History

Historical Consultant: Mid-level professionals can become historical consultants, providing expertise on historical matters for projects, media productions, or organizations seeking historical accuracy.

Museum Curator: Advancing from entry-level roles, individuals can become museum curators, overseeing the curation and management of collections, exhibits, and educational programs in museums or cultural institutions.

Archivist: Mid-level archivists take on more significant responsibilities in managing and preserving historical records, overseeing archival projects, and ensuring the proper organization of historical documents.

Historical Preservation Specialist: Graduates can specialize in historical preservation, working on projects related to the conservation and restoration of historical buildings, landmarks, or sites.

Educational Program Coordinator (History Education): Mid-level professionals in education can coordinate educational programs related to history, developing curriculum, organizing events, and overseeing outreach initiatives.

Historical Researcher/Analyst: Mid-level researchers or analysts may work in research institutions, government agencies, or private organizations, conducting in-depth historical research and providing insights for various projects.

Policy Analyst (Historical Policy Research): Those with a background in history can become mid-level policy analysts, contributing historical perspectives to policy research, development, and analysis.

Public History Project Manager: Graduates can advance to mid-level project management roles in public history, overseeing the planning and execution of historical projects, exhibitions, or events aimed at engaging the public.

1. Museum and Heritage Management
   • Work as a curator, exhibit designer, or educational program manager.
   • Use storytelling skills to bring history to life for visitors.
2. Education and Academia
   • Teach at schools, universities, or online platforms.
   • Develop courses or write textbooks.
3. Public History and Archives
   • Work with archives, libraries, or public institutions to preserve and interpret historical documents.
4. Writing and Publishing
   • Write historical non-fiction, biographies, or historical fiction.
   • Contribute to magazines, journals, or blogs focused on history.
5. Cultural Resource Management
   • Assist in preserving historical sites or advising on urban development projects.
6. Tourism and Travel Writing
   • Create historically themed tours or write guides for historical sites and landmarks.
7. Digital Humanities
   • Use technology to analyze and present historical data through interactive media, apps, or websites.
8. Legal or Forensic Research
   • Apply historical research to legal cases or genealogy work

Chief Historian: At the senior level, individuals can attain the role of Chief Historian, providing strategic leadership in shaping historical narratives, guiding research projects, and representing historical perspectives within organizations.

Director of Archives and Special Collections: Senior professionals can become directors, overseeing archives and special collections in libraries or institutions, managing staff, and ensuring the preservation of valuable historical materials.

Historical Consultant (Senior Level): Graduates can reach senior positions as historical consultants, advising on complex historical matters for major projects, media productions, or institutions with a focus on historical accuracy and integrity.

Executive Director of Historical Society or Museum: At the senior leadership level, individuals can become executive directors of historical societies or museums, overseeing the overall operations, strategic planning, and community engagement initiatives.

Historical Preservation Director: Senior professionals in historical preservation can lead as directors, managing preservation programs, developing policies, and overseeing projects related to the conservation and protection of historical sites.

Senior Research Fellow: Those with extensive research experience can attain senior research fellow positions, contributing to significant historical research projects, publishing scholarly work, and providing leadership in research institutions.

Historical Policy Advisor: At the senior level, individuals can become advisors on historical policy matters, providing insights, analysis, and guidance to policymakers, government agencies, or organizations involved in policy development.

Professor of History (Senior Level): Senior academics may reach the level of full professorship, contributing to the field through advanced research, publications, and leadership within academic institutions, shaping the next generation of historians.

Research Assistant: Entry-level research assistant positions allow graduates to contribute to historical research projects, assisting scholars, institutions, or organizations in gathering and analyzing historical data.

Museum Technician/Assistant Curator: Graduates can start as museum technicians or assistant curators, working in museums to assist in the curation and preservation of historical artifacts and exhibits.

Archival Assistant: Entry-level roles in archives involve assisting in the organization, cataloging, and preservation of historical documents and records within archival collections.

Teaching Assistant (History Education): Graduates can become teaching assistants, supporting history educators in classrooms, gaining practical teaching experience, and potentially pursuing careers in education.

Historical Interpreter/Guide: Entry-level positions in historical sites or museums as interpreters or guides involve sharing historical information with visitors, providing an immersive and educational experience.

Library Assistant (History Section): Graduates can work as library assistants in the history section, helping users access historical literature, documents, and resources within library collections.

Entry-Level Research Analyst: Graduates may find roles as entry-level research analysts, working in research organizations, think tanks, or policy institutes to contribute to historical research and analysis.

Junior Editor/Writer (Historical Publications): Entry-level positions in publishing or journalism involve working as junior editors or writers for historical publications, contributing to articles, essays, or features with a historical focus.

1. Business (Corporate Research, Consulting, Branding)

• Leverage Research Skills: Position yourself as an expert in market research, corporate storytelling, or consumer trends by using historical insights.
• Focus on Corporate Histories: Help companies document and celebrate their histories for branding or PR purposes.
• Build a Network: Connect with consulting firms, think tanks, and corporate communications teams.
• Pursue Additional Training: Consider certifications in business analytics, marketing, or data visualization to enhance your skillset.
• Follow Job Listing Sites for Relevant Industries: Look for job openings that mention archival research, historical data analytics, or other relevant skills (some many not have the word “historian” in the description).

2. Politics & Analytics (Policy Analysis, Public Affairs, Advocacy)

• Apply Historical Analysis: Use historical patterns and case studies to inform policy development or political strategies.
• Network with Politicians and Advocacy Groups: Offer expertise in researching policy impacts or crafting speeches with historical references.
• Work for Think Tanks: Join organizations that analyze social, economic, or political trends.
• Publish Thought Leadership: Write articles or op-eds that connect history to current events, building credibility in political circles.
• Follow Job Listing Sites for Relevant Industries: Look for job openings that mention archival research, historical data analytics, or other relevant skills (some many not have the word “historian” in the description).

3. Entertainment (Historical Consulting, Scriptwriting, Production)

• Become a Historical Consultant: Assist filmmakers, game developers, and authors in creating accurate historical portrayals.
• Collaborate on Creative Projects: Work with writers or directors to develop scripts, storylines, or sets grounded in historical authenticity.
• Pursue Writing Roles: Use your storytelling skills to write books, screenplays, or video game scripts based on historical themes.
• Network in the Industry: Attend entertainment conventions, festivals, and creative workshops to meet professionals in film and media.

Interested in exploring more resources related to careers in freelancing? Click below to research helpful articles!

Freelancing offers flexibility and creative freedom, making it a viable option for those who wish to apply their expertise across industries.

1. Define Your Niche:
   1. Specialize in a specific period, region, or application of history, such as military history, cultural history, or corporate storytelling.
2. Build a Portfolio:
   1. Create examples of your work, such as research papers, blog posts, or case studies, to showcase your expertise.
3. Network Effectively:
   1. Attend history-related conferences, join professional organizations, and engage with industry professionals online.
4. Leverage Online Platforms:
   1. Offer freelance services on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or LinkedIn.
   1. Create a personal website to attract clients.
5. Collaborate with Other Professionals:
   1. Work with writers, filmmakers, educators, or designers on projects.
   2. Create engaging content on social media (LinkedIn, Bluesky, etc.)
6. Expand Your Skillset:
   1. Learn tools like GIS (Geographic Information Systems), digital archiving software, or data visualization programs.
7. Market Your Services Creatively:
   1. Promote yourself as a corporate historian, heritage consultant, or content creator with a historical focus.
8. Monetize Your Expertise:
   1. Offer online courses, write e-books, or give public lectures to diversify your income streams.
9. Stay Updated:
   1. Follow trends in industries like entertainment, politics, or education to tailor your skills to their needs.
10. Create Passive Income Streams:
    • Sell research guides, history-themed merchandise, or access to premium historical content.

Professional associations in history provide historians, researchers, and scholars with opportunities for networking, collaboration, and staying informed about developments in the field. These associations provide platforms for academic exchange, professional development, and collaboration within specific historical periods, regions, or thematic focuses. Joining these organizations can be valuable for historians looking to engage with their peers, stay updated on research, and contribute to the advancement of the field. Here are ten prominent professional associations for history:

1. American Historical Association (AHA):
   • Website: AHA
   • Description: One of the largest and oldest professional organizations for historians, AHA promotes the study and teaching of history.
2. National Council for Public History (NCPH):
   • Website: NCPH
   • Description: NCPH focuses on promoting public engagement with history and connects professionals involved in public history.
3. World History Association (WHA):
   • Website: WHA
   • Description: WHA is dedicated to the study and teaching of world history, providing a platform for global perspectives.
4. American Association for State and Local History (AASLH):
   • Website: AASLH
   • Description: AASLH supports professionals and institutions involved in state and local history initiatives.
5. National Council for Public History (NCPH):
   • Website: NCPH
   • Description: NCPH is focused on advancing the field of public history, including museums, historic preservation, and community engagement.
6. Society for American Music (SAM):
   • Website: SAM
   • Description: SAM brings together scholars and professionals interested in the study of American music history.
7. Association for Asian Studies (AAS):
   • Website: AAS
   • Description: AAS is dedicated to the promotion of Asian studies and understanding the history and cultures of Asia.
8. The Medieval Academy of America:
   • Website: Medieval Academy
   • Description: The Medieval Academy focuses on the study of the Middle Ages and supports scholars in this field.
9. The Renaissance Society of America (RSA):
   • Website: RSA
   • Description: RSA is dedicated to the study of the Renaissance period, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
10. International Congress on Medieval Studies:
    • Website: International Congress on Medieval Studies
    • Description: An annual conference that brings together medievalists from various disciplines to share research and insights.

