How to Become a Historian (From Curious to Curator)

If you’ve ever been fascinated by the stories of the past or wondered what it takes to become a historian, you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the EXACT steps you need to embark on your journey to become a historian. We’ll discuss:

• The skills you require.
• The education necessary to pursue this path.
• How to secure a job as a historian.

So, whether you’re a history enthusiast just beginning your academic journey or an established scholar looking to specialize, stay with us.

We’re about to uncover the roadmap to become a historian.

Let’s delve into the past!

Steps to Become a Historian

 

Step 1: Cultivate a Strong Foundation in History

In order to pursue a career as a historian, it is crucial that you begin by cultivating a strong foundation in history.

This entails studying various historical periods, regions, and cultures extensively, starting as early as high school if possible.

You should pay attention to global history, as well as the history of your own country.

Learning to critically analyze historical events, developments, and narratives is equally important.

This includes developing an understanding of how historical events are influenced by their social, political, and economic contexts, and how they, in turn, shape these contexts.

Taking rigorous coursework in history during high school and college will help you develop these skills.

You might consider taking Advanced Placement (AP) history classes if they are available in your school.

These classes often require students to do in-depth research and write detailed essays, which can help you develop your analytical skills.

Additionally, you should learn to read primary and secondary historical sources critically.

Understanding the biases, limitations, and strengths of different types of historical sources is a crucial skill for historians.

You should also cultivate a habit of reading widely outside your coursework.

This can include historical non-fiction, biographies, historical novels, and scholarly articles in history journals.

This will not only deepen your knowledge of history but also expose you to different ways of thinking about and interpreting historical events.

Remember, a strong foundation in history is not just about memorizing dates and events.

It is about understanding the complex ways in which different factors interact to shape history, and developing the ability to critically analyze and interpret historical sources and narratives.

 

Step 2: Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in History

To become a historian, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in History is a crucial step.

This is where you will gain a broad understanding of different historical periods, cultures, and themes.

The coursework generally includes studies in ancient, medieval, and modern history, world civilizations, and various geographic areas.

In addition to this, you can also choose to concentrate on a particular region or era based on your interests.

For instance, you might decide to specialize in Asian history, Western European history, or American history.

You may also choose to focus on specific themes or topics like military history, women’s history, or cultural history.

During your undergraduate studies, it’s advisable to hone your research skills, since a significant part of being a historian involves delving deep into historical records and sources.

Developing strong writing skills is also essential as historians often present their findings in articles, reports, or books.

Getting involved in history-related extracurricular activities, clubs, or internships can also provide practical experience and a deeper understanding of the field.

This might also offer opportunities to network with professionals and academics in the field, which could be beneficial for your future career as a historian.

 

Step 3: Specialize in an Area of Interest

As a historian, it is crucial to have an area of specialization.

History is a vast field, covering numerous periods, regions, and themes.

You may decide to focus on a particular time period (like the Renaissance or the World War era), a geographical area (like Asian history or European history), or a theme (like cultural history, political history, or economic history).

Your specialization will shape your career significantly, as it will dictate your research and study focus.

You’ll likely spend years understanding the nuances, examining primary sources, and interpreting events related to your chosen area.

It will also play a crucial role in the job market, affecting the types of positions you’re qualified for and the institutions you might work in.

While still in university, you can start to identify your area of interest.

Take courses in different areas of history to get a broad understanding and see which ones you find most engaging.

You can then choose to pursue a master’s degree or a doctorate in your chosen area of specialization, which will further deepen your expertise.

Your specialization should be based on your passion and curiosity, as you will spend a lot of time researching and analyzing it.

So, choose an area that truly fascinates you and motivates you to delve deeper into its historical context.

 

Step 4: Gain Research Experience

As a historian, research is a fundamental aspect of your job.

It’s essential to gain experience in this area to not only improve your skills but also to become familiar with the different methods, tools, and resources that historians use to uncover and interpret the past.

One way to gain research experience is to assist a professor or experienced historian with their research projects.

