First, some facts. Of the History graduates from Davidson College 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 11 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Horrible! Overall, with an average relevance score of 34%, History graduates from Davidson College have an exceptionally lower likelihood (-33%) 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, 45% 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: 100%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2021 from Davidson College with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in History. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONTeacherTeach For America Aug 2021 - Present ABOUTI am passionate about creating a competitive yet cohesive environment in the classroom. My interest in history prepares me to conduct qualitative analysis, to write and communicate effectively, and to research with an attentive eye. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Looking at the career paths of Davidson College History graduates, it's pretty clear that many have ventured into fields that don't directly relate to their degree. A large number jumped into the medical field as Medical Assistants or physicians, while others took up roles in various legal settings as associates or summer associates. These jobs mainly focus on clinical skills or legal practices, where historical knowledge isn't really a factor. Even though some positions, like those in pastoral roles or community ministries, might touch on historical concepts, they don’t fundamentally rely on the expertise gained from studying history.
However, there are some notable exceptions especially in education. Graduates like those who became teachers or worked in research roles at law schools are using their history backgrounds to their advantage, actively engaging with historical content and methodologies. While the overall trend leans toward jobs that lack direct relevance to a History degree, those who chose education or certain analytical positions still find a way to incorporate their historical training into their daily work. So, while a History degree might not always lead to a job labeled 'historian,' it definitely provides skills that can be valuable in various sectors, even if it's not obvious at first glance.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for History graduates (this is across all History graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Davidson College):
Looking at the career trajectories of History graduates from Davidson College, it seems like the first jobs after graduation are fairly diverse. Many graduates step into roles that don't strictly connect to their History degree, such as internships, teaching positions, and even roles in the medical field. For instance, some found themselves in law-related internships, while others took on teaching or pastoral roles early on. It might seem surprising, but these early jobs often serve as a launching pad, allowing graduates to build skills that will be useful in their future careers.
Five to ten years down the line, some graduates have found their groove in fields related to history and education, like teaching or project management in arts and culture. Others have transitioned into roles that are not traditionally associated with a History degree, including real estate and healthcare administration. A few have even ventured into fields like scouting for professional sports, which is far removed from History. Overall, while some graduates find success in careers relevant to their studies, a significant portion seems to drift towards broader job markets, demonstrating that a History degree opens various doors, even if they aren't directly related to the field. In a nutshell, graduates are taking diverse paths, some more connected to their academics than others, but all are utilizing their unique skills in interesting ways.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in History at Davidson College can be a bit challenging, but it’s not insurmountable. Davidson has a reputation for being academically rigorous, so you can expect your courses to push you intellectually. You'll dive deep into various historical periods, work on research papers, and engage in discussions that require critical thinking and analysis. While some may find the reading load and writing assignments intense, if you’re passionate about history and enjoy uncovering stories from the past, you might find it more rewarding than hard. Overall, it's about on par with other good liberal arts colleges—definitely demanding, but if you're into it, you might find the experience enjoyable!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in History.
Looking at the careers of these History grads from Davidson College, it's pretty clear that some are definitely making decent money, while others are still figuring things out. For example, the grad who became a Trauma/Acute Care Surgeon likely has a solid salary, especially after going through all those years of medical training. On the other hand, the ones in teaching or non-profit roles, like the grad working for Teach For America or as an English Language Assistant in Spain, might not be raking in the dough just yet. Graduates who went into law or tech seem to also be on a better financial track. Overall, it really varies, but with their degrees and some experience, many of them are likely in a position to start making good money as they move forward in their careers!
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 is across all History graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Davidson College). 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: