector can earn salaries in the range of $60,000 to $100,000 per year.
It’s important to note that historians may also have opportunities to earn additional income through consulting, writing, and speaking engagements. Overall, while the earning potential for historians may not be as high as some other careers, it can still be a rewarding and fulfilling field for those with a passion for history.

The opportunities for career advancement in the field of history are diverse and can vary depending on the specific area of history one specializes in. Some possible career paths for historians include:
1. Academic positions: Historians can work as professors or researchers in universities and colleges, where they can advance to higher ranks such as associate or full professor with tenure.
2. Curatorial roles: Historians can work in museums, galleries, and archives as curators, archivists, or collections managers, where they can advance to senior curatorial roles or leadership positions.
3. Government positions: Historians can work in government agencies such as the National Archives and Records Administration, the Library of Congress, or the National Park Service, where they can advance to higher-level positions such as directors or administrators.
4. Non-profit organizations: Historians can work in non-profit organizations such as historical societies, preservation groups, or advocacy organizations, where they can advance to leadership roles or executive positions.
5. Private sector: Historians can work in the private sector as consultants, researchers, or analysts for companies that require historical expertise, such as law firms, media outlets, or marketing agencies.
Overall, career advancement in the field of history depends on one’s skills, experience, and education, as well as the specific career path chosen. Continued education, networking, and professional development can also help historians advance in their careers.

The biggest challenges facing historians include:
1. Limited job opportunities: Historians often face limited job opportunities, particularly in academia. This can make it difficult for them to find stable employment in their field.
2. Funding and resources: Historians often require funding and resources to conduct research, access archives, and travel to historical sites. Securing funding and resources can be challenging, especially for independent historians.
3. Maintaining objectivity: Historians must strive to maintain objectivity in their research and interpretation of historical events. This can be difficult, as personal biases and societal influences can impact their work.
4. Keeping up with new research and technology: Historians must stay up-to-date with new research and technology in their field to remain relevant and competitive. This can be challenging, as the field of history is constantly evolving.
To overcome these challenges, historians can:
1. Network and gain experience: Historians can gain experience through internships, volunteer opportunities, and networking with other professionals in their field. This can help them build their resumes and increase their chances of finding employment.
2. Seek funding and resources: Historians can seek funding and resources through grants, fellowships, and scholarships. They can also partner with organizations and institutions to gain access to archives and historical sites.
3. Remain objective: Historians can remain objective by being aware of their personal biases and seeking out diverse perspectives. They can also engage in peer review and seek feedback from other professionals in their field.
4. Stay up-to-date: Historians can stay up-to-date with new research and technology by attending conferences, subscribing to academic journals, and participating in professional development opportunities. They can also collaborate with other professionals in their field to share knowledge and ideas.

1. Internships: Seek out internships with historical organizations, museums, or government agencies. This will give you hands-on experience in the field and allow you to make connections with professionals.
2. Volunteer: Volunteer at historical societies, museums, or archives. This will give you exposure to the field and allow you to network with professionals.
3. Attend conferences and events: Attend conferences and events related to history. This will allow you to meet other professionals in the field and learn about new developments and opportunities.
4. Join professional organizations: Join professional organizations such as the American Historical Association or the National Council on Public History. This will give you access to resources and networking opportunities.
5. Conduct informational interviews: Reach out to professionals in the field and ask for informational interviews. This will allow you to learn more about the field and make connections with professionals.
6. Publish: Consider publishing articles or papers related to history. This will help you establish yourself as a knowledgeable professional in the field.
7. Further education: Consider pursuing further education in history, such as a master’s degree or PhD. This will give you advanced knowledge and skills in the field and make you a more competitive candidate for jobs.

Job prospects for historians can vary depending on the specific field of history they specialize in and the level of education they have obtained. Historians can work in a variety of settings, including museums, archives, universities, government agencies, and private organizations.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of historians is projected to grow 3 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. However, competition for jobs in this field is expected to be strong, as there are typically more qualified candidates than job openings.
In the future, the demand for historians may continue to grow as organizations continue to seek out individuals with expertise in researching and analyzing historical data. However, technological advancements may also impact the field of history, as digital archives and online resources may make certain aspects of historical research more accessible to the general public.
Overall, while job prospects for historians may be competitive, those who are passionate about the field and willing to pursue advanced degrees and gain experience may find rewarding career opportunities.

The most important skills and qualities that someone needs to succeed in a career as a historian include:
1. Strong research skills: Historians spend a lot of time researching and analyzing historical events, so it’s important to have strong research skills to be able to gather and interpret information accurately.
2. Critical thinking: Historians must be able to think critically and analyze information to draw conclusions and make connections between events.
3. Attention to detail: Historians must pay close attention to details in historical documents and artifacts to understand the context of historical events.
4. Strong writing skills: Historians must be able to communicate their findings and ideas effectively through writing.
5. Passion for history: A genuine interest and passion for history is essential for anyone pursuing a career as a historian.
6. Open-mindedness: Historians must be open to new ideas and perspectives, as historical interpretations can change over time.
7. Patience: Historians often spend years researching and analyzing historical events, so patience is important to see a project through to completion.
8. Adaptability: Historians must be able to adapt to new research methods and technologies as they emerge.

Historians can find employment opportunities in various sectors and industries, including:
1. Education: Historians can work as professors, lecturers, or teachers in universities, colleges, and schools.
2. Museums and archives: Historians can work in museums, historical societies, and archives, preserving and interpreting historical artifacts and documents.
3. Government: Historians can work for government agencies, such as the National Park Service, the Library of Congress, or the Smithsonian Institution.
4. Research: Historians can work as research analysts or consultants for businesses, non-profit organizations, or government agencies.
5. Media: Historians can work as writers, editors, or consultants for newspapers, magazines, television, or film production companies.
6. Publishing: Historians can work as authors, editors, or reviewers for publishing companies, producing historical books, journals, or articles.
7. Non-profit organizations: Historians can work for non-profit organizations, such as historical societies, advocacy groups, or charities, promoting the study and preservation of history.
8. Consulting: Historians can work as consultants for law firms, corporations, or individuals, providing historical research and analysis for legal cases, business decisions, or personal interests.

Misconception: Historians only work in academia and spend all their time reading and writing.
Reality: While many historians do work in academia, there are also opportunities for historians to work in a variety of fields, including museums, archives, government agencies, and historical societies. Historians also engage in a range of activities beyond reading and writing, such as conducting research, analyzing data, giving presentations, and working with artifacts and other primary sources.
Misconception: Historians only study the distant past and have no relevance to modern society.
Reality: Historians study a wide range of time periods, including the recent past, and their work can have important implications for understanding contemporary issues and events. For example, historians might study the history of social movements to inform current activism, or research the history of pandemics to help guide public health policy.
Misconception: Historians only focus on political and military history.
Reality: While political and military history are important fields of study within the discipline, historians also study a wide range of other topics, including social, cultural, economic, and environmental history. Historians might study the history of art, music, or literature, or research the history of science and technology.