This could involve anything from collecting and analyzing primary sources, conducting interviews, visiting archives and libraries, to writing literature reviews.

You may also consider undertaking your own research project, such as for a thesis or dissertation, if you’re pursuing a Master’s or Doctorate degree.

This will provide you with the opportunity to independently navigate through the entire research process – from formulating a research question to presenting your findings.

Additionally, attending conferences and workshops can help you stay updated with the latest research methodologies and trends in your field.

Remember, the goal is to develop a solid foundation in research that will enable you to critically analyze historical events, trends, and ideas, as well as effectively communicate your insights and conclusions.

 

Step 5: Develop Writing and Analysis Skills

As a historian, much of your work will involve researching, writing, and analyzing historical documents and sources.

Therefore, it’s critical to enhance your writing and analysis skills.

You can start by taking courses in your undergraduate and graduate studies that require extensive writing and critical thinking.

Consider courses in research methodology, literary analysis, and even creative writing.

Conducting detailed research and presenting your findings in a clear, concise, and compelling manner will be a significant part of your job.

Therefore, developing strong research skills and the ability to analyze a wide range of materials, including historical texts, artifacts, and other primary sources, is crucial.

Apart from formal education, you can also improve your writing skills by writing essays, articles, and even blog posts about history.

This practice will not only enhance your writing skills but also expand your understanding of history.

In addition, historians often need to present their findings or views to an audience, whether it’s at a conference, in a classroom, or through a publication.

Thus, developing good public speaking and presentation skills is also beneficial.

Remember that the field of history is continually evolving with new interpretations and perspectives.

Keeping an open mind, being able to critically analyze different viewpoints, and staying up-to-date with current historical research will be essential for your career as a historian.

 

Step 6: Pursue a Master’s Degree or Ph.D. in History

After completing your bachelor’s degree, the next step to becoming a historian is pursuing a master’s degree or Ph.D. in history.

While some jobs in the field may require only a bachelor’s degree, many positions, especially those in academic or research settings, require advanced degrees.

These programs provide in-depth study of various historical periods, methodologies, and theoretical approaches to history.

When you enter a graduate program, you may have the chance to choose a concentration or area of specialty, such as European history, African history, military history, or cultural history.

This choice should be aligned with your career goals and areas of interest.

A master’s degree usually requires a thesis, which gives you the opportunity to delve deeply into a specific topic, while a Ph.D. will require a dissertation, a more extensive original research project.

These projects not only contribute to the field of history but also provide you with valuable research and analytical skills.

While earning your advanced degree, you may also have opportunities to gain teaching or research experience, often as a graduate teaching assistant or research assistant.

This hands-on experience can be invaluable in preparing for a career as a historian.

Keep in mind that pursuing a Ph.D. is a significant commitment, often taking several years to complete.

However, it can open doors to higher-level positions in academia and research.

 

Step 7: Publish Research and Articles

As you progress in your career as a historian, it’s important to start publishing your research and articles.

This step is crucial for several reasons, chief among them being it helps to establish your reputation in the field and contributes to the overall body of knowledge in your area of specialization.

Start by selecting topics that are related to your focus area, and create in-depth research papers or articles on them.

This will involve a lot of reading, studying, and critical analysis of historical events and sources.

When you have your material ready, submit it to academic journals, magazines, and other print or digital platforms that publish historical research.

This can be a long process with several rounds of revisions, so patience and perseverance are key.

In addition, presenting your findings at conferences and seminars is another great way to get your work noticed by your peers and other professionals in the field.

This can also lead to networking opportunities and even potential collaborations.

Remember, as a historian, your work should contribute new insights or perspectives to historical events or periods, so make sure your work is original, well-researched, and well-articulated.

In the long run, consistently publishing your research and articles can lead to opportunities for tenure at universities, leadership roles in historical societies, or even opportunities to author your own books.

 

Step 8: Attend Academic Conferences and Workshops

Attending academic conferences and workshops is a crucial step in pursuing a career as a historian.

These events are an excellent opportunity to network with other professionals in your field, learn about the latest research and trends, and present your own research to get feedback.

Conferences and workshops typically focus on a specific historical era, geographical area, or theme, and are held by various historical associations and universities.

They provide a platform for historians to share their work, discuss new theories or interpretations, and challenge established notions.

You can learn from the experts, gain insights into their methodologies, and engage in discussions that can further enhance your understanding.

Often, these events also hold sessions or workshops for early-career historians, addressing essential professional development topics such as publication, grant writing, job applications, and teaching techniques.

Participating in these can prepare you for the different aspects of a historian’s job role.

Presenting your research at conferences is also an important part of establishing your reputation in your field.

It allows you to receive constructive criticism and suggestions from other historians, which can help you improve your work.

It can also result in opportunities for collaboration with other researchers.

In summary, attending academic conferences and workshops is an essential part of a historian’s career development.

It helps you keep up-to-date with your field, network with other professionals, and gain valuable feedback on your work.

 

Step 9: Network with Other Historians and Academics

In order to build a successful career as a historian, it’s important to network with other professionals in the field.

This could be through attending academic conferences, joining professional organizations, or simply reaching out to other historians whose work you admire.

Networking can lead to opportunities for collaboration, job offers, and can help you stay informed about the latest research in your field.

Consider joining professional organizations like the American Historical Association or the World History Association.

These organizations often hold annual conferences which provide excellent opportunities for networking.

Furthermore, they offer resources such as job boards, workshops, and publications that can help you further your career.

Additionally, make it a point to interact with historians and academics on social media platforms.

Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook all have communities of historians who share resources and engage in discussions.

You can also start a blog or contribute to online forums related to history.

Remember, networking is not just about getting something, but also about contributing to the community.

Share your knowledge, offer help, engage in discussions, and show appreciation to others’ work.

This will not only help you establish connections but also build your reputation in the field.

 

Step 10: Seek Job Opportunities in Academia, Museums, or Historical Societies

After completing your formal education and gaining some experience through internships or research projects, it’s time to start seeking job opportunities.

Historians often find employment in academia, museums, or historical societies.

If you want to teach history at a college or university level, a career in academia is the most suitable path.

You will be expected to teach students, conduct research, and publish scholarly articles in academic journals.

You may also have opportunities to participate in international conferences and workshops which further enhance your profile as a historian.

A career in a museum can be rewarding for those who have a passion for preserving and sharing history.

Many historians work as curators, where they research, interpret, and present historical artifacts and documents to the public.

You may also be involved in creating exhibitions, managing collections, and educating visitors about various historical periods or topics.

Historical societies or other non-profit organizations often employ historians for research purposes.

You could be working on specific projects, researching local history, or even helping to preserve historical sites.

This kind of work often has more community interaction, which can be rewarding if you enjoy sharing history with a wider audience.

Remember, the path to becoming a historian can be long and requires significant dedication to the study of the past.

But if you have a deep passion for history, the effort can lead to a fulfilling career where you can constantly learn and share your knowledge with others.

 

Step 11: Engage in Continuous Learning

As a historian, the learning process is ongoing.

History is an ever-expanding field, with new discoveries and interpretations emerging regularly.

Thus, continuous learning is necessary to keep abreast of the latest developments and to maintain an informed perspective on historical events and periods.

You can engage in continuous learning by reading academic journals and books related to your area of specialization.

Also, participating in conferences and seminars to hear from experts and engaging in discussions with peers can aid learning.

This will allow you to stay updated with the latest historical research and theories.

It is also beneficial to visit historical sites, museums, and archives to gather first-hand knowledge and experience the subject matter personally.

This can help you gain a deeper understanding of your chosen historical period or topic.

Online courses, webinars, and workshops can also be a great way to continue your education.

Many universities and institutions offer courses on specific historical periods or topics, allowing you to delve deeper into your area of interest.

Remember, as a historian, your role is not only to gather and interpret historical data but also to continue expanding your knowledge and understanding of the past.

By committing to lifelong learning, you ensure your work remains relevant and informed.

