How to Become a Historian: Is It the Right Career for You?

Historians may engage with the public through educational programs and presentations.

Becoming a historian could be the ideal career path if you’re passionate about uncovering the past and shaping the understanding of the present. Exploring this profession starts with understanding what historians do, their working environment, and career opportunities.

To determine if this career aligns with your strengths and interests, career tests such as the Free Career Fit Test™ can help you assess your transferable skills, personal traits, and content knowledge, ensuring a well-informed decision. This article delves into the world of historians to help you decide if this career is right for you.

What Does a Historian Do?

Historians play a critical role in preserving and interpreting the past, providing insights that shape our understanding of the present and guide future decisions. Their work is rooted in uncovering truths about human experiences, societies, and events, ensuring that knowledge is preserved and made accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences.

Key Responsibilities

Researching Historical Topics

Historians delve deep into archives, libraries, museums, and other repositories to gather evidence about historical events, figures, or phenomena. This involves:

  • Accessing primary sources like letters, diaries, photographs, and official documents.
  • Analyzing secondary sources such as previous research and scholarly interpretations.
  • Conducting oral histories or interviews to capture firsthand accounts, particularly for recent historical events.

Analyzing Evidence

The analysis process is where historians sift through and critically examine evidence to determine its authenticity, relevance, and significance. This often involves:

  • Identifying biases or gaps in historical records.
  • Comparing conflicting accounts to piece together accurate narratives.
  • Using methodologies like textual analysis or digital tools to study patterns and trends.

Writing and Publishing

A significant portion of a historian’s role involves compiling their findings into formats that can be shared with various audiences, including:

  • Books and Monographs: Comprehensive works that explore specific historical topics in-depth.
  • Academic Journals: Articles that contribute to scholarly discourse and are peer-reviewed for accuracy and originality.
  • Public History Works: Content for museums, documentaries, or websites that educate the general public.

Historians often strive to make their work engaging and accessible, balancing rigorous research with compelling storytelling.

Teaching

Historians frequently take on teaching roles, sharing their expertise in classrooms or lecture halls. They:

  • Develop curricula that explore various periods, regions, or themes.
  • Mentor students in critical thinking and research methods.
  • Organize field trips or hands-on experiences, such as visits to historical sites or archival research projects.

Consulting and Advising

Historians often serve as advisors in contexts where an accurate understanding of the past is essential. Examples include:

  • Assisting filmmakers or authors in creating precise historical works.
  • Consulting with urban planners or architects on the preservation of historical sites.
  • Advising government agencies on commemorative projects, policy development, or cultural heritage initiatives.

Specialized Roles in Historical Work

While many historians perform broad research and analysis, others focus on specific areas of history or work within unique niches:

  • Public Historians: These professionals work with museums, historical societies, or public projects to make history accessible to broader audiences.
  • Archivists: Focus on preserving historical records and artifacts.
  • Oral Historians: Specialize in collecting and preserving spoken memories and stories.
  • Digital Historians: Use modern technology to create databases, virtual exhibits, or analytical tools for historical research.

Impact of Historians’ Work

Historians shape how societies remember and learn from their past by:

  • Informing public debates and policies with historical context.
  • Preserving cultural heritage and identity.
  • Inspiring curiosity and critical thinking about human experiences.

The role of a historian is as diverse as history itself, offering countless opportunities to explore the past and make meaningful contributions to the present.

What Is the Working Environment for a Historian?

Historians work in a variety of environments, depending on their specialization.

Typical Settings

  • Academic Institutions: Universities and colleges employ historians to teach and conduct research.
  • Museums and Archives: They curate exhibits, preserve artifacts, and develop educational materials.
  • Government Agencies: Historians often work in roles focused on preserving records and supporting cultural initiatives.
  • Nonprofits and Think Tanks: They research public policy or advocacy topics.
  • Independent Consulting: Freelance historians work on projects like documentary production, historical site preservation, or legal cases.

Work Hours

Most historians work full-time, often balancing research and writing with other responsibilities like teaching or administrative tasks. Fieldwork or travel may be required for research projects.

How Do You Become a Historian?

A historian requires a blend of education, skills development, and practical experience.

Educational Path

  1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Start with a degree in history or a related field, such as anthropology or political science.
  2. Pursue a Master’s Degree: Many historian roles require a master’s degree to develop specialized expertise.
  3. Complete a Doctoral Program: Academic and high-level research roles often demand a Ph.D. in history.

Gaining Experience

  • Internships and Fellowships: Work with museums, historical societies, or archives to gain practical experience.
  • Research Projects: Participate in or lead historical research to build your expertise and portfolio.
  • Networking: Join professional associations, like the American Historical Association (AHA), to connect with industry experts.

Learn more about becoming a historian on O*NET.

What Is the Salary of a Historian?

Historians earn varying salaries based on experience, education level, and work setting.

Median Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for historians is approximately $63,940. Academic and consulting roles may offer higher salaries, while museum and nonprofit work often pay less.

What Is the Labor Market for a Historian?

The demand for historians is moderate, with growth largely dependent on funding for public history projects and academic institutions.

