Studying history is more than just studying the past and it is about more than memorizing names, dates, and events. Studying history is learning more about the world around us and, through that learning, understanding how and why history shapes all of our lives.
Laney College history classes provide students with the creative and intellectual challenges, opportunities, and support that will lead to individual and social growth. History students will have the opportunity to improve their research and communication skills and to develop important and necessary skills such as critical analysis and creative thinking through historical interpretation.
These skills will prepare students for future success as they connect their own histories to the histories of others and learn from the past to help make a better future.
Career Opportunities
A history degree can open up various career opportunities that go beyond traditional roles in academia. The skills developed through the study of history, such as research, critical thinking, analysis, and effective communication, are highly transferable and valuable in a range of fields. Here are some potential career paths for individuals with a history degree:
- Education and Academia:
- Teacher or Professor: Teach history at the high school or college level.
- Archivist: Preserve and organize historical documents and artifacts.
- Research and Analysis:
- Research Analyst: Work for research institutions, think tanks, or private companies.
- Historical Consultant: Provide expertise for historical accuracy in various projects.
- Museum and Cultural Heritage:
- Museum Curator: Manage collections and exhibitions in museums.
- Heritage Manager: Oversee the preservation of cultural and historical sites.
- Archives and Libraries:
- Archivist: Organize and maintain historical records in archives and libraries.
- Librarian: Specialize in historical collections within a library setting.
- Government and Public Service:
- Policy Analyst: Analyze historical data to inform policy decisions.
- Public Historian: Work for government agencies, helping to interpret and communicate historical information.
- Journalism and Publishing:
- Historian Writer: Write books, articles, or blogs on historical topics.
- Editor: Review and edit historical content for publications.
- Business and Management:
- Corporate Historian: Research and document the history of a company.
- Business Analyst: Analyze historical trends to inform business strategies.
- Law and Legal Services:
- Legal Researcher: Conduct historical research to support legal cases.
- Cultural Property Lawyer: Specialize in legal issues related to cultural heritage.
- Communication and Media:
- Documentary Filmmaker: Create historical documentaries.
- Historical Consultant for Film/TV: Ensure historical accuracy in media productions.
- Nonprofit and Advocacy:
- Historical Preservationist: Work to preserve and protect historical landmarks.
- Grant Writer: Prepare grant proposals for historical projects.
- Tourism and Heritage Management:
- Tour Guide: Provide historical context for tourists at historical sites.
- Heritage Manager: Oversee the development and management of heritage tourism sites.
Remember that networking, gaining relevant experience through internships, and developing additional skills (such as digital research and data analysis) can enhance your competitiveness in the job market. A history degree offers a versatile foundation for a wide range of careers, and your passion for understanding and interpreting the past can be applied in diverse professional settings.
