5 answers
Addison
Student
Fort Wayne, Indiana
1
Question
Asked
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What are some good jobs for people who love history?
I don't like talking to people much but I love history, wondering what stuff I might wanna get into
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5 answers
Nathaniel Wander
anthropology/psychotherapy/writing
35
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Nathaniel’s Answer
May I suggest archivist/ archival researcher?
I worked as such a researcher on what are now titled the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Truth Tobacco Industry Documents Archive. As a result of the 1994 lawsuits of the U.S. State Attorneys General (AGs) against the five largest tobacco companies, an electronic archive of tobacco industry documents came into being and was refined at UCSF. When I worked with those documents between 2002 and 2011, there were approximately 10,000,000 documents in the collection—it was the largest electronic archive of any kind in existence then—but the number has surely grown. It originally contained the discovery documents from the AGs lawsuits—discovery is when parties to a trial are required to turn over relevant documents to each other—but the settlement required the tobacco companies to keep on submitting discovery documents from all future smoking and health lawsuits. The tobacco industry used a tactic called dumping, trying to overwhelm the AGs with paper, but hard work by the AGs, and subsequent data mining by researchers turned the industry tactic against itself—mass data dumping meant the industry didn't know exactly what it had turned over; we found out.
Working for senior professors who held multi-hundred-thousand-dollar grants, I combed the archives to write about how the tobacco industry opposed tobacco-control advocates; how the advocates and the industry fought each other to encourage or dissuade universities to sell off tobacco stock-holdings; how the industry communicated with political leaders to have them front its battles; how the industry influenced governments of tobacco-growing countries; etc., etc. For the most part I worked on my own, but it was inevitable that I had to interact with others. I had to work with the lead professors to agree to how the stories should be reported and in which journals. I had to communicate with my peers whose work overlapped with mine, to share search techniques we discovered, to refine papers (sometimes a phrase or a paragraph that sounds obvious to the writer can mystify a reader), and to create public presentations. That was the most interactive part of my work: it required me to present our research at conferences and conventions, which was a great bonus to me. It took me all over the U.S.—Santa Fe, Chicago, Philadelphia—and eventually, all around the world—including Amsterdam, Mexico City, Bombay.
I worked first at UCSF itself, eventually at the University of Edinburgh as part of a British, three-university consortium. I possess a PhD in anthropology and had spent 5-10 years outside academia working as a tobacco control advocate and educator at county health departments in Oregon. Most of those I worked with on the archives were Post-doctoral researchers, a few were Master's degree holders, at least one had no more than a Bachelor's degree. The expectation was that we would advance through the academic ranks and eventually become lead researchers ourselves. I was in my mid-fifties when I came to this work, and content to age into retirement as a researcher; I didn't feel a need for the money, prestige, or responsibility of obtaining my own grant and being a team leader.
I worked as such a researcher on what are now titled the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Truth Tobacco Industry Documents Archive. As a result of the 1994 lawsuits of the U.S. State Attorneys General (AGs) against the five largest tobacco companies, an electronic archive of tobacco industry documents came into being and was refined at UCSF. When I worked with those documents between 2002 and 2011, there were approximately 10,000,000 documents in the collection—it was the largest electronic archive of any kind in existence then—but the number has surely grown. It originally contained the discovery documents from the AGs lawsuits—discovery is when parties to a trial are required to turn over relevant documents to each other—but the settlement required the tobacco companies to keep on submitting discovery documents from all future smoking and health lawsuits. The tobacco industry used a tactic called dumping, trying to overwhelm the AGs with paper, but hard work by the AGs, and subsequent data mining by researchers turned the industry tactic against itself—mass data dumping meant the industry didn't know exactly what it had turned over; we found out.
Working for senior professors who held multi-hundred-thousand-dollar grants, I combed the archives to write about how the tobacco industry opposed tobacco-control advocates; how the advocates and the industry fought each other to encourage or dissuade universities to sell off tobacco stock-holdings; how the industry communicated with political leaders to have them front its battles; how the industry influenced governments of tobacco-growing countries; etc., etc. For the most part I worked on my own, but it was inevitable that I had to interact with others. I had to work with the lead professors to agree to how the stories should be reported and in which journals. I had to communicate with my peers whose work overlapped with mine, to share search techniques we discovered, to refine papers (sometimes a phrase or a paragraph that sounds obvious to the writer can mystify a reader), and to create public presentations. That was the most interactive part of my work: it required me to present our research at conferences and conventions, which was a great bonus to me. It took me all over the U.S.—Santa Fe, Chicago, Philadelphia—and eventually, all around the world—including Amsterdam, Mexico City, Bombay.
