As a history major, you've likely encountered the skepticism of friends and family who question the practicality of your degree. However, the skills and knowledge you've acquired through studying history can be applied to a wide range of careers. In fact, history majors develop strong research, writing, and analytical skills, making them valuable assets in various industries. From law and politics to business and technology, history majors can unlock a surprising number of career paths that not only allow them to understand the past but also secure their future.
Careers in Law and Politics
History majors often develop a deep understanding of the complexities of human societies and the evolution of laws and governments. These skills are highly transferable to careers in law and politics. For instance, many history majors go on to become lawyers, using their research and analytical skills to build strong cases and advocate for their clients. Others pursue careers in politics, working as campaign managers, policy analysts, or legislative aides.
Law Careers for History Majors
History majors can excel in law school, where they can apply their knowledge of historical context to the study of law. Some potential law careers for history majors include:
- Criminal defense attorney: $80,000 - $150,000 per year (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for lawyers was $144,530 in May 2020)
- Corporate lawyer: $100,000 - $200,000 per year (according to Glassdoor, the average salary for a corporate lawyer in the United States is around $143,000 per year)
- Environmental lawyer: $70,000 - $140,000 per year (according to the Environmental Defense Fund, the average salary for an environmental lawyer is around $90,000 per year)
| Law Career | Median Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Criminal Defense Attorney | $80,000 - $150,000 |
| Corporate Lawyer | $100,000 - $200,000 |
| Environmental Lawyer | $70,000 - $140,000 |
Careers in Business and Technology
History majors can also apply their skills in business and technology, where their understanding of historical context and analytical skills can be valuable assets. For example, many history majors go on to become management consultants, using their research and analytical skills to help businesses solve complex problems. Others pursue careers in technology, working as data analysts, software developers, or product managers.
Business Careers for History Majors
History majors can excel in business, where their understanding of historical context and analytical skills can be applied to a wide range of industries. Some potential business careers for history majors include:
- Management consultant: $80,000 - $150,000 per year (according to Glassdoor, the average salary for a management consultant in the United States is around $94,000 per year)
- Data analyst: $60,000 - $120,000 per year (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for data analysts was $62,810 in May 2020)
- Marketing manager: $80,000 - $150,000 per year (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for marketing managers was $156,600 in May 2020)
| Business Career | Median Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Management Consultant | $80,000 - $150,000 |
| Data Analyst | $60,000 - $120,000 |
| Marketing Manager | $80,000 - $150,000 |
Key Points
- History majors develop strong research, writing, and analytical skills that can be applied to a wide range of careers.
- Careers in law and politics, such as lawyer, campaign manager, or policy analyst, are well-suited for history majors.
- History majors can also excel in business and technology, working as management consultants, data analysts, or marketing managers.
- The skills and knowledge acquired through studying history can be applied to various industries, making history majors valuable assets in the workforce.
- History majors can unlock a surprising number of career paths that allow them to understand the past and secure their future.
What are some common careers for history majors?
+History majors can pursue a wide range of careers, including law, politics, business, and technology. Some common careers for history majors include lawyer, management consultant, data analyst, and marketing manager.
How can history majors apply their skills in the workforce?
+History majors develop strong research, writing, and analytical skills that can be applied to various industries. They can use these skills to analyze complex problems, develop creative solutions, and communicate effectively with clients or colleagues.
What are some high-paying careers for history majors?
+History majors can pursue high-paying careers in law, finance, and technology. For example, lawyers can earn median salaries ranging from 80,000 to 150,000 per year, while management consultants can earn median salaries ranging from 80,000 to 150,000 per year.