May be Going to College for History. Many Concerns. Help!

by impunity379

So, I'm currently a Junior in High school and I've thought a lot about my future. Over the course of my life, I've narrowed down my interests to two things. History and Performing Arts. Both are very hard career-wise I understand but hey, I'm shooting for the stars here.

I'm still insanely clueless about potential careers however and I want a solid plan. I'm mostly interested in Ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian history (more obsessed really) and I'm not sure how far an Archeology major could get me this way. I was also thinking about a PHd but is it really worth it?

I'm just scared that if I go down this path I'll be stuck doing the less interesting things and get bored and I would rather not have that happen. I love history either way but I don't wanna sit in a room for months on end just doing research. I'd like to go to places. (Pompeii for example) as childish as it sounds. I want to be out in the field, analyzing, recording, studying. It seems so exciting. (though I know it requires a lot of moolah)

History has been a huge interest for me ever since I was little (the straight As I get in all my classes prove so, even the boring AP US) I've also been narrowing down my quite long University list, so hopefully things work out for me.

Does anyone have any advice for me if I do go this route? I'm kind of leaning more towards it at this point.

toxictaliban111

So, I'm currently a Junior in High school and I've thought a lot about my future

You've got time so don't stress. You may find that you end up with a different interest or a more solid idea of exactly what you want to do.

I'm mostly interested in Ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian history

You'd definitely fall under the Ancient History category then. Most colleges and universities separate ancient and post-ancient stuff into separate courses, so be careful of that.

I love history either way but I don't wanna sit in a room for months on end just doing research.

This, combined with the above interest in ancient history, makes me think archaeology is right for you. Archaeology is going to need historical context anyway so you'd end up doing history.

I'm British so I'm not sure how it works elsewhere, but there's many places here that offer a combined Archaeology and Ancient History course that would be right up your alley. The combination of fieldwork and the periods you're interested in would probably make that the ideal for you.

As for careers, that's the eternal worry of the non-STEM student. The truth is that most places won't particularly care what you have your degree in, only that you have one.When it comes to PHds, that's something you'd probably need to think about after you've started your course. You may decide it's not right for you, or you may fall so completely in love with your studies that it becomes a no-brainer.

memeantoinette

I am a junior history major in college and even I don't know what I want to do post-grad. Pursuing a history degree is more than just the historical knowledge; if you ever wanted to do something in a non-history field, employers would see your history degree as a way to know you can write well, analyze information/documents, you have good organizational skills, etc. If you want to stick with the history field, it's likely you will need a Master's degree, but not necessarily a PhD (just depends on what you want to do). Research also doesn't just mean sitting inside all day reading; most of the time you're expected to travel to the location of your desired field to research their archives.

Also, do NOT feel like you need to do your undergrad, immediately go into your Masters, and then immediately pursue a PhD. We've been conditioned to think that if we don't achieve certain things within a certain time frame that we're unsuccessful. Go to college, take some classes, find out what you like. I can promise you that you will find your precise niche in terms of Ancient Greek, Rome, and/or Egypt. I have friends with all sorts of specific interests, anywhere from 18th century British religious philosophy to Napoleonic battlefield strategies to gladiators in Ancient Rome. Or, you might even find out about a different subject or career you're passionate about. After your undergrad, take some time off if you want! Use this time to travel, save up some money, do some internships. Same thing with a PhD. There's no timeline for when you need to do anything.

And if you ever feel uncertain about your future in the history field, you can always talk to your professors or academic advisors. They've been through it and they know what you're going through. They can give you advice based on the path they took and that it's ok to not know what you're doing.

electrobubble87

There are options available commercially for archaeology, especially if you know how to set yourself up as a contractor. The options available otherwise are best used to compliment existing skills. A high quality history degree for example will offer any texts you author with more credibility. Otherwise you can follow the academic route of employment also, provided you remember to treat fellows as work colleagues.

voyeur324

/u/sunagainstgold takes a very dim view of getting a doctorate in history.

More answers on history as a profession can be found in the FAQ.