Degrees
Colleges
About
First, some facts. Of the History graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 3388 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Bad. Overall, with an average relevance score of 38%, History graduates have a substantially lower likelihood (-29%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 47% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a History graduate.
See the details:
|
Relevance score: 0% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from Clarion University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in History. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONCustomer Service Representative Guardian Protection Aug 2014 - Dec 2015 Technical Care Specialist Guardian Protection Dec 2015 - Feb 2019 Technical Care Supervisor Guardian Protection Feb 2019 - May 2022 Technical Manager Guardian Protection May 2022 - Present ABOUTI am a dynamic, experienced instructor and educational designer. The educational programs I have implemented have a proven track record of success. When paired with customer focused troubleshooting steps I have implemented, agents successfully fix alarm systems remotely which reduce the reliance on expensive technician visits at least 75% of the time. I am always eager for a challenging problem to solve and then seek to make the solution more efficient. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the career paths of people who studied History, it's interesting to see a mix of relevance to their degree and total disconnect from it. A major theme that emerges is that many history graduates end up in education-related roles, particularly as teachers. Numerous profiles from those who hold a Bachelor's in History show them working as Social Studies or History teachers in middle and high schools. This makes a lot of sense because teaching requires a solid grasp of historical knowledge, and these roles often reflect the skills they acquired during their studies. For instance, teachers from schools like the Dallas Independent School District and the New Haven Public Schools illustrate a clear link between their degree and their job responsibilities, often emphasizing critical thinking, historical context, and analytical skills in their curricula.
However, beyond teaching, there’s a significant number of graduates pursuing careers that are either loosely or completely unrelated to history. Many individuals ended up in positions such as administrative assistants, customer service representatives, or roles in retail and food service. These positions hardly utilize the historical analysis and critical thinking skills often honed in a History program. For example, some graduates are working as servers, warehouse associates, or sales associates where historical knowledge plays no part in their daily tasks. It’s a bit of a reality check because it shows that while a History degree equips individuals with valuable transferable skills, many still find themselves in jobs that don’t require that specific knowledge.
On the other hand, we see history graduates carve out niches in industries that intersect with history in some creative ways. For instance, roles like Museum Educator, Archival Assistant, and Curatorial internships directly hinge on historical knowledge and skills. Employers in museums and archives are often looking for people with a solid grounding in history to preserve and interpret cultural artifacts. Positions in these settings utilize research skills and knowledge about historical context daily. Moreover, some roles in public services, government, and legal fields also leverage historical knowledge, especially in legal contexts where understanding precedents and historical legal frameworks is essential. For example, many profiles of legal interns or staff lawyers indicate a clear connection to their history studies as they navigate cases with historical implications.
In conclusion, while many history graduates take on roles far removed from their studies, a considerable number find fulfilling careers in education and historical preservation. Whether in teaching history, working in museums, or engaging in public policy that draws upon historical contexts, those with a degree in History have varied opportunities. Yet, the disconnect seen in many graduates' careers serves as a reminder that the world doesn’t always align neatly with one's educational background. It's a mixed bag, underscoring the importance of adaptability and the ability to market transferable skills—often developed through the study of history—into a wide range of professions.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for History graduates:
Analyzing the job trajectories of individuals with history degrees reveals a mixture of career paths, showcasing both promising opportunities and diversions into unrelated fields. For many graduates, teaching appears as a common first step following graduation. Whether starting as social studies teachers, museum educators, or park rangers, these jobs often relate closely to their degree, reflecting their interest in education and public engagement. For instance, graduates from schools like the University of South Florida and Grand Canyon University transitioned into social studies teaching roles, while others, like those from Gettysburg College, took paths as museum educators or historical interpreters. This trend suggests that history graduates frequently find their footing in educational settings early in their careers, likely drawing from their academic background.
As we look five to ten years beyond graduation, the career paths become more varied. While some individuals remain in education, advancing to roles such as department heads or adjunct professors, others branch out into different sectors. For example, history majors from institutions like Yale have leveraged their analytical skills to penetrate into law and public policy, becoming lawyers or legislative assistants. Others have ventured into business, project management, or consulting roles, aligning themselves with analytical skills honed during their academic journey. However, a significant portion still appears to drift into less directly related fields, taking roles in customer service, retail, or other non-historical sectors due to varied economic conditions or personal career preferences. This suggests that while a history degree can provide a strong foundation for numerous careers, it does not guarantee a direct path into historically relevant professions.
In summary, history graduates display a propensity towards education and public service as their initial careers, but their trajectories become more diverse over time. Although many find fulfilling work related to history, a considerable number end up in roles that may not utilize their degree directly. As such, history graduates need to remain adaptable and open to various career opportunities while being aware that the skills gained from their education can translate into an array of fields, not strictly confined to history-related jobs.
A Bachelor’s degree in History can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty, honestly. Some students find it easier than average because it often involves reading, writing, and discussing rather than dealing with complex math or science. However, it can be challenging if you're not a fan of heavy reading or if you struggle with critical thinking and analysis, which are super important in this field. You’ll have to engage with a lot of different perspectives and synthesize loads of information, so if you're passionate about the subject, it can be a rewarding experience, but it definitely requires a good amount of effort and dedication to do well.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in History.
Based on the job histories of these history graduates, it seems that their financial success varies quite a bit. Some have landed stable roles in education or government that are typically lower-paying, like teachers and advisors. For example, a recent graduate working as a math teacher at East Tallahatchie School District or a social studies teacher in Durham Public Schools is likely earning a modest salary compared to other industries. However, others have moved into roles with higher earning potential like attorneys, project managers, or those in business development and tech fields, which can lead to six-figure salaries. For instance, graduates who have become associate attorneys or are working for big firms, like a legal intern who progresses to an associate at a top law firm, generally make much more over time.
Overall, it's a mixed bag. Those sticking to traditional teaching or nonprofit roles may not be raking it in, while those who have leveraged their degrees into fields like law, tech, or managerial roles could potentially be making a decent living. It's clear that a history degree can lead to a range of financial outcomes depending on the career path chosen!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in History. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in History (ordered by the average relevance score of their History graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
