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As a student approaching the end of your time at university or perhaps a graduate who recently acquired a history degree, it's quite natural to ponder: 'What can I do with a history degree?'. While this particular field of study might not have as clear a career path as certain vocational degrees, the transferable skills you've gained are valuable in a wide range of professions.

1 Work in education

Perhaps the most apparent choice for history graduates is to venture into the realm of education. Whether as a secondary school teacher or a lecturer in higher education, your knowledge of history can be employed to enlighten the next generation. Moreover, education extends beyond academia – it encompasses roles in museums, libraries, and other cultural institutions that value the expertise of history graduates.

If you are reviewing or crafting a description for such roles, the responsibilities to include in job descriptions might include devising and implementing educational programmes, providing learning support to students or visitors, and staying updated with the latest research in your field.

2 Engage in heritage and tourism

Heritage sites and museums require skilled individuals to curate exhibits, organise tours, and conduct historical research. Similarly, the tourism industry values the ability to narrate engaging stories about local history. Roles in this sector can be quite varied, allowing you to utilise your historical knowledge creatively.

3 Take on roles in media and journalism

A history degree provides you with excellent research skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to contextualise events – all qualities highly sought after in the media and journalism industry. Whether it's researching for documentaries, writing engaging articles, or creating content for various media platforms, your expertise can be a significant asset in this field.

4 Pursue a career in law

While a history degree might not immediately seem relevant to a law career, the skills you gain during your studies are remarkably similar to those needed in law. Critical thinking, the ability to analyse large amounts of information, constructing arguments – all are key skills for both historians and lawyers. Many history graduates have successfully transitioned to law with further study.

5 Consider public service roles

Public service sectors, such as local government, foreign service, or even intelligence, appreciate the understanding of cultural contexts and historical precedents that history graduates bring. Such roles often involve policymaking, community engagement, and international relations. As part of your responsibilities, you will be required to use your analytical skills to review and influence policy decisions, making a direct impact on society.

6 Enter the business world

Contrary to what many believe, a history degree can lead to a rewarding career in business. Companies value the analytical, research, and communication skills that history graduates bring to the table. Roles in HR, project management, marketing, PR, and more can all benefit from the unique perspective offered by a historical understanding.

In crafting job descriptions for these roles, your responsibilities might include strategic planning based on market analysis, developing internal and external communication strategies, or even managing diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Wrapping up

Ultimately, a history degree opens doors to a multitude of career paths. The real strength of this degree lies in its ability to provide you with a broad skill set, ranging from critical analysis to effective communication. With a historical understanding, you bring a unique perspective to whichever career you choose, demonstrating that the past is not only vital to understanding the present but also to navigating the future.

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