How to Be Historical Research Analyst - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 12, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The invention of the printing press in the 15th century had a major impact on the spread of knowledge and information. It allowed for the mass production of books, pamphlets and other written material, allowing for information to be shared quickly and widely. This in turn led to a rise in literacy rates, giving people access to a greater range of knowledge and ideas than ever before.

This had a huge impact on the development of science, philosophy, literature and other fields of study, with some of the greatest minds of the era being able to share their works with the world. Historical research analysts have also benefitted from this invention, as it has allowed them to uncover more information about past events and people, leading to a greater understanding of our history.

Steps How to Become

Earn a bachelors degree in a related field. To become a historical research analyst, you will need to earn a bachelors degree in history, political science, sociology, anthropology, or