While history is a field that traditionally emphasizes academic degrees and research, there are certifications and micro-credentials that can complement a historian’s skills and open up opportunities in related areas. These certifications and micro-credentials can be beneficial for historians looking to expand their skill set, specialize in specific areas, or explore interdisciplinary approaches. It’s essential to choose credentials aligned with individual career goals and areas of interest within the broader field of history. Here are some recommended certifications and micro-credentials for history professionals:

Certifications:

1. Certified Archivist (CA):
   • Offered by the Academy of Certified Archivists, this certification validates skills in archival management and preservation.
2. Certification in Digital Archives Management:
   • Various institutions and organizations offer certifications in digital archives management, essential for historians working with digital collections.
3. Certified Genealogist (CG):
   • Administered by the Board for Certification of Genealogists, this certification is valuable for historians interested in genealogical research.
4. Certification in Museum Studies:
   • Many institutions and professional organizations offer certifications in museum studies, providing expertise in museum management and curation.

Micro-Credentials:

1. edX MicroMasters Program in History:
   • Universities such as the University of Queensland offer MicroMasters programs covering various aspects of history, providing a credential for online learning.
2. Coursera Specializations in Historical Studies:
   • Platforms like Coursera offer specializations in historical studies, allowing learners to explore specific themes or periods in history.
3. Digital Public Humanities Micro-Credentials:
   • Programs that focus on digital humanities and public engagement in history, offering skills in digital storytelling and public history.
4. Public History Micro-Credentials:
   • Specialized programs in public history that cover topics such as museum studies, archival management, and community engagement.
5. Digital Archives and Preservation Micro-Credentials:
   • Programs that focus on digital archives and preservation techniques, essential for historians dealing with digital collections.
6. Historical Research and Writing Micro-Credentials:
   • Programs that emphasize advanced research and writing skills in historical studies.
7. GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for Historians:
   • Micro-credentials that focus on using GIS tools for historical research and spatial analysis.
8. Online Teaching and E-Learning Certificates:
   • Certificates that focus on online teaching strategies and e-learning methodologies, relevant for historians involved in education.
9. Language Proficiency Certifications:
   • Certifications in specific languages relevant to a historian’s area of expertise, demonstrating language proficiency for research purposes.
10. Research Methodology and Analytics Micro-Credentials:
    • Programs that focus on advanced research methodologies and analytical skills, enhancing a historian’s ability to conduct rigorous research.

History professionals use a variety of software tools and skills to conduct research, analyze data, and present their findings. History professionals often use a combination of these skills and software tools to conduct in-depth research, contribute to academic discourse, and engage with wider audiences through public history initiatives. Continuous learning and adaptability are key in this field, given the evolving nature of historical research and scholarship. Here are some recommended software and skills for history professionals:

Software:

1. Research Databases:
   • JSTOR, ProQuest, and EBSCOhost: Platforms offering access to academic journals, articles, and primary source materials.
2. Digital Archives and Libraries:
   • Library of Congress Digital Collections, National Archives, and Digital Public Library of America (DPLA): Online repositories of historical documents and images.
3. Reference Management:
   • Zotero, Mendeley, and EndNote: Tools for organizing and citing sources in research projects.
4. Geographic Information Systems (GIS):
   • ArcGIS, QGIS: GIS tools for mapping and spatial analysis, useful for historical geography.
5. Data Analysis:
   • Excel, SPSS, R, and Python: Statistical and data analysis tools for quantitative research.
6. Text Analysis:
   • Voyant Tools, AntConc: Text analysis tools for examining patterns and trends in large volumes of text.
7. Visualization Tools:
   • Tableau, RAWGraphs: Creating visualizations to represent historical data and trends.
8. Digital Storytelling:
   • StoryMapJS, TimelineJS: Platforms for creating interactive digital narratives and timelines.
9. Digital Editing and Preservation:
   • Omeka, Archivematica: Tools for digital curation, exhibit creation, and preservation of digital collections.
10. Documentary Editing:
    • TEI (Text Encoding Initiative), Oxygen XML Editor: Used for encoding and editing historical texts.
11. Reference and Citation Management:
    • Microsoft Word, LaTeX: Tools for writing and formatting academic papers with proper citations.