 

Step 12: Advocate for the Importance of History in Public Life

As a historian, your job doesn’t end at conducting research, writing, and teaching; it also involves a crucial social responsibility, advocating for the significance of history in public life.

You can do this by engaging in public talks, writing articles for popular media, consulting for historical films, or working in museum outreach.

The public often has a misconception about history as being just about the past.

But historians know that understanding history is vital for understanding the present and future.

By participating in public forums, you can help people understand that history is not just a sequence of events, but a complex web of causes and effects that can help explain contemporary issues.

You can use your expertise to engage with public policy debates, offering historical perspectives on contemporary issues.

This can help policymakers make more informed decisions and help the public understand the broader context of these issues.

By advocating for the importance of history in public life, you also reinforce the value of your work as a historian.

This, in turn, can lead to more funding and support for historical research and education.

Remember, as a historian, you are not only a scholar but also a public intellectual with a vital role in society.

 

Historian Roles and Responsibilities

Historians are experts in analyzing and interpreting the past.

They use a variety of sources, such as historical documents, images, and oral accounts, to understand and explain historical events, trends, and societies.

They have the following roles and responsibilities:

 

Research

• Conduct detailed research into historical events, people, and societies.
• Use a variety of sources, such as archives, books, and artifacts, to gather historical data.
• Verify the authenticity and reliability of sources.

 

Analysis and Interpretation

• Analyze historical data to understand and interpret historical events and trends.
• Formulate theories and narratives about the past.
• Challenge existing interpretations of history and propose alternative views.

 

Writing and Publishing

• Write articles, books, and reports on historical research findings.
• Present research findings at conferences and seminars.
• Contribute to scholarly discussions and debates on historical subjects.

 

Teaching and Lecturing

• Teach history courses at universities and colleges.
• Deliver lectures and presentations on historical subjects.
• Mentor students and supervise their research.

 

Preservation

• Work with museums, libraries, and archives to preserve historical artifacts and documents.
• Advocate for the preservation and protection of historical sites.

 

Consultation

• Provide expert advice on historical subjects for projects, such as films, exhibitions, and educational programs.
• Testify as an expert witness in legal cases that involve historical issues.

 

Communication

• Communicate historical information effectively to a variety of audiences.
• Engage with the public through media interviews, public talks, and social media.

 

Continuous Learning

• Keep up-to-date with new research and developments in the field of history.
• Participate in professional development activities, such as attending conferences and workshops.

 

What Does a Historian Do?

Historians are professionals who study and interpret the past.

They usually specialize in a particular time period, geographical area, or type of history such as social, political, or economic.

They conduct research by analyzing a variety of historical documents and sources, including newspapers, letters, photographs, and diaries.

They also use online databases and archives to gather information.

Historians often write reports, articles, and books on their findings.

They may also give lectures and presentations, sharing their knowledge with the public, students, or other professionals in their field.

Some historians may work in museums, historical societies, or archives, where they help to preserve and interpret historical artifacts and documents.

They may also be responsible for creating and organizing exhibits, as well as providing educational programs for the public.

Historians often collaborate with other professionals such as archeologists, librarians, and archivists.

They may also provide consultation services to governments, businesses, or individuals interested in historical research.

Their work involves constantly learning and staying updated with new research methods and theories, which can help them provide a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the past.

 

