18 tips for history majors who are mapping their careers

Career mapping is the process of strategically planning your professional journey by identifying potential career paths, the skills you’ll need, and the steps to achieve your long-term goals. For history majors, career mapping is especially valuable because the field offers a wide range of opportunities in education, research, public service, and business. Without a clear plan, it can be challenging to connect your academic background to specific career paths.

With a history degree, you might start in roles like museum curator, archival assistant, research analyst, or education coordinator. If teaching appeals to you, becoming a history teacher or professor is a natural path, though higher education roles often require advanced degrees. Those interested in law or public policy might use their strong research and writing skills to pursue careers as legal assistants, policy analysts, or even attend law school. History majors also thrive in fields like journalism, publishing, and even business sectors like marketing or project management, where critical thinking and storytelling are valued. Career mapping helps you identify how to leverage your analytical and research skills, what additional certifications or graduate programs could benefit you, and how to position yourself in a competitive job market. It’s not just about studying the past—it’s about using that knowledge to shape your future.

• History Majors Thrive in Public Service Roles
• Historical Research Consulting for Tourism Boards
• Create Historical Content for Digital Media
• Content Writing for Educational Companies
• Theme Parks Need Research-Backed Storytelling
• Historical Narrative Consultant for Interactive Media
• Narrative Designer for Video Games
• Park Ranger at Historical Sites
• Investigative Researcher for Various Fields
• Strategy or Consulting Roles for History Majors
• Geopolitical Risk Analyst Role
• Researcher for Businesses, Law Firms, and Media
• Research Assistant for Professors or Organizations
• Grant Writer for Museums and Nonprofits
• Write Historical Content for Tourism Companies
• Research Analyst Positions Across Industries
• Museum or Archival Assistant Roles
• Foreign Service Officer Role

History Majors Thrive in Public Service Roles

The true benefit of a history degree is that the skills can be applied across so many professional sectors. When we “think like historians,” we possess skills in critical thinking, teamwork, research, writing, and inquiry. History majors are particularly valuable in public service, whether it be working in state government, Capitol Hill, or so many of the other opportunities available to those seeking to serve the community. 

History majors know how to successfully engage in research and analysis, they know how to move beyond the what questions and ask the why, and feet know the potential significance that the past can have on the future. Ultimately, an undergraduate degree is about demonstrating one is ready for professional work. A history major is one of the best undergraduate majors to prove that, as it equips learners with the skills and knowledge to succeed as they start their careers.

Patrick Riccards, CEO, Driving Force Institute

Historical Research Consulting for Tourism Boards

A rewarding and somewhat unexpected role for a History major is to become a “Historical Research Consultant” for local tourism boards or cultural institutions. History students often bring a blend of analytical prowess and storytelling flair that fits perfectly with organizations looking to highlight regional heritage, hidden landmarks, or even lesser-known narratives about local figures. For example, a small-town museum might hire a consultant to research the founding families of the area, propose historically accurate tour concepts, and develop engaging content that bridges academic accuracy with audience-friendly presentations.

Dennis Shirshikov, Head of Education, iTutor.com

Create Historical Content for Digital Media

A history degree doesn’t mean you’re stuck in academia. I’ve seen students build careers in digital media by creating historical content for YouTube, blogs, and even corporate training. One student I know started writing short history explainers on social media. A documentary company saw their work and hired them to research scripts. Crazy how that works, right? If you can write well and break down history in a way that’s easy to digest, this is a hidden career path worth exploring.

Tornike Asatiani, CEO, Edumentors

Content Writing for Educational Companies

If you’re a History major who loves storytelling, content writing for educational companies is a perfect fit. Companies need writers who can explain complex topics in an engaging way. We once hired a History intern to write e-learning content on corporate leadership development. Their ability to connect historical events to modern leadership principles made the training more engaging and insightful.

Christopher Pappas, Founder, eLearning Industry Inc

Theme Parks Need Research-Backed Storytelling

Theme parks and historical attractions rely on accuracy to create immersive experiences. Writers and designers need research-backed storytelling to build believable settings, from ancient ruins to turn-of-the-century towns. A history major can contribute to exhibit planning, scriptwriting, and guided experiences that bring historical events to life. Every ride, tour, or interactive display starts with someone making sure the details feel real. Creating an environment where visitors feel transported takes deep knowledge and creative problem-solving. Honestly, turning history into something people can walk through, touch, and experience beats any classroom lecture.

Tom Hamilton Stubber, Managing Director, TutorCruncher

Historical Narrative Consultant for Interactive Media

One of the most fascinating and overlooked career options for a History major is as a Historical Narrative Consultant for interactive media—virtual reality experiences, immersive games, or even historically themed escape rooms. As a Historical Narrative Consultant, a student’s sharp eye for historical context, timelines, and cultural detail is an asset for companies looking to create realistic, compelling stories.

