How to Be Exploratory Historian - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 3, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries had a profound effect on the world. It transformed economies and societies, ushering in a new era of mass production, increased efficiency, and the rise of the modern factory system. This period of rapid change brought about new sources of power, such as steam and electricity, which allowed for a shift away from manual labor.

As a result, machines were developed that could do tasks quickly and cheaply, leading to an overall increase in productivity. transportation and communication networks were improved, allowing for goods and services to be exchanged more easily, while new methods of manufacturing and distribution allowed businesses to expand and reach more consumers. This ultimately led to global economic growth and increased wealth for many.

Steps How to Become

Develop an interest in history. The first step to becoming an exploratory historian is to develop an interest in history. This can be done through reading books, attending lectures, or taking classes.
Learn the basics. Once you have developed an interest in history, it is important to learn the basics. This includes understanding the different periods of history, the key events, and the major historical figures.
Develop research skills. As an exploratory historian, you will need to be able to conduct research effectively and efficiently. This includes developing skills in using library catalog systems, databases, and other resources.
Understand primary sources. Understanding primary sources is essential for exploratory historians. Primary sources provide firsthand accounts of the past and help you to form your own interpretations of history.
Develop writing skills. Exploratory historians must be able to communicate their findings effectively through writing. Developing writing skills, such as grammar, syntax, and style, can help you communicate your findings more clearly.
Pursue further education. Depending on your career goals, you may need to pursue further education in order to become an exploratory historian. This may include a masters degree or a doctoral degree in history or a related field.
Network. Exploratory historians should network with other historians, scholars, and professionals in the field of history. This can help you gain insight into the field, make connections, and open up new opportunities.

As an exploratory historian, it is important to stay updated and capable in order to be successful. To do so, one must stay informed on current events and explore primary and secondary sources. it is important to take time to read scholarly articles and books about the topics one is researching.

This will allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and provide an intellectual foundation for further research. Furthermore, attending conferences and seminars related to the topic can be incredibly beneficial in order to network with peers and gain new perspectives. Finally, staying organized by taking notes and keeping track of research materials is essential in order to keep track of information and remain productive in ones work.

By doing all of these things, an exploratory historian is sure to stay updated and capable.

You may want to check Wildlife Explorer, Geographic Explorer, and Exploratory Mathematician for alternative.

Job Description

Research Historian: researching and studying historical materials to develop a better understanding of past events, trends, and cultures.
Museum Curator: collecting, preserving, and exhibiting artifacts and other materials related to history and culture.
Historical Preservationist: preserving historical buildings and sites to protect them from damage or destruction.
Archivist: organizing, preserving, and managing historical records and documents.
Historical Interpreter: researching, interpreting, and presenting the stories of historical people and events for the public.
Genealogist: researching family histories and tracing family lineages.
Public Historian: developing and presenting educational programs about history to the public.
Digital Historian: utilizing digital technology to preserve and share historical information.
Historic Site Manager: overseeing historic sites and monuments, including tours, events, and other activities.
Exploratory Historian: researching and exploring new areas of historical inquiry to gain insight into the past.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of history and historical methods: The ability to analyze primary and secondary sources, interpret historical events and draw conclusions from available evidence.
Research skills: The ability to conduct research, analyze data, and draw logical conclusions.
Analytical thinking: The ability to think critically and solve complex problems.
Writing skills: The ability to write clearly and effectively in order to communicate historical findings.
Oral communication skills: The ability to present ideas and findings in a clear and organized manner.
Interpersonal skills: The ability to build relationships with colleagues and research subjects.
Computer literacy: The ability to use computers and digital tools to conduct research and record findings.
Cultural competency: The ability to understand and effectively communicate with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Knowledge of preservation techniques: The ability to identify, preserve, and protect historical artifacts.
Creativity: The ability to come up with new ideas and approaches for exploring history.