Skills:

1. Critical Thinking:
   • Analyzing historical evidence, evaluating sources, and drawing well-reasoned conclusions.
2. Research Methodology:
   • Designing and conducting historical research using both primary and secondary sources.
3. Archival and Source Analysis:
   • Proficiency in evaluating and interpreting historical documents, artifacts, and archival materials.
4. Historical Writing:
   • The ability to communicate research findings effectively through scholarly writing.
5. Data Literacy:
   • Understanding and interpreting quantitative data for historical analysis.
6. Digital Literacy:
   • Familiarity with digital tools and platforms for research, analysis, and presentation.
7. Public History and Outreach:
   • Engaging with diverse audiences through exhibitions, public talks, and digital outreach.
8. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
   • Collaborating with scholars from other disciplines to gain broader perspectives.
9. Language Proficiency:
   • Proficiency in relevant languages for primary source analysis.
10. Teaching and Communication:
    • Effectively conveying historical knowledge to students and the public.
11. Adaptability:
    • Staying updated on new methodologies, technologies, and historiographical trends.
12. Project Management:
    • Organizing and managing research projects efficiently.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to have a significant impact on the field of history in the coming years, influencing how historical research is conducted, interpreted, and shared. AI could make a difference in the following ways: 

Data/Source Analysis and Pattern Recognition 

AI can process vast amounts of historical data quickly, identifying patterns, anomalies, correlations, and connections in large datasets that may not be immediately apparent to human researchers. This capability can lead to new insights and a deeper understanding of historical events and trends. Improved natural language processing can automate transcription and translation of documents quickly and accurately. AI can also summarize and synthesize large bodies of scholarly literature, providing overviews of the latest scholarship and recommendations for further reading. 

Preservation and Restoration 

AI technologies are being used to restore and preserve historical documents, artifacts, and sites. By reconstructing damaged texts or images, AI helps historians access and interpret materials that might otherwise be lost. Museums, archives, and online platforms can integrate AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants to guide visitors, answer questions, and spark curiosity about historical events and people. 

Content Generation and Simulation 

AI can generate simulations of historical events, providing interactive educational tools that make history more engaging and accessible. These simulations can offer immersive experiences, allowing users to explore different historical scenarios. 

Diverse Perspectives 

Generative AI can help surface underrepresented voices by analyzing and synthesizing diverse sources of historical information. This can lead to a more inclusive understanding of history, giving attention to marginalized communities and narratives. 

Personalized Learning 

AI-driven platforms can offer personalized history learning experiences, adapting content to the interests and learning pace of individual users. This personalized approach can enhance engagement and retention of historical knowledge. 

Interdisciplinary Collaboration 

Historians will increasingly collaborate with data scientists, computer scientists, programmers, and developers to design AI tools that collect and analyze historical data and sources while maintaining scholarly rigor and transparency. Such interdisciplinary interactions can spark new perspectives and fuel innovative methods of historical inquiry. 

Challenges and Ethical Considerations 

Despite its benefits, generative AI also poses challenges, such as the potential for bias in AI models and for producing fake text, images, or videos that mimic historical documents. Ensuring accuracy and maintaining ethical standards, especially regarding the contribution of AI to a body of work, will be crucial as AI tools become more prevalent in historical research and education.  

Generative AI will certainly transform how historians do their work, but it is not likely to displace historians in large numbers or render the profession obsolete. Rather, it will change the types of skills historians need and potentially create new roles within the field. Historians’ core strengths – interpretation, critical thinking, contextual analysis – are difficult to automate. Generative AI can handle certain tasks faster and more efficiently, but it still requires human oversight and expertise to shape historical narratives responsibly. 

Increasing Efficiency, Productivity, and Automation 

AI can quickly process documents, transcribe handwriting, and translate texts, reducing the time spent on mechanical tasks. Large language models can also rapidly summarize and classify texts, helping researchers sift through large archives or datasets. Such automation may eliminate some support roles but will allow historians to focus on higher-level interpretation, analysis, and synthesis, and to tackle larger and more complex projects. 

