I know the title is complicated, but it's an honest query. I'm a senior studying History for my bachelor's degree, and last year my advisor told me about alternate routes for people pursuing degrees in history and how it might be something I should consider.
I love history, and I love doing the work I've done so far (writing papers, researching, analyzing information and cross referencing information). However, I want to maximize my ability to get a job once I graduate. What "alternate routes" are realistic and available? My dad suggested civil service jobs might be something to look into since some of them can require a degree. Honestly, it sounds kinda nice. I don't mind the idea of being a desk jockey either, so what is there?
I know it's an odd request but I figured it was worth asking. Thank you.
Assuming you are in the US, check out the cultural resources management industry - it's not just archaeologists. I regularly use historical research skills in my job. If you have any background in architecture, there's a shortage of architectural historians in many areas at the moment.
I have my ba in history and will never teach but use it daily. My story, I graduated in 2018 and got into genealogy (basically hard record research of a person place or thing).
Got a part time project digitalizing photographs a library got money from a grant where they want to put photos collections online for everyone to see. I have a computer science minor. Also worked as an archivist where I answer genealogy questions. So someone bought a house/property can you tell me the history of it. I got a dna text telling me I am related to x family can you help.
I got into the dar (daughters of the American revolution) they are nuts about tracing family lines. My chapter is writing a book on the fort (town) during the revolution. There was a French and Indian war fort in my town and what happened during the revolution is different. Tbh the French and Indian fort was in ruins by 1776x this is for the 250 of the American revolution.
Basically I got into. I can volunteer now though historical societies and fake it until I make it. My project (big one) is huge and will sell books. I talk about George Washington a lot in regards to my area.
I can take this as far as law school (I’m tempted but I working towards a ms in information science) or do research for oil company, law firm etc. who needs documents research?
My issues, a masters of library science is close to a ms in information science. My PhD in colonial history could happen but I have to weigh what I gain versus what I lose, I can be just as affiliated without a PhD and work volunteer. The biggest donors are financiers believe it or not.