An exploratory historian must have many skills to be successful. One of the most important skills is to have a critical eye, as this is essential to uncovering the truth of the past. A critical eye allows an exploratory historian to look beyond the surface level of any evidence and ask important questions to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

In addition, an exploratory historian must also have a keen ability to research and analyze data from various sources. This requires an understanding of different methods and techniques, such as using primary sources, secondary sources and other forms of research materials. an exploratory historian must be able to synthesize information from various sources and draw valid conclusions.

Finally, an exploratory historian must have strong communication skills in order to effectively communicate their findings to others. Having these skills is essential for any explorer historian in order to accurately explore and interpret the past.

System Explorer, Archaeological Explorer, and Social Media Explorer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in exploratory history?
What research methods do you employ to uncover and analyze new information?
How do you go about verifying the accuracy of the information you uncover?
What processes do you use to present your findings in a clear and concise manner?
How do you decide which sources to rely on when conducting research?
How do you balance scholarly rigor with narrative clarity in your writing?
How have you adapted your methods to account for the changing nature of historical research?
Describe a successful exploration project youve worked on and how you achieved it.
How do you ensure the ethical and responsible handling of sensitive or potentially controversial information?
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in exploratory history?

Common Tools in Industry

QGIS. A Geographic Information System (GIS) software used for the creation and analysis of maps and data visualization. (e. g. creating maps of historic population distributions)
ChronoZoom. An interactive timeline visualization tool that allows users to explore and compare events from a variety of historical periods. (e. g. analyzing the timeline of a particular historical event)
Tableau Public. A data visualization tool that helps to create interactive charts, graphs and maps. (e. g. mapping the spread of diseases over time)
Voyant Tools. An online tool that provides text analysis capabilities such as word frequency, collocation, and comparison. (e. g. analyzing primary source documents to identify key words and topics)
Digital Humanities Toolbox. A suite of online tools to support digital humanities research, including text analysis and network analysis. (e. g. uncovering networks of influence between writers in a given period)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Historical Association (AHA)
National Council on Public History (NCPH)
Organization of American Historians (OAH)
American Association for State and Local History (AASLH)
Society for Military History (SMH)
International Federation for Research in Womens History (IFRWH)
American Association of Museums (AAM)
Association of Canadian Archivists (ACA)
International Council on Archives (ICA)
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)

We also have Exploratory Developer, Expedition Leader, and Exploratory Linguist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Historiography. The study and interpretation of history, including the examination of the writing of history, the use of primary and secondary source material, and the development of historical methodologies.
Primary Source. A document or physical object which was created at the time under study. It serves as an original source of information about the topic.
Secondary Source. A document or physical object which was created after the time period under study. It serves as a subsequent interpretation of primary sources.
Archival Research. The search for and examination of documents stored in archives or libraries, which are typically used to shed light on a particular topic or event.
Oral History. The study of history through the use of interviews with people who experienced the events in question.
Ethnographic Research. The study of a culture or group through direct observation and interviews with its members.
Historiography. The study of how history is written, including the use of primary and secondary sources and the development of historical methodologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Exploratory Historian?

Exploratory Historian is a digital platform that helps people explore and understand historical events through interactive visualizations.

What types of visualizations does Exploratory Historian provide?

Exploratory Historian offers a range of interactive visualizations, including timelines, maps, charts and graphs.

How many topics does Exploratory Historian cover?

Exploratory Historian currently covers over 500 topics, including key historical figures, events, countries and cultures.

What features does Exploratory Historian offer?

Exploratory Historian provides features such as searchable text, image galleries, audio clips and videos to help users better understand the history they are exploring.

Where can I access Exploratory Historian?

Exploratory Historian is available online at exploratoryhistorian.com, as well as through the iOS and Android mobile apps.

Web Resources

Exploratory Stories: Successful Explorations www.uh.edu
Exploratory Advising | University of Kentucky College of Arts history.as.uky.edu
Exploratory Program History | Millersville University www.millersville.edu