How a History Major Prepares You for the Job Market
A history degree gives you a diverse, well-rounded education by focusing on important events and individuals that changed U.S. and world history. You will gain new perspectives while studying historical moments that impact the way we live our lives today. Students can apply these skills toward many aspects of their career and personal life. Understanding history and the faults or tragedies of others may help shape your beliefs and choices. A willingness to learn and comprehend the past makes history majors conscientious of other people and cultures. This is especially beneficial in the job market, as employers seek socially mindful and intellectually driven candidates. Through years of research, discussions and close studies, history majors are equipped with the analytical, scholarly and communication skills needed in most careers.

Best Career Paths for History Majors
With the ongoing public history movement and strong desire to understand the past, more history majors are needed to provide their research and knowledge in these rewarding career paths:

• Historians. Historians are investigators of the past. They are in charge of researching, understanding and interpreting past events by examining a specific country or region, time period, or historical field. They often share their research and discoveries in books, articles, essays and other written works. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most historians do research and interpretation for the State and local government. Historians may also study preserved materials and artifacts in museums and historical sites. Historians made an average salary of $54,530 in 2008, according to the Bureau.
• History Teachers. History teachers are important to the preservation of history and how well students comprehend past events. They provide students with a deeper understanding of historical events and influential people that affect society today. History teachers may focus on a specific time period or major world events that made history. The higher the grade level, the more advanced your topics will be. In college-level history classes, teachers are likely to do research and teach graduate students as well. Depending on the grade level, history majors may need to have a wide range of courses and a specialty to become a history teacher, while others may need additional classes and a certification to teach, according to the American Historical Association. At the college, university, and professional level, history teachers made an average salary of $70,720 in 2008, according to the Bureau.

How to Market Your History Degree
History majors have the necessary skills to effectively market their degree. Truly understanding history and its effects on today's society makes you stand out from other graduates. In addition, you spent years researching, analyzing and discussing events that happened in the past and learned how to apply them to current situations or issues. You can also show your employers that you received a well-rounded education through general courses and specializations. If there is a particular area or course that you are passionate about, share your knowledge and be proud of your educational background.