Job Outlook

  • Employment for historians is projected to grow about 4% over the next decade, slower than the average for all occupations.
  • Historians with digital research skills or expertise in niche areas may find better opportunities.

Explore detailed labor market trends on O*NET.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Being a Historian?

Pros

  • Intellectual Fulfillment: Engaging with history allows for continuous learning and exploration.
  • Impactful Work: Historians contribute to cultural preservation and public education.
  • Diverse Opportunities: The field offers roles in academia, government, consulting, and beyond.

Cons

  • Competitive Job Market: Academic and research roles can be highly competitive.
  • Variable Pay: Salaries may be lower than in other fields requiring advanced degrees.
  • Demanding Research: Historical work often involves meticulous research and long hours.

What Are Related Jobs for a Historian?

Here are some alternative careers related to history:

  • Archivist: Manage and preserve historical documents and records.
  • Museum Curator: Oversee exhibits and collections at museums or galleries.
  • Librarian: Help people access and organize information in libraries or research institutions.
  • Anthropologist: Study human cultures, past and present, to understand societal development.
  • High School History Teacher: Teach history at the secondary school level.

What Types of Jobs Can a Historian Pursue?

Historians can find work in several sectors, such as:

  • Academia: Teaching and researching at universities.
  • Cultural Institutions: Working in museums, historical societies, or heritage sites.
  • Media and Publishing: Writing historical books and articles or producing documentaries.
  • Public History: Advising on historical projects or public policy initiatives.
  • Corporate Consulting: Providing historical insights for businesses or legal cases.

What Websites Are Best for Finding Historian Jobs?

How Do I Know If I Should Be a Historian?

Deciding whether a career as a historian is right for you involves self-reflection, exploring your interests and strengths, and gathering detailed insights about the profession. Historians are naturally curious, dedicated to understanding the past, and passionate about sharing knowledge. Here’s how you can evaluate your fit for this career:

Self-Assessment Tools

The journey begins with understanding yourself. Career aptitude tests like the Free Career Fit Test™ can help you identify whether your unique skills and interests align with this profession. This test assesses three key areas:

  • Transferable Skills: Skills such as research, critical analysis, and problem-solving, which are vital for gathering and interpreting historical data.
  • Personal Skills: Attributes like intellectual curiosity, attention to detail, patience, and resilience, which are essential for long-term historical projects.
  • Content Skills: Specific competencies such as historical knowledge, effective communication, and writing skills are critical for publishing or presenting findings in educational settings.

Taking the Career Fit Test™ provides personalized insights into how your abilities and interests align with the work of a historian, guiding you in making an informed decision.

Informational Interviewing

Learning from those who are already working as historians can provide invaluable clarity. Use platforms like LinkedIn or professional organizations such as the American Historical Association (AHA) to connect with experienced professionals. During these conversations, consider asking:

  • What inspired them to pursue a career in history?
  • What does a typical day look like for them?
  • What challenges and rewards come with their role?
  • What advice would they give to someone considering this path?

Hearing firsthand accounts can reveal the realities and nuances of being a historian that might not be immediately obvious.

Evaluate Your Interests

Are you captivated by old documents, artifacts, or historical stories? Are you the type of person who enjoys piecing together puzzles, understanding complex narratives, or tracing the roots of contemporary issues to their historical origins? If so, you may already have a natural inclination for this career.

Consider Your Long-Term Goals

A career in history often involves continuous learning and specialization. Ask yourself:

  • Are you willing to pursue advanced education, such as a master’s or doctoral degree, often required for academic or research roles?
  • Do you envision contributing to academic knowledge, public education, or cultural preservation?
  • Are you prepared for the challenges of a competitive job market where roles may be specialized or require relocation?

Explore Related Experiences

Before committing, gain hands-on exposure through internships, volunteer roles, or part-time jobs in museums, archives, or research institutions. These experiences can provide a practical glimpse into the work environment and demands of a historian’s role.

Join Professional Associations

Consider joining organizations like the AHA or regional historical societies. These groups often host networking events, workshops, and webinars to help you explore your interest in history while building connections in the field.

The Role of Passion and Resilience

Historians are driven by a passion for uncovering and understanding the past, but this career also requires perseverance. Projects can be time-intensive, funding may be competitive, and not every discovery will yield groundbreaking results. Reflect on whether these challenges align with your personality and professional goals.

Deciding to become a historian requires a mix of self-awareness, exploration, and preparation. Use tools like the Free Career Fit Test™ to evaluate your skills and strengths and seek professional insights to gain a well-rounded understanding of the field. By thoughtfully assessing your abilities and interests, you can determine whether a historian’s life of inquiry, analysis, and storytelling is the right path for you.

How Can I Learn More About a Career as a Historian?

Visit the following resources for more information:

Conclusion

Becoming a historian is a fulfilling career path for those passionate about uncovering the past and sharing its lessons with the world. Whether you’re drawn to academia, public history, or consulting, the Free Career Fit Test™ can help determine if your skills align with this rewarding field. Take the first step today and explore how history can shape your future!