A career in history gives you a true understanding of the past that can be applied not only to traditional roles in the field but also to a range of industries you might not have considered before.
There is a strong need for truth and creative storytelling in fields such as design, curation, and even marketing. A background in the study of the past can help you adapt to the emerging trends in today’s job market.
We’ve outlined why a History and Civilizations major might be just the right fit for you, and what potential roles you can consider with this degree.
What do you learn in a history major?
A history major teaches you about the past in an engaging way and uses it to help you compare different scenarios, analyze them, and find connections with the present that can be useful in a range of contexts. It’s like you’re given a new lens through which to view the world and explore multiple perspectives.
“Since studying history is not about memorizing dates, but about understanding people, ideas, and how the world really works, a history degree gives you skills: critical thinking, sharp research skills, persuasive writing, and the ability to see the big picture,” said Markus Wien, History & Civilizations professor at AUBG. “These are not just academic – they make you employable.”
Is a history degree worth it?
History will always remain relevant, perhaps now more than ever, when so much information gets lost in the murky waters of digital overload and misinformation.
“Observing the war in Yugoslavia from a distance in Vienna, and later here at AUBG, made me want to understand it better,” said Emil Keraenji (‘97), one of the first AUBG alumni. “And in order to do that, you need to understand history better.”
As technology advances and the demand for historical and cultural context across industries grows, so does the need for historians. In fact, employment of historians is projected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
As a custodian of the past, you will bridge historical accuracy with today’s innovations to retell stories in meaningful, engaging ways. Because of that, history majors can find a job in practically any field. According to U.S. Census data, they develop in at least 498 different occupations.
Career paths in history
“History graduates make as teachers, lawyers, journalists, diplomats, museum curators, entrepreneurs, and more,” said Professor Wien.
Beyond the more obvious careers, they can find jobs in less traditional fields due to the versatility of the major: “In the private sector, history graduates find opportunities in business, consultancy, marketing, and human resources, adding value with their broad perspective and communication skills,” said Professor Wien.
A history degree can also be a great stepping stone to graduate degrees and subsequent careers in more specialized fields, such as law, international relations, politics, and more.
Here are some of the roles and areas you can explore with a history major foundation, and how you can further your skills and credentials to land them.
Immersive exhibitions curator
Museums, galleries, and cultural centers are being transformed into hubs of innovation and immersive engagement with art and history. They now use technologies such as Augmented and Virtual Reality, 3D scanning, AI, interactive exhibits, and more. As they constantly look for new ways for visitors to experience art or the past, curators who have the vision and expertise to create interactive exhibitions are high demand.
In this space, heritage technologists and AR/VR experiential designers who blend the physical with the digital can pursue inspiring careers. While it’s a niche career path for history majors, it’s growing fast and attracting history lovers with a creative and technical flair.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: computer science, graphic design, art history
Environmental historian
With climate health being a global issue, historians who study the relationship between people and the environment over time are in high demand.
Universities, NGOs, sustainability consultancies, and governmental agencies are looking for experts to help form policies and take actions. This career is set to grow, especially for those with interdisciplinary expertise in climate history, sustainability, and urban planning.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: sustainability studies, urban design, public policy, political science & international relations
Careers in education
Perhaps one of the more obvious career paths for a history major is education. With a master’s degree, you can find a job teaching at primary, secondary, and high schools, or even become an adjunct instructor at a university. However, if you wish to become a professor, you’ll need a PhD and a specialization in your chosen area.
Teaching is not the only possible path in education. Many become research assistants or researchers, either as stand-alone careers or complimenting their teaching endeavours. You can also develop educational programs at libraries, historical sites, or museums.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: pedagogical studies, innovative teaching methods, experiential learnings, museum studies
Government and policy-making careers
Many historians find meaningful work in public service, helping to draft policies and ensure that history is used and communicated accurately. Their research skills come in very handy, as historical data is essential to providing context and helping evaluate the impact of laws and policies.
Government historians are especially needed in areas such as climate, inclusivity, conflict, and collective memory.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: political science & international relations, psychology, public policy
UX design/game development
Many tech companies, digital agencies, and game development studios are seeking next-level storytelling. Often, that requires a deep understanding of the past, presented in an accessible and engaging way.
Content designers and UX writers with a history background can develop user-friendly content for websites, apps, games, or digital tools that present historical accounts accurately and compellingly.
“One of the greatest advantages of a history degree is that it works perfect in combination with other fields: Journalism teaches you how to tell stories, history gives you the stories,” said Professor Wien. “Popular computer games like ‘Assassin’s Creed’ could have never been developed without the involvement of experts in History who also know how to code.”
Compatible skills and majors/minors: journalism and mass communication, UX design, computer science, graphic design, information systems
Careers in business
Having the analytical skills to view information from multiple perspectives and make informed decisions is highly valued in the business world. History majors can become great business consultants, corporate archivists, and even managers, thanks to their refined research and analytical skills.
They are also preferred in marketing teams, as they can apply contextual thinking to identify emerging patterns, develop strategies, and oversee execution.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: business administration, integrated marketing communications
Journalism and publishing careers
If you have both a knack for history and a flair for content creation, whether writing, videography, photography, or podcasting, a career in journalism can be ideal for you.
It allows you to combine your vast knowledge with various storytelling techniques and engage other people in the facts or stories you’re fascinated by. You can work in film and media production, traditional journalism, documentaries-making, or even creating content for museums and galleries.
You can also explore careers in publishing, as history graduates make for great editors, technical writers, and publishing assistants, applying their historical knowledge and fact-checking skills.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: journalism and mass communication, film & creative media, creative writing
Working with data
Many companies today need people who can store and analyze data, working alongside developing technologies. Big marketing and research firms are looking for data analysts, researchers, and archivists.
Libraries, museums, and universities that previously used historians to sort out archives, now rely on digital historians to scan and digitize documents.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: data analysis, information systems, library studies, computer science, statistics
History & Civilizations is a field that will keep growing, and its graduates will be in demand for their expert knowledge, critical thinking, and the ability to translate the past into engaging stories for the present. Whether you decide to pursue a history degree on its own or combine it with other majors or minors, you’re sure to have a spot in the developing job market.