This is more than “fact-checking.” A Historical Narrative Consultant shapes the overall user experience. They advise on period-specific settings and costumes, the social hierarchies or the minutiae of daily life in a time period. By incorporating authentic historical details into the narrative, they add richness and complexity that can turn a generic simulation into a fully realized world. Game developers, VR studios, and event companies are increasingly realizing how authenticity keeps users hooked, whether they’re exploring an ancient Egyptian tomb in a VR headset or cracking codes in a 19th-century-themed puzzle experience.

What’s remarkable is that many developers don’t have the time or training to dive deeply into primary sources—letters, diaries, government documents—to base their content on actual historical narratives. A History major, on the other hand, has learned how to sift through this glut of information, identify patterns, and extract key themes. More importantly, they know how to render it in an accessible form that still resonates with an audience. This is light-years beyond the traditional “museum curator” path and taps into a fast-growing market that combines entertainment, technology, and academic rigor.

So, whereas everyone would assume that a History major would demand a library or a classroom, the new great frontier could be helping create the interactive worlds of the future—worlds where the richness and accuracy of the past provide the foundation for imaginative, interactive experiences. It’s a challenge that requires the rigor of historical scholarship combined with the imagination of today’s technology, and it’s a challenge that didn’t exist ten years ago.

Derek Pankaew, CEO & Founder, Listening.com

Narrative Designer for Video Games

Try becoming a narrative designer for video games. Believe it or not, the gaming industry is always on the lookout for people who can craft compelling stories, build rich worlds, and create characters that feel authentic to different time periods. History majors bring a deep understanding of context, culture, and human behavior, which is gold for designing games set in historical or historically inspired settings.

In fact, narrative designers can earn between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience and the scale of the projects they work on. The gaming industry is booming, with revenues hitting over $180 billion globally last year, and story-driven games are a huge part of that success. For a history major, this is a chance to turn their passion for the past into a creative, high-paying career that’s anything but ordinary.

Toni Norman, Senior Marketing Manager, Tingdene Residential Parks

Park Ranger at Historical Sites

I recently discovered that being a park ranger at historical sites perfectly fits history majors—I get to bring the past alive through storytelling at places like Gettysburg. Last summer, I led battlefield tours where I connected visitors with soldiers’ personal stories, which really made history feel real for them. Based on my experience, combining your knowledge of history with outdoor education creates meaningful experiences for visitors while letting you stay deeply connected to historical preservation.

Josh Ladick, President, GSA Focus

Investigative Researcher for Various Fields

History majors are trained to dig deep, analyze sources, and separate fact from bias—skills that are gold in investigative work.

Many journalists, legal teams, and documentary filmmakers need researchers who can track down historical records, analyze public documents, or fact-check information.

Why it’s a perfect fit for a History major:

1. You’re already trained for it – Researching, cross-referencing, and analyzing sources is basically what you do for essays, but now you get paid for it.
   
2. It’s flexible and remote-friendly – You can do a lot of research online or in archives without needing a full-time office job.
   
3. It opens doors – This can lead to careers in journalism, law, public policy, or even working on historical documentaries.
   
4. It pays better than typical student jobs – Many media outlets, authors, and law firms hire researchers on a freelance or contract basis.

Most people think history majors are limited to teaching, but research is a valuable skill that industries rely on daily.

If you love uncovering forgotten stories, tracking sources, or proving facts, this is a real-world job that plays to your strengths—and could even turn into a long-term career.

Austin Benton, Marketing Consultant, Gotham Artists

Strategy or Consulting Roles for History Majors

Strategy or consulting. History majors are trained to analyze patterns, think critically, and make sense of complex information—all skills that are essential in these fields. Whether it’s corporate strategy, management consulting, or even policy advising, being able to connect the dots between past trends and present challenges is a huge asset. Plus, history majors tend to be great storytellers, which is key when presenting data, making recommendations, or persuading stakeholders.

Vivian Chen, Founder & CEO, Rise Jobs

Geopolitical Risk Analyst Role

If someone studying history wants to build a strong career, they should consider working as a geopolitical risk analyst. Most people think of teaching or museum work when they major in history, but companies and governments rely on experts who can analyze global events, historical patterns, and political trends to predict risks that might affect business and security.

A geopolitical risk analyst helps businesses understand how political shifts, economic sanctions, or international conflicts might impact their operations. Companies that rely on global supply chains need to know if a region is becoming unstable. Banks and investment firms need insights on how new policies might affect markets. Even insurance companies look at geopolitical risks when assessing coverage for companies operating overseas. History majors are well-suited for this because they understand patterns in international relations, conflicts, and economic shifts over time.

Companies are paying more attention to geopolitical risks because global instability is increasing. Over 70% of business leaders now say that political uncertainty is a major factor in financial decision-making. That means there is a growing demand for professionals who can interpret historical trends and apply them to modern challenges. This work blends research, writing, and analysis, making it a great fit for history majors who want to work in business, government, or consulting.

Gal Cohen, Business Development Leader & Field Area Manager, JDM Sliding Doors

Researcher for Businesses, Law Firms, and Media

Businesses, law firms, and media outlets constantly need researchers who can track down facts, verify sources, and analyze patterns. A history major trained in analyzing primary sources and piecing together narratives is built for this. Competitive intelligence firms, for example, pay researchers thousands to uncover market trends, corporate histories, or regulatory loopholes. 