I worked first at UCSF itself, eventually at the University of Edinburgh as part of a British, three-university consortium. I possess a PhD in anthropology and had spent 5-10 years outside academia working as a tobacco control advocate and educator at county health departments in Oregon. Most of those I worked with on the archives were Post-doctoral researchers, a few were Master's degree holders, at least one had no more than a Bachelor's degree. The expectation was that we would advance through the academic ranks and eventually become lead researchers ourselves. I was in my mid-fifties when I came to this work, and content to age into retirement as a researcher; I didn't feel a need for the money, prestige, or responsibility of obtaining my own grant and being a team leader.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1180
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Addison !
Such a fine interest you have. I love history also and would like to give you advice on the question you've asked. All jobs have a level of interacting with people and mostly all jobs require you to participate in meetings and discussions. You will progress in your ability to talk with people as time goes on.
There are some jobs I think would work well with a degree in history such as a Librarian, Museum Archivist, Museum Curator, Historian, a Writer or an Editor, Researcher, Technical Writer, Research Analyst. Keep in mind that with a career in any of these, it may require you to give presentations. I can't think of any career in which one does not have to talk with people in groups or one on one. It will seem easier for you to do this as time goes on, with practice and dedication, you will see improvement. For now, you may want to consider working remotely so the talking part will be more comfortable for you through programs like Zoom. Once you feel more comfortable, and you will, test the waters and branch out.
Look through some of these jobs on line and see what the job descriptions entail. That will give you information needed to prepare yourself for a wonderful career using your knowledge of history.
I wish you all the best on your way to a most interesting and worthwhile career !
Such a fine interest you have. I love history also and would like to give you advice on the question you've asked. All jobs have a level of interacting with people and mostly all jobs require you to participate in meetings and discussions. You will progress in your ability to talk with people as time goes on.
There are some jobs I think would work well with a degree in history such as a Librarian, Museum Archivist, Museum Curator, Historian, a Writer or an Editor, Researcher, Technical Writer, Research Analyst. Keep in mind that with a career in any of these, it may require you to give presentations. I can't think of any career in which one does not have to talk with people in groups or one on one. It will seem easier for you to do this as time goes on, with practice and dedication, you will see improvement. For now, you may want to consider working remotely so the talking part will be more comfortable for you through programs like Zoom. Once you feel more comfortable, and you will, test the waters and branch out.
Look through some of these jobs on line and see what the job descriptions entail. That will give you information needed to prepare yourself for a wonderful career using your knowledge of history.
I wish you all the best on your way to a most interesting and worthwhile career !
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
57
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
This is an interesting question. And it's okay not to be okay with interacting with people on an ongoing basis. There are so many others that feel exactly as you do. You just have to find the right niche if you're going to make a career out of history.
First, what history most interests you? I minored in history and was exposed beginning in sixth grade (world exploration by the Europeans with an emphasis on Magellan. And it went on. Greek/Roman. Asian. The world wars. United States right from the beginning. Also biographies of assorted historical notables. I'm still reading history. But in the end, for me, military history was my favorite.
So take a historical look around. Including sampling historical events and prominent historical individuals that you may, at this moment, not be interested in.
Classes, of course.
What to do with it? In my opinion, you won't find it, it'll find you. But it's a lot of work. Undergraduate and then graduate degrees. And, hopefully, somewhere along the way, there it is.
At his moment, I see you as a writer. Though I didn't like to see the "wanna" in your question. Spruce up your English.
The only problem I see at the moment, is with a perusal of the news, many institutions of higher learning are dropping humanities courses. One is even dropping all foreign language courses, which means no majors and no advanced degrees. Many see history as another of no value in modern education.
There you are. Much to think about.
First, what history most interests you? I minored in history and was exposed beginning in sixth grade (world exploration by the Europeans with an emphasis on Magellan. And it went on. Greek/Roman. Asian. The world wars. United States right from the beginning. Also biographies of assorted historical notables. I'm still reading history. But in the end, for me, military history was my favorite.
So take a historical look around. Including sampling historical events and prominent historical individuals that you may, at this moment, not be interested in.
Classes, of course.
What to do with it? In my opinion, you won't find it, it'll find you. But it's a lot of work. Undergraduate and then graduate degrees. And, hopefully, somewhere along the way, there it is.
At his moment, I see you as a writer. Though I didn't like to see the "wanna" in your question. Spruce up your English.
