3 answers
Brayden
Student
Tuscola, Illinois
1
Question
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Am I good enough to secure a position in my chosen field?
I am hoping to pursue a career in history with the ultimate goal of becoming a professor of some sort. I understand that I am academically gifted and I am more knowledgeable about history than the average person, but that isn't exactly a high bar for collegiate positions. Everyone wanting these jobs is just as (or more) intelligent and knowledgeable as I am. Also, historically, I do not have the best track record of attaining employment. I have applied to dozens of positions in and around the town I live in, but have yet to gain any tangible employment. If a McDonald's will not even give me an interview, how could I hope to secure a position in such a niche, high-standards field?
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3 answers
Rance Cannon
Writer
1
Answer
Gainesville, Florida
Updated
Rance’s Answer
A possible issue with applying to McDonald's is being "overqualified" for the job. This might be because of your resume. When applying, just mention that you graduated from high school—McDonald's isn't focused on higher education. They might think you'll get bored and quit soon, wasting their time on training and paperwork. Use this approach for most entry-level jobs.
If you want to use your degree in a college setting, aim for a doctorate, unless you enjoy teaching high school or working in a museum or as a tour guide. In those cases, a BA or MA is enough. If you choose to teach high school, check your state's requirements for temporary teaching certificates until you get a regular one.
Good luck!
If you want to use your degree in a college setting, aim for a doctorate, unless you enjoy teaching high school or working in a museum or as a tour guide. In those cases, a BA or MA is enough. If you choose to teach high school, check your state's requirements for temporary teaching certificates until you get a regular one.
Good luck!
David Gustafson
VP, Global Support
11
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
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David’s Answer
Confidence is tough. Really truly earned confidence is like a muscle you have to exercise and develop - but also not over-exert or misuse or it'll sting.
Being knowledgeable, intelligent, and capable are awesome building blocks to grow from. But getting noticed and an opportunity takes some luck, some resilience, and some persistence. There are many positions in life you will apply to which you could be entirely capable of, but may not get the opportunity to demonstrate your abilities.
Academics does have a lot of "niche, high-standards" aspects. Between my parents and step-parents, 3 of the 4 of them hold PhD's. I do not think academics is for everyone, and you often have to defend your ideas, reputation, and credentials under great scrutiny. That being said try to remember that there are many opportunities that could branch off of that intended path to History Professor. Keep your eyes open for opportunities that might be interesting along the way, such as museum docent or podcaster or librarian. Just stay curious.
Being knowledgeable, intelligent, and capable are awesome building blocks to grow from. But getting noticed and an opportunity takes some luck, some resilience, and some persistence. There are many positions in life you will apply to which you could be entirely capable of, but may not get the opportunity to demonstrate your abilities.
Academics does have a lot of "niche, high-standards" aspects. Between my parents and step-parents, 3 of the 4 of them hold PhD's. I do not think academics is for everyone, and you often have to defend your ideas, reputation, and credentials under great scrutiny. That being said try to remember that there are many opportunities that could branch off of that intended path to History Professor. Keep your eyes open for opportunities that might be interesting along the way, such as museum docent or podcaster or librarian. Just stay curious.
Thank you for the advice. Yeah, you're right. I should probably consider other related careers as backups, but I might as well aim big in the meantime. I guess I'll just have to keep working that muscle like you said.
Brayden
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
138
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
I minored in history as an undergrad and have spent my life reading countless history books, covering countless cultures and eras, and I know the love of history.
And your wish to become a professor of history is laudable.
But I am now going to present some negatives re the field.
Over the last five or six years I have been reading articles related to the current job market, and the Social Sciences are on a downward slope, and tech and finance are ever moving upward. That is the job market, to be blunt.
Therefore, many colleges and universities are cutting back their Social Science offerings. I happen to know a professor at an Ivy League university and he confirms, at least at his institution.
The hard truth is that most people have to make a living, and many do so through employment in areas that, in other circumstances, they would avoid, and then in their free time pursue the academic areas they really enjoy.
On the positive side, one can still teach history at the middle and high school level and earn a decent living, which I did for ten years after being a professor and retiring.
Therefore, there are still opportunities to teach history, but the opportunities have shrunk.
And your wish to become a professor of history is laudable.
But I am now going to present some negatives re the field.
Over the last five or six years I have been reading articles related to the current job market, and the Social Sciences are on a downward slope, and tech and finance are ever moving upward. That is the job market, to be blunt.
Therefore, many colleges and universities are cutting back their Social Science offerings. I happen to know a professor at an Ivy League university and he confirms, at least at his institution.
The hard truth is that most people have to make a living, and many do so through employment in areas that, in other circumstances, they would avoid, and then in their free time pursue the academic areas they really enjoy.
On the positive side, one can still teach history at the middle and high school level and earn a decent living, which I did for ten years after being a professor and retiring.
Therefore, there are still opportunities to teach history, but the opportunities have shrunk.