Federal agencies including: The Smithsonian Institute, National Archives and Records,
Library of Congress, National Park Service, Intelligence services, Foreign service
State and local agencies including: Archives and libraries, Museums, parks, and historic
sites, Municipal archives, Arts and humanities councils
STRATEGIES
Gain relevant experience in student government or other related organizations.
Complete an internship with a government agency. Maintain a superior academic record.
Plan on obtaining an advanced degree. Develop foreign language skills.
Become familiar with specialized government hiring procedures. Consider a variety
of entry-level positions in all branches of local, state, and federal government.
POLITICS
EMPLOYERS
Elected or appointed public officials (i.e., legislators, governors, mayors, judges)
National political party headquarters
Public interest/advocacy groups
Political campaigns
STRATEGIES
Gain experience and make contacts through internships with government agencies or
public officials
Volunteer to work with public interest groups, political campaigns, political associations,
or community service projects
Participate in student government and campus politics.
LAW
EMPLOYERS
Law firms
Corporate legal departments
Government agencies
Public advocacy groups
STRATEGIES
Obtain paralegal training or law degree
Gain experience through summer or part-time work in a law firm
Volunteer with a public advocacy group
Participate in mock trial and pre-law associations.
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
EMPLOYERS
History museums and historic sites
Historical associations and societies
Cultural heritage organizations
Historical projects
Research and service institutions
STRATEGIES
Volunteer with various nonprofit organizations of interest
Consider supplementing curriculum with relevant course work in anthropology, sociology,
art history, or foreign languages.
CURATORIAL & ARCHIVAL MANAGEMENT
EMPLOYERS
Museums
Historical homes
Art galleries
Special collections
Historical societies
Libraries
Universities and colleges
National, state, and local government
Corporations
Non-profit organizations
Research institutes
STRATEGIES
Acquire strong computer knowledge and experience
Obtain an internship or volunteer in a related organization
Develop excellent written and oral communication skills
Hone organizational skills and develop attention to detail
Earn a master's degree in information sciences for advanced opportunities in data
management.
JOURNALISM
Broadcast
Print
EMPLOYERS
News departments of local, public, and commercial radio and TV stations
Syndicated radio services
Newspapers
National, state, and regional radio networks
STRATEGIES
Work on campus newspaper, TV, or radio.
Find summer or part-time work with local commercial TV or radio station.
Volunteer with public TV or radio.
Consider obtaining a minor or double major in journalism or broadcasting/electronic
media.
EDUCATION
Teaching: Elementary, Middle, or Secondary, Higher Education
Community Education
EMPLOYERS
Public and private schools
Colleges and universities
Museums
Zoological parks, aquariums, wildlife refuges, and bird sanctuaries
Aboretums, gardens, and conservatories
Camps
National and state parks
STRATEGIES
Develop excellent presentation skills
Become skilled in the use of multimedia.
Learn how to develop curriculums and workshops
Become an "expert" in a particular subject
Obtain teaching certificate for public school teaching. Obtain a graduate degree for
college and/or university teaching
Gain experience as a tutor, camp counselor, church schoolteacher, etc
Build strong relationships with professors, supervisors, or other community leaders
for strong personal recommendations
Complete an internship or volunteer in a setting of interest.
BUSINESS
Management
Sales
Office Administration
EMPLOYERS
All major retail firms including drug, specialty, variety, and department store chains
Wholesalers
Manufacturers
Insurance companies
Real estate agencies
Financial institutions
Nonprofit organizations
STRATEGIES
Earn a minor in business
Obtain related experience through advertisement sales positions with campus yearbook
or newspaper
Gain relevant retail sales experience
Acquire good computer and statistical skills
Develop excellent communication skills
Demonstrate a high energy level
Obtain leadership experience in student or community organizations
Consider an MBA for brand management, consulting, and research opportunities.
GENERAL INFORMATION
An undergraduate degree in history is good preparation for graduate study in history
as well as other areas such as psychology, law, or business.
Research the prerequisites of the area of interest and tailor program of study to
meet curricular and skill needs.
Part-time, summer, internship, and volunteer experiences are critical.
Develop skills by obtaining a leadership role in a school or community organization.
Get involved in Student Government.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills are imperative for most careers
related to history, politics, or government.
Become familiar with the government application process for opportunities in federal,
state, or local government.
Prepare to develop a specialty area including both academic training and work experience
for history related careers.
Develop patience, persistence, and drive in obtaining history related positions.
For careers in politics, be prepared to volunteer extensively before being hired or
elected as an employee or official. Begin by working with the campaign or official
of choice while in college.
For careers in arts and humanities, obtain a broad liberal arts background including
knowledge of the arts, personal and mass communication, and foreign languages.
Join related social and/or professional organizations.
Develop a network of both formal and informal contacts.
Research websites and books that address various job opportunities, pay structure,
and hiring processes.