The only problem I see at the moment, is with a perusal of the news, many institutions of higher learning are dropping humanities courses. One is even dropping all foreign language courses, which means no majors and no advanced degrees. Many see history as another of no value in modern education.
There you are. Much to think about.
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
160
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hello Addison,
I appreciate your reaching out to us, and what a great question you've asked! I can relate to your feelings, as I too was rather shy and hesitant about social interactions when I was your age. But let me assure you, it's all in the mind. Over time, you'll come to see that interacting with people is a skill that can be developed and improved - hence why we call them 'social skills'.
Don't fret, you're still young and have plenty of time to discover more about yourself. I firmly believe that your passion for history can be channeled into a fulfilling career that you'll truly enjoy. I've seen many students graduate with a degree in History and go on to do amazing things. Many of them have become teachers at various levels - grade school, high school, and even college. Others have found rewarding positions in museums, as columnists, or as authors of historical books.
Remember, we all have unique gifts that can guide us towards our future careers. I encourage you to delve deeper into your chosen career path and consider the impact you could have in the field of education. If you enjoy working with younger students, then basic education could be a great fit for you. If you're more inclined towards higher education, that's a viable option too.
With your degree in History, all you need to do is take some additional educational units to become more proficient in the field of education. This will enable you to gain a certification in teaching basic education. For higher education, you might need to pursue a MA degree majoring in History.
So, explore your future career options thoroughly. This will not only increase your knowledge but also help you make well-informed career decisions. You've got this, Addison!
Try to visit your career counselor and ask some assistance in your career exploration.
Attend college life talks in your school especially dealing with college admission.
Visit schools that offer a Program in History to get more insights about your future career.
I appreciate your reaching out to us, and what a great question you've asked! I can relate to your feelings, as I too was rather shy and hesitant about social interactions when I was your age. But let me assure you, it's all in the mind. Over time, you'll come to see that interacting with people is a skill that can be developed and improved - hence why we call them 'social skills'.
Don't fret, you're still young and have plenty of time to discover more about yourself. I firmly believe that your passion for history can be channeled into a fulfilling career that you'll truly enjoy. I've seen many students graduate with a degree in History and go on to do amazing things. Many of them have become teachers at various levels - grade school, high school, and even college. Others have found rewarding positions in museums, as columnists, or as authors of historical books.
Remember, we all have unique gifts that can guide us towards our future careers. I encourage you to delve deeper into your chosen career path and consider the impact you could have in the field of education. If you enjoy working with younger students, then basic education could be a great fit for you. If you're more inclined towards higher education, that's a viable option too.
With your degree in History, all you need to do is take some additional educational units to become more proficient in the field of education. This will enable you to gain a certification in teaching basic education. For higher education, you might need to pursue a MA degree majoring in History.
So, explore your future career options thoroughly. This will not only increase your knowledge but also help you make well-informed career decisions. You've got this, Addison!
Dino recommends the following next steps:
Brianna C., MS, SLP
Speech language pathology
148
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Brianna’s Answer
Hi, Addison,
History is an incredibly important foundation for many career paths. They require a variety of different soft skills. Some include talking to people. Just remember that it's important to find a balance between doing what makes you comfortable and challenging yourself to gain new skills. Tons of introverts find that they actually enjoy more "social" jobs after getting the proper education and training for them.
As for jobs that involve history:
- teacher in K-12
- college professor (teaching, doing research, and writing books and articles)
- public policy creation (writing grants, creating action plans, writing legal policy)
- lawyer or judge
- sociologist (how history impacts current life)
- archeologist (more focused on historical artifacts and excavation)
- linguist (studying foreign languages and reading historical texts in their original language, archiving ancient or endangered languages)
- museum curator
- museum exhibit design
- educational curriculum design
- documentarian
Hope this is helpful!
History is an incredibly important foundation for many career paths. They require a variety of different soft skills. Some include talking to people. Just remember that it's important to find a balance between doing what makes you comfortable and challenging yourself to gain new skills. Tons of introverts find that they actually enjoy more "social" jobs after getting the proper education and training for them.
As for jobs that involve history:
- teacher in K-12
- college professor (teaching, doing research, and writing books and articles)
- public policy creation (writing grants, creating action plans, writing legal policy)
- lawyer or judge
- sociologist (how history impacts current life)
- archeologist (more focused on historical artifacts and excavation)
- linguist (studying foreign languages and reading historical texts in their original language, archiving ancient or endangered languages)
- museum curator
- museum exhibit design
- educational curriculum design
- documentarian
Hope this is helpful!