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Washington and Lee University

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Career Opportunities for History Students

"What can you do with a degree in History?"

 W&L History grads have developed outstanding careers in 
         --- public service, government and diplomacy, 
         --- teaching in fine primary or secondary schools, sometimes beginning by
              serving in Teach for America, or pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching, 
         --- history, museum curatorship, information management, higher education administration, 
         --- law, medicine,
         --- business and finance, and
         --- More! 

Career Services maintains extensive resources to help you with career choice, internships, networking with alumni, your own online album, job placement and graduate school.
They stress these two tips for History majors:

  • Employers are looking for intelligent graduates who can think and write well. 
    History builds analytical thinking and clear effective communication = marketable skills!
  • Your job searches are helped immeasurably by 1) a clear statement of what you want to accomplish and contribute, and 2) evidence that you have engaged in meaningful employment and/or internships. 
History: What can I do with this Major? is a helpful resource published by the University of Tennessee.

Developing a career as a professional historian?
Check The American Historical Association's publication Careers for Students of History  which "discusses employment options in the classroom, museums, the publishing industry, archives, historic preservation, and government."  

The AHA also publishes a webpage of links to employment advertisements and general information on Careers in Public History (careers as an historian outside of teaching.)