Essential Historian Skills

• Research Skills: A crucial part of a historian’s job involves extensive research. This includes searching through primary sources, such as archives, newspapers, and letters, and secondary sources like books and articles.
• Analytical Skills: Historians need to analyze documents and other historical artifacts to interpret the past. This requires critical thinking and the ability to make connections between different pieces of information.
• Writing Skills: Historians need to convey their findings in a clear, concise, and compelling way. They must know how to structure their writing, present arguments, and cite sources correctly.
• Communication Skills: Historians often present their findings to both scholarly and general audiences. They must be able to explain complex historical events and theories in a way that others can understand.
• Detail Oriented: Historians must pay close attention to details, whether they’re reading a historical document or examining an artifact. Overlooking a small detail can lead to inaccurate conclusions.
• Historical Knowledge: A deep understanding of history, including different periods, cultures, and geopolitical developments, is fundamental for any historian.
• Foreign Language Skills: Depending on the area of specialization, historians may need to read historical documents in a foreign language. Proficiency in one or more languages can be incredibly beneficial.
• Understanding of Historical Context: Historians must be able to understand the societal, cultural, and political contexts of the time periods they study to accurately interpret events and artifacts.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: History is interconnected with fields like anthropology, sociology, and archaeology. A historian should be able to incorporate perspectives from these disciplines into their analysis.
• Curiosity: Historians need to be naturally curious, asking questions and seeking answers about the past. This drives their research and helps them make new discoveries.
• Patience: Research can be a time-consuming process, requiring a lot of patience. Historians often spend hours sifting through documents and data to find the information they need.
• Computer Skills: In today’s digital age, historians must be proficient with computers. This includes using databases, digital archives, data analysis software, and word processing programs.
• Ethics: Historians must approach their work with integrity, honesty, and respect for the past. This includes accurately representing historical events and acknowledging the work of others.
• Time Management: Historians often work on multiple projects at once, so they need excellent time management skills to meet deadlines and manage their workload efficiently.
• Public Speaking: Many historians share their work through lectures, presentations, and interviews. Strong public speaking skills are essential for these activities.

 

Historian Career Path Progression

The Foundation: Junior Historian

The first step in your career will likely be as a Junior Historian.

During this stage, you’ll gather knowledge and acquire hands-on experience, focusing primarily on data analysis and research.

Your responsibilities may include assisting with research projects, cataloguing historical data, and drafting preliminary reports.

Here are some tips for success at this stage:

1. Research Skills: Develop strong research skills and learn to navigate various sources of historical information.
2. Networking: Attend academic conferences and seminars to interact with established historians and build your professional network.
3. Writing Skills: Cultivate your writing skills, as they are crucial for drafting reports and research papers.

 

The Ascent: Historian

With experience, you’ll transition into the role of a Historian.

This role involves more in-depth research, writing scholarly papers, and potentially teaching at a university level.

Here’s how to thrive in this stage:

1. Specialization: Choose a specific historical era, region, or theme to specialize in, and become an expert in that field.
2. Publication: Try to get your research papers published in reputable academic journals to build your credibility.
3. Teaching: If you’re teaching, focus on engaging your students and fostering their interest in history.

 

Reaching New Heights: Senior Historian

As a Senior Historian, you’ll become a recognized expert in your field.

You’ll author books, lead major research projects, and shape the direction of your department if you’re in academia.

To excel as a Senior Historian:

1. Mentorship: Guide junior historians and students, sharing your knowledge and experience.
2. Thought Leadership: Use your expertise to contribute to discussions on historical events and their impact on present-day society.
3. Public Speaking: Improve your public speaking skills to deliver compelling lectures and presentations.

 

Beyond the Horizon: Lead Roles and Beyond

As your career evolves, you may become a Department Head at a university, lead a historical society, or serve as a Chief Historian at a museum or research institution.

Each of these roles involves greater responsibilities and strategic decision-making.

Here’s what to focus on:

1. Leadership: Develop strong leadership skills to manage teams and guide the direction of your department or institution.
2. Strategic Planning: Learn to plan and execute complex research projects or educational programs.
3. Advocacy: Advocate for the importance of history in education and society, influencing policy and public opinion.

 

Pinnacle of Success: Director of Historical Studies or Chief Curator

At the pinnacle of your career, you may become a Director of Historical Studies at a university or a Chief Curator at a renowned museum.

In these roles, you’ll shape the overall strategy and direction of your institution, making key decisions, and leading larger teams.

This stage of your career marks your transformation from historian to influential leader in the field of history.

 

Historian Salary

Entry-Level Historian

• Median Salary: $35,000 – $45,000 per year
• Entry-level historians typically have 0-2 years of experience and hold a bachelor’s degree in history or related fields. They are often responsible for conducting research and gathering historical data.

