Alumni Spotlight
Lori Dagger, Ph.D. Student at the University of Pennsylvania
"My time at Nazareth was vital to my professional and
personal development: the history professors challenged
and encouraged me to push beyond mere requirements to pursue history
for the sake of history itself and, through a series of meaningful
experiences, launched me on the path toward my current academic
pursuits. An independent study with Dr. Lappas, for example, provided me
with an opportunity to travel to Philadelphia and acquaint myself with
the world of archival research. That experience brought me to
Philadelphia and it is one of the key reasons why I am pursuing a
Ph.D. in Philadelphia today."
If you are reading this page you are already asking, "What Can I Do with a B.A. in history?"
The good news is that employers in every major field of endeavor recognize and understand the skills that historians possess as part of their training. Historians develop strong communication skills that show both an ability to write well and speak well to a broad audience of professionals and the public. Historians are well equipped to analyze data in a variety of formats, oral, written and artifact. They have research skills that provide them with the ability to gather and disseminate complex information. Finally they are trained to be sensitive to diversity, conscious of multiculturalism and respectful of cultural boundaries.
In every field, historians will be found making significant contributions as employees, managers, and consultants.
In the field of Business, historians make signature contributions in management, marketing, public relations, sales, international trade and international business, as well as the financial and insurance industries.
In the field of Government, historians serve as legislative assistants, administrators, clerks, and policy makers in every area of government from elected to appointed officials.
In Non-Governmental Organizations (ngos), historians serve as policy makers, lobbyists, researchers, analysts and writers for foundations and boards.
In the Legal profession, historians work in law libraries, in legal research and advocacy, and as paralegals.
In the Media, historians are journalists, editors, publishers, and fact checkers in the publishing industry. Historians also create, develop, or prepare content for websites, film documentaries, and television programming.
In Public History, historians serve in state and federal parks departments, oversee historic sites, prepare documentaries and brochures, serve as librarians, archivists, preservationists, curators, and as actors presenting living history illustrations of events and people of the past.
In Education, historians may teach, develop policy, advocate for education, administer grants and workshops, or serve as writers and reviewers for textbooks or educational content.
To pursue your own career path, we recommend that you review the career websites of the American Historical Association listed below. If you are already a student, you should talk to your faculty advisor, who will know your interests and skills and can help you refine these through internships, projects, or a practicum.
Resources
- American Historical Association, “Wonder What To Do With Your B.A. in History?” http://blog.historians.org/news/1086/wondering-what-to-do-with-your-ba-in-history
- AHA, “Careers for Students of History,” http://www.historians.org/pubs/careers/index.htm
- AHA, “Careers in Public History,” http://www.historians.org/governance/tfph/PublicHistoryEmployment.htm
- NCPH, “What is Public History,” http://ncph.org/cms/what-is-public-history/
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