Skill Diversification 

Historians may need to acquire new skills related to data analysis, AI tools, and digital humanities to remain competitive in the job market. These skills may include digital literacy, data analysis, programming and coding, digital archiving and preservation, and multimedia storytelling in addition to more traditional skills like collaborating with other historians and practitioners of other disciplines, thinking critically, providing context, and practicing the ethics of the profession.  

The Human Angle 

As generative AI produces summaries, translations, and other outputs, historians’ expertise is crucial in detecting errors, biases, or oversimplifications. They will likely take on a greater role in verifying and refining AI-generated content. AI may be good at pattern detection or text generation, but it cannot replicate the nuanced understanding of social, political, and cultural contexts that historians bring. Historians’ interpretive and analytical skills remain essential for ensuring that historical narratives are accurate, ethically grounded, and contextualized. 

In short, while some routine tasks may be automated, historians will remain essential for the interpretive, contextual, and ethical dimensions of historical research. Generative AI will likely shift how historical work is done but will probably not reduce the need for historians altogether. 

Academic Historian 

• Current Role: Conduct in-depth research, publish scholarly articles, teach university courses, and contribute to academic discourse. 

• Change with AI: AI tools can aid in research by quickly analyzing large datasets, which can enhance academic work and lead to new historical insights. Historians might need to integrate data science into their methodologies, potentially shifting some focus from traditional archival research to digital analysis. 

Digital Humanities Specialist 

• Current Role: Utilize technology to analyze and present humanities data, collaborate on interdisciplinary projects, and create digital content. 

• Change with AI: Historians who develop AI and data-analysis skills could find themselves in higher demand. The intersection of history, technology, and data science is opening up specialized roles that blend scholarly expertise with technical know-how. 

Museum Curator 

• Current Role: Manage collections, design exhibits, conduct research, and engage the public with educational programs. 

• Change with AI: Generative AI can assist in creating virtual exhibits and interactive experiences, making history more accessible to the public. Curators may increasingly work with digital content, requiring skills in digital media and virtual reality to design engaging exhibits. 

Archivists and Librarians 

• Current Role: Manage archival and library collections, assist patrons with research, and organize information resources. 

• Change with AI: AI can significantly enhance the cataloging and retrieval of historical documents, making archives more efficient. Archivists may focus on managing digital collections and ensuring the preservation of digital records, requiring expertise in digital archiving and data management. Archivists and librarians will play a growing role in shaping the data on which AI is trained, ensuring diverse and representative historical sources remain accessible. 

Historical Consultants 

• Current Role: Provide expertise to media, film, gaming, or other industries to ensure historical accuracy in projects. 

• Change with AI: Those working as consultants for media, film, or game industries might see increased demand for their services as AI-generated content becomes more prevalent. Consultants will need to ensure historical accuracy in AI-generated simulations and narratives. 

Educators and Teachers 

• Current Role: Educate students about historical events, develop curriculum, and foster critical thinking. 

• Change with AI: AI can provide personalized learning experiences, allowing educators to tailor history lessons to individual students’ needs. Teachers might incorporate AI tools into their curriculum, emphasizing critical thinking and analysis over rote memorization. 

Public Historians 

• Current Role: Engage the public with history through outreach programs, exhibits, and community projects. 

• Change with AI: Public historians working in community outreach or historical preservation may use AI to engage broader audiences through digital storytelling and interactive platforms, expanding their reach and impact. 

Historical Writers and Authors 

• Current Role: Research and write fiction or non-fiction books or articles about historical topics for a general audience. 

• Change with AI: AI tools can assist writers by providing quick access to historical data and generating initial drafts or summaries. Authors might focus more on interpretation and narrative crafting, ensuring the human element remains in historical storytelling. 

Genealogists 

• Current Role: Research family histories and trace genealogies using historical records and databases. 

• Change with AI: AI can streamline genealogical research by analyzing complex genealogical data and identifying connections that might be missed manually. Genealogists may need to interpret AI-generated findings and validate them through traditional research methods. 

In summary, while generative AI will transform many aspects of history careers, it will also open new avenues for creativity and innovation. Professionals in the field will need to adapt by acquiring new skills and embracing technology, while emphasizing the unique human insights that AI cannot replicate. 

In the coming years, generative AI will likely become an integral part of how historians research, teach, and communicate their findings. While these tools can offer unprecedented speed and scale, historians will continue to play a crucial role in evaluating evidence, interpreting context, and upholding scholarly standards. By embracing AI’s potential while staying vigilant against pitfalls, the field of history can remain rigorous, innovative, and deeply engaged with the past.