First, some facts. Of the History graduates from University of California, Los Angeles 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 37 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Bad. Overall, with an average relevance score of 37%, History graduates from University of California, Los Angeles have a substantially lower likelihood (-30%) 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, 62% 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 2013 from University of California, Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in History. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONLegal Intern/VolunteerCalifornia Department of Veterans Affairs Sep 2013 - Sep 2013 Legal Intern Office of the California Attorney General May 2015 - Aug 2015 Research Assistant University of San Diego School of Law May 2015 - Sep 2015 Judicial Extern for the Honorable Barbara Major United States District Court Aug 2015 - Dec 2015 Law Clerk United States Attorney's Office Jan 2016 - Apr 2016 Summer Law Clerk Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo Jun 2016 - Aug 2016 Legal Volunteer California Department of Veterans Affairs Oct 2017 - Dec 2017 Post-Bar Law Clerk Office of the California Attorney General Oct 2017 - Dec 2017 Attorney Advisor General U.S. Small Business Administration Dec 2017 - Oct 2018 Associate Attorney Spinelli, Donald & Nott Oct 2018 - May 2019 Associate Attorney Bradford & Barthel Jun 2019 - Nov 2019 Attorney California Department of Veterans Affairs Nov 2019 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGDoctor of Law (J.D.)University of San Diego School of Law 2014 - 2017 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From analyzing the job paths of graduates with a degree in History from UCLA, it’s clear that many have found themselves in roles that don’t directly relate to their major. Common positions like administrative assistants, executive assistants, and various managerial roles tend to focus mainly on organizational, communication, and operational skills rather than historical analysis or research. While some graduates have taken on teaching roles or research positions that actively engage with historical content, a significant portion of their peers have ventured into fields like marketing, project management, or customer service—areas with little to no direct relevance to history.
However, it’s not all bleak for history majors! There are definitely some graduates who managed to leverage their skills effectively in contexts that value historical knowledge. For instance, roles in education, legal internships, and research assistant positions show a keen connection to historical analysis and methodologies. Jobs like being a community service representative or a researcher at various organizations also allow them to utilize their understanding of social issues and historical context. Overall, while many history graduates have found work in fields that don't directly apply their degree, there are still notable exceptions where their education shines through, especially in roles related to education, law, and historical research.
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 University of California, Los Angeles):
When you look at the career trajectories of UCLA History graduates, it's quite a mixed bag. Right after graduation, a significant number seem to find themselves in admin roles or internships, like executive assistants, research assistants, or even roles in libraries. These entry-level positions might not scream “history career,” but they can often provide a valuable launchpad for skills and networking. As the years go by, many start to shift into more specialized areas or management positions. Some enter education, whether as teachers or coordinators in school districts, while others find their niches in nonprofit sectors or even legal fields, which is interesting because they lean into the research and analytical skills that a history degree can develop.
However, it's worth noting that not every trajectory appears to lead to a career directly related to history. Some graduates seem to veer off into roles like marketing or various tech positions, which might not use the specific knowledge of historical context but still leverage communication and analytical skills. After about five years, many are in established, sometimes managerial roles, which show growth. By the ten-year mark, we see further advancement into more senior positions across various fields, from law to development roles in nonprofits, which suggests that while direct history careers might not be the norm for every graduate, the skills gained during their studies remain incredibly transferable and valuable."
Getting a Bachelor's degree in History at UCLA can be a pretty challenging experience, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you enjoy reading, writing, and analyzing different perspectives on the past, you'll find it engaging. The workload can be heavy with lots of reading assignments, essays, and class discussions that require critical thinking. However, compared to some STEM fields, a History degree might feel a bit more manageable for some students since it’s less about intensive problem-solving and more about storytelling and analysis. Just be prepared to dive deep into various time periods and cultures—you'll definitely have to put in the effort, but if you're passionate about the subject, it can be really rewarding!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in History.
Okay, so looking at these UCLA history grads and their job paths, it seems like some are doing alright, but others might be struggling a bit with the financial side of things. For example, those who got into higher positions, like marketing directors or legal roles, likely pulled in decent salaries, especially in fields like law or corporate development. But then there are folks in more niche or entry-level roles, like library assistants and substitute teachers, who probably aren’t making a ton, especially in a high-cost area like California. Overall, it looks like there's a mix—some have obviously climbed the ladder and are probably earning well, while others might still be finding their footing financially.
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 University of California, Los Angeles). 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: