A history degree equips you with a unique blend of critical thinking, research, and communication skills that are highly valued in a variety of fields. Your studies have prepared you to analyze complex issues, think critically, and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. As a part of this degree, some of the skills you’ve developed include:
- Academic writing and presentation skills
- Critical thinking and analytical skills
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Research skills and statistical analysis skills
Below is a list of resources and strategies to help you explore what you want to do with your education and how to market yourself toward your next position.
Have questions? Schedule an appointment with Career Services!
Resources
Career Exploration
Thinking about life after graduation can feel overwhelming. There are so many things you can do with your degree; yet, many students are unsure of what career opportunities are available to them right out of college. Take a look at the following resources to help you explore different things you can do with your History degree.
- American Historical Association:
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- Careers for Students of History
- Careers for History Majors
- What Can You Do with That History Degree?
- Talking to Employers about Your Degree: The History Discipline Core on the Job Market
- Many Paths, One Degree: Introduction
- Connecting Past to Present: The History Major in Our Communities
- The Landscape after College: Putting Your History Skills to Work
- What Employers Want: Thoughts from a History BA in Business
- Where Historians Work, 2014-2017: This interactive dashboard shows career outcomes for people who have earned PhDs at U.S. universities.
- What Can I Do With This Major? This tool will help you explore career options and strategies related to academic programs. When viewing a major/area of study, you can see typical career areas, types of jobs and employers, and strategies to prepare yourself for those career paths.
Self Reflection
PathwayU – PathwayU is a free, self-guided online career assessment that uses scientific algorithms to help you explore career options based on your interests, personality, values, and workplace preferences. The goal of PathwayU is to help you find a career with purpose and meaning by helping you learn more about yourself and which careers might be a good fit based on your gifts. After you take PathwayU, connect with a Career Counselor to look at your results in-depth!
Get Experience
- Undergraduate History Internships
- Vertically Integrated Projects – Vertically-Integrated Projects can be a great way to gain research experience while earning course credit.
- Phi Alpha Theta – The Phi Alpha Theta History Honors Society at Boise State University is the local chapter of a nationally professional society whose mission is to promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication, and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians.
Market Yourself and Develop Your Network
- “What are you going to do with a history degree?” This guide provides a succinct overview of some common industries of history graduates and provides talking points to answer the question, “What are you going to do with your history degree?”
- LinkedIn – With LinkedIn, you can connect with Boise State alumni and professionals in your field, explore different careers, learn about job opportunities, and more. Use this webpage to create your LinkedIn profile and learn how to connect with others for your own career development.
Apply to Jobs
Additional Tools and Resources
- How to write an email to a professor or a supervisor: Learn essential email etiquette tips to help you communicate effectively with others and leave a positive impression.
- Atkins Law Career Closet: The Atkins Law Career Closet is a support resource open to Broncos of all majors and identities. Through this resource, the university provides professional attire at no cost to students and recent grads in need. Available items are intended for interviews, career fairs, internships, research conferences, etc.