 

Mid-Level Historian

• Median Salary: $50,000 – $65,000 per year
• Mid-level historians have 2-5 years of experience and often take on more complex research projects. They may also be responsible for writing reports and articles on their findings.

 

Senior Historian

• Median Salary: $70,000 – $85,000 per year
• Senior historians possess 5+ years of experience and often lead research projects. They may also teach at universities, write books, and present their research at conferences.

 

Lead Historian / History Department Manager

• Median Salary: $90,000 – $110,000+ per year
• These roles come with significant experience and often involve managing other historians, overseeing large research projects, and influencing the strategic direction of their department or institution.

 

Principal Historian / Director of History / VP of Historical Research

• Median Salary: $120,000 – $150,000+ per year
• These high-level positions require extensive experience and deep knowledge in their field. They often involve setting research strategies, overseeing all history projects, and representing their institution at high-level academic or professional gatherings.

 

Historian Work Environment

Historians typically work in offices, libraries, archives, museums, and universities.

They may also work in government agencies or other organizations that require historical research or presentation.

Historians often enjoy a structured schedule, especially if employed in an academic setting with teaching responsibilities.

However, schedules may vary if they are conducting research, which could involve travel to archives, historical sites, or other locations for gathering primary source materials.

Many historians also engage in fieldwork, which can involve extensive reading, document analysis, and interviews.

They may also write reports, articles, and books, or present their findings to the public through lectures or exhibits.

Historians may have the opportunity to work independently on their research, but they also often work in teams, especially in larger institutions or on complex research projects.

They typically need to meet deadlines, whether for publication, presentation, or grant applications.

For historians who progress in their career, there may be opportunities to lead departments in museums or universities, or to become senior researchers or policy advisors in government or other organizations.

 

FAQs About Becoming a Historian

What qualifications do I need to become a historian?

To become a historian, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in history or a related field.

However, most professional historians hold a master’s degree or a Ph.D. in history.

It’s important to have strong research, analytical, and writing skills.

Knowledge of a foreign language can also be beneficial, especially for those interested in global history or certain specialized fields.

 

How long does it take to become a historian?

The time it takes to become a historian can vary based on the educational path.

A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years to complete.

If you decide to pursue a master’s degree, it can take an additional two years.

A Ph.D., which is often required for academic positions, usually takes an additional four to six years beyond the master’s degree.

This includes time spent on dissertation research and writing.

 

Can I become a historian without a formal degree?

While it is possible to study history and conduct historical research without a formal degree, most professional historian roles, especially in academia, require at least a master’s degree, and often a Ph.D. However, there are roles related to history, such as historical tour guide or museum technician, which may not require a formal degree.

 

Is being a historian a stressful job?

Being a historian can be stressful at times, particularly when meeting publication or project deadlines, conducting detailed research, or juggling teaching responsibilities.

However, many historians find the process of uncovering and interpreting the past to be intellectually rewarding and stimulating, which can offset the stress.

 

What are the career prospects for historians in the future?

The career prospects for historians vary depending on the specific field of history and the job market.

While academia remains a traditional path, there are opportunities in other areas, including government, museums, archives, historical consulting, and publishing.

Emerging fields such as digital history and public history also provide new opportunities.

A history degree also fosters critical thinking, research, and writing skills that are valuable in many professions.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Choosing to become a historian is a journey that requires dedication, but it’s undeniably fulfilling.

Equipped with the right knowledge, academic background, and perseverance, you’re well on your path to making a significant contribution in the field of history.

Remember, the path may be complex, but the opportunities are boundless. Your research could lead to groundbreaking findings that change our understanding of the past, our present, and our future.

So, take that first step. Immerse yourself in rigorous study. Connect with other historians. And most importantly, never stop exploring.

Because the world is waiting to see what you can uncover.

And if you’re seeking personalized advice on starting or advancing your career in history, check out our AI Career Path Advisor.

This complimentary tool is designed to offer tailored advice and resources to help you navigate your career path effectively.

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