How to Become a Historian

What Historians' Jobs Involve and Tips on Studying the Past

Sep 29, 2009 Tiffany Krey

The job of the historian is to study the past and share their knowledge. Becoming a historian is something anybody can do with a little effort and willingness to learn.

Historians are individuals who are passionate about understanding the past and helping others to do the same. They study any material available and share their knowledge with others. Someone who is passionate about history may consider this a great career choice for them.

How to Become a Historian

When someone is interested in becoming a historian the first step is of course to study history. Not everyone is interested in the same time period or events. Finding an event or period to be passionate about and study is the first step.

Taking classes for various subjects will help prospective historians discover which field they are most interested in. One they do discover this, they’ll be able to take classes for that specific field of interest and seek out local historical societies to become involved with and to learn more about their interest. Joining a living history group could also be beneficial, as this will allow the opportunity for hands on understanding of the past.

Find and read as much information as is available on the subject. There will be much material available both on and offline. Look for recently updated information and discoveries. Read trade journals and find other published papers and books in that field of interest.

Study as much as is possible. If able, formal education is a great way to gain knowledge and accreditation in the subject of interest, however there are many self taught historians who are considered just as authoritative on their subjects as university taught historians.

It is best, but not always easy, to find information from direct sources. Whenever possible, interviewing people who were involved in specific events or finding writings from that period, is extremely beneficial. Sometimes these writings will be in other languages, so translating them will be necessary. In that case, it may be beneficial to learn a new language. Learning other skills to help analyze this information would also be extremely useful.

Begin to write and publish papers. Start with short essays and then work up to journal worthy publications and books.

Studying various cultures will also allow the opportunity to see how other civilizations may have interacted with the culture or event of interest. It will also give the individual the opportunity to become more knowledgeable in other fields and perhaps discover a new field of interest.

Jobs of Historians

The main job of a historian is to acquire and pass on knowledge about the past. Historians will study their field of expertise and organize the knowledge they gain to better teach others about that time period or event.

Most of the jobs historians are able to obtain involve teaching. Often historians will simply publish papers or books with the intent of passing on knowledge but not expecting much income from it.

Tips for Future History Experts

Study multiple points of view. History is complex and it is best to look at it from all possible angles to gain a clearer picture of the actual events. Don’t always assume authors are right. Keep an open mind and make decisions based on all of the information available.

Also, don’t be afraid to change opinions. New evidence is always being discovered and with that, understanding of the past will change.

Many historians will end up with large collections of rare books or artifacts. Learn how to keep these collections in the best possible condition so that they will last for years. Be sure that these collections will be passed on so that others may also learn from them.

The job of being a historian is rewarding and challenging. With study, patience, and a willingness to share knowledge though, becoming an expert of the past is achievable for anybody with enough passion to do so.

Sources and Further Reading:

Historian Jobs and Job Description from Career Planner

The copyright of the article How to Become a Historian in Career Advice is owned by Tiffany Krey. Permission to republish How to Become a Historian in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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