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

Apr 15, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Steps How to Become

Earn a bachelor's degree in history. Most entry-level jobs in history require at least a bachelor's degree, and some require a master's degree.
Take courses in the specific area of history you want to pursue. If you want to become an historian of U. S. politics, for example, take courses in U. S. history, political science, and government.
Consider a specialty such as military history, women's history, or the history of a particular region or time period.
Gain research experience. Take classes that involve research projects, and volunteer to do research for professors or other historians.
Develop writing skills. Historians must be able to write clearly and persuasively about their research findings.
Take courses in other relevant subjects such as anthropology, sociology, archaeology, art history, and literature.
Consider getting a master's degree. This will give you more advanced research skills and may help you get a job in academia or research.
Network with other historians in your field of interest. Attend conferences, join professional associations, and seek out mentors who can help you learn more about the field.
Consider teaching or writing for a living. If you want to pursue a career in academia, look for teaching opportunities at universities or colleges. You may also find opportunities to write books or articles about your area of expertise.

Technology advances rapidly, and to stay updated and efficient in today's world it is important to keep up with the latest developments. Investing in the newest technology can help keep you ahead of the competition and provide you with the tools you need to stay productive. Along with that, having the skills and knowledge necessary to use the technology effectively is essential.

Training and learning opportunities can help you stay abreast of the latest trends and developments. networking with other professionals and staying connected on social media platforms can help you stay informed and connected. By staying on top of the latest advances in technology and developing the necessary skills, you can ensure that you are up to date and efficient.

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Job Description

Curator: responsible for managing and maintaining collections of artifacts and artwork in a museum or other cultural institution.
Archivist: responsible for preserving and organizing historical documents, photographs, and records.
Museum Technician: responsible for preparing and maintaining artifacts, exhibits, and displays in a museum.
Museum Educator: responsible for developing educational programs and resources to increase public knowledge and understanding of a museum's collections and exhibitions.
Cultural Historian: responsible for researching and writing about the history of a particular people or culture.
Historic Preservationist: responsible for researching, protecting, and preserving historic sites, buildings, and monuments.
Archaeologist: responsible for excavating and analyzing artifacts to gain a better understanding of past cultures.
Genealogist: responsible for researching family histories, tracing lineages, and compiling genealogical records.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of historical events, documents, and methods of research
Ability to analyze and interpret historical sources
Familiarity with a variety of research techniques, such as primary source analysis, archival research, and oral histories
Ability to locate and synthesize information from a variety of sources
Excellent communication and writing skills
Excellent critical thinking skills
Proficiency in using technology for research purposes
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Knowledge of world history and cultures

The ability to communicate effectively is an essential skill for success in any field. Without the ability to communicate well, it is difficult to express ideas, share information, and maintain relationships. This lack of effective communication can have damaging effects on both individuals and organizations.

For instance, inadequate communication can lead to misunderstandings, decreased productivity, and even conflict. On the other hand, strong communication skills can help to cultivate relationships, build trust, and increase productivity. As such, it is important for individuals to hone their communication abilities in order to achieve success in their chosen field.

Whether it is through active listening, writing or speaking effectively, or developing empathy, having good communication skills are key for achieving success.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in the field of history?
What are your strengths and weaknesses as a historian?
How would your colleagues describe your research and writing style?
What methods do you use to stay organized and on-task when researching and writing?
How have your past experiences in the field of history prepared you for this role?
How do you approach the task of researching and interpreting primary source material?
What do you consider to be the most important aspects of historical interpretation and analysis?
Have you ever encountered any ethical dilemmas in your work as a historian? How did you handle them?
What steps do you take to ensure the accuracy of your research and writing?
How do you stay abreast of current trends and developments in the field of history?

Common Tools in Industry

Microsoft Office Suite. A collection of productivity software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook. (eg: creating documents, managing databases, presenting data).
Adobe Creative Cloud. A suite of graphic design, video editing, and web development applications. (eg: creating logos, designing websites, editing videos).
Zotero. A research management tool for organizing, citing, and sharing research sources. (eg: researching topics, collecting and managing citations).
G Suite. A suite of cloud-based productivity applications from Google, including Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive. (eg: collaborating on documents, creating presentations, storing and sharing files).
Hootsuite. A social media management platform for scheduling posts and tracking analytics. (eg: monitoring social media conversations, scheduling posts).
NVivo. Qualitative data analysis software for collecting, analyzing, and managing research data. (eg: coding interviews and other qualitative data, visualizing relationships between data points).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Historical Association
National Council on Public History
Organization of American Historians
American Association for State and Local History
Society of American Archivists
World History Association
International Commission for the History and Theory of Historiography
Royal Historical Society
International Committee of Historical Sciences
Social Science History Association

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Common Important Terms

Primary Source. Any document, artifact, or other source of information that was created at the time of an event and offers an firsthand account of the event.
Secondary Source. Any document, artifact, or other source of information that was created after the time of an event, usually by someone other than those who were directly involved in the event.
Historical Context. The set of circumstances and events that have shaped a particular period in history.
Historical Analysis. The application of critical thinking skills to the study and interpretation of history.
Chronology. The arrangement of events in the order in which they occurred.
Cause and Effect. An analysis of the relationship between an event and its consequences.
Historical Perspective. A viewpoint or interpretation of a historical event which is based upon ones own experiences and values.
Historiography. The study of the history of the writing of history and the methods used by historians to interpret events.
Chronological Thinking. The ability to study events in order to better understand them and draw conclusions about their significance.
Synthesis. The combining of parts or elements to form a whole.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of a Historian?

A historian is someone who studies and writes about the past, using primary and secondary sources to draw conclusions about events and people.

What qualifications do Historians need?

Historians usually need a master's or doctoral degree in history or a related field in order to be taken seriously in the profession. In addition, they need strong research, writing, and analytical skills, as well as knowledge of other disciplines such as archaeology, anthropology, and political science.

What topics do Historians typically study?

Historians typically specialize in a particular area of study, such as ancient history, the history of a particular country or region, or a specific period of time. Their research typically covers a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, culture, and social life.

What is the importance of History?

History is important because it helps us to understand the present and plan for the future. By studying the past, we can learn from our mistakes and successes and apply those lessons to our current lives. History also helps us to better understand the world around us and appreciate the contributions of different cultures.

What tools do Historians use?

Historians use a variety of tools to conduct research and analyze data. These tools include primary source documents, secondary source materials, archaeological evidence, oral histories, demographic data, statistical analysis, and visual sources such as photographs and maps.