I’ve worked with analysts who pull reports so detailed, they feel like mini-documentaries on how industries operate. On top of that, this kind of work leads to serious networking. Researchers deal directly with executives, journalists, and legal teams who need top-tier information. Getting known for delivering deep, reliable insights turns a part-time gig into a long-term career.

Benjamin Tom, Digital Marketing Expert and Utility Specialist, Electricity Monster

Research Assistant for Professors or Organizations

A great fit for a history major is working as a research assistant for a professor or historical organization. This role involves digging into archives, analyzing primary sources, and compiling information for academic projects or publications. It’s an opportunity to sharpen critical thinking and research skills while gaining direct experience in how historical narratives are constructed and presented.

Beyond academics, research work helps students develop skills that translate into fields like law, journalism, and policy analysis. It also provides networking opportunities with scholars and professionals in the field, which can open doors to internships, graduate programs, or specialized historical work. For a student passionate about uncovering the past and making sense of complex information, this kind of job is both intellectually rewarding and career-building.

Staci Anderson, Director of Marketing, Raynor Garage Doors

Grant Writer for Museums and Nonprofits

A grant writer possesses valuable qualifications for someone who holds a History degree. The ability to do thorough research combined with narrative storytelling and opinion interpretation serves you well when developing effective grant proposals.

History majors demonstrate the ability to join historical evidence with organizational goals which produce stronger persuasive proposals according to my observation. If you work as a grant writer, it can open excellent possibilities for you to improve your research and writing abilities as you help museums, nonprofits, or historical societies obtain funding. Writing proposals enables you to secure funding for community projects and historical preservation efforts thus creating valuable work opportunities.

In my work, sharing stories helps me connect with people and know that a good proposal really makes a difference. Grant writing is about the right words in the right sentences to clearly describe what an organization wants to do.

Spencer Romenco, Chief Growth Strategist, Growth Spurt

Write Historical Content for Tourism Companies

Try writing historical content for tourism companies. Cities with rich histories need guides, brochures, and online content that bring the past to life. Some companies pay $100-$300 for well-researched pieces on landmarks and historical events. A student with strong storytelling skills can turn dry facts into compelling narratives. The work blends history with creativity, opening doors in publishing, media, and beyond.

Nathan Mathews, CEO and Founder, Roofer

Research Analyst Positions Across Industries

We frequently see history majors thrive in research analyst positions across various industries. Our experience shows that the deep analytical and investigative skills developed while studying history translate remarkably well into this dynamic role.

History majors bring something special to research analyst positions—they’re trained to piece together complex narratives from scattered information, just as they do with historical documents. We’ve watched many of these graduates excel at analyzing market trends, consumer behavior patterns, and competitive landscapes, using the same methodical approach they learned while studying historical events and movements.

What makes this role particularly fitting is how it builds on history majors’ core strengths. In our work with various organizations, we’ve seen these graduates shine at synthesizing large amounts of data into clear, actionable insights—a skill they’ve honed through years of writing research papers and analyzing historical sources. Their ability to identify patterns and draw meaningful conclusions from extensive research sets them apart in the corporate world.

The transition from studying history to working as a research analyst often feels natural. We find that history majors already possess many of the essential skills: critical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex findings in straightforward terms. These are exactly the qualities our clients seek when filling research positions.

Looking at career progression, we’ve observed history majors starting as research analysts and advancing into senior strategic roles, consulting positions, or research directors. Their unique perspective on how past patterns influence future trends makes them valuable assets in helping organizations make informed decisions about their future direction.

Julia Yurchak, Talent Sourcing, Acquisition & Management Specialist| Senior Recruitment Consultant, Keller Executive Search

Museum or Archival Assistant Roles

Museum or archival assistant roles are a perfect fit for history majors. Working in a museum, historical society, or university archive allows students to engage directly with primary sources, artifacts, and historical records. It’s hands-on experience that strengthens research skills, teaches document preservation, and provides insight into how history is curated and presented to the public.

Beyond academic benefits, this kind of work helps develop analytical thinking and attention to detail—both valuable for careers in education, law, and public policy. Many institutions also offer flexible hours, making it easy for students to balance work with their studies. Plus, being surrounded by history in a professional setting can spark new interests and open doors to specialized career paths they might not have considered before.

Hamzah Khadim, SEO Expert, Logik Digital

Foreign Service Officer Role

The job that is most fitting for history majors is that of a Foreign Service Officer. In this role, you represent your country abroad, engaging in diplomacy, policy analysis, and cultural exchange. Your deep understanding of historical contexts and international relations becomes invaluable when dealing with complex global issues and fostering relationships with other nations. The demand for Foreign Service Officers remains steady, with the U.S. Department of State maintaining a workforce of over 8,000 FSOs as of 2021. This career offers a unique opportunity to apply your historical knowledge to contemporary international affairs, making it a compelling path for history graduates.

Daniel Vasilevski, Director & Owner, Bright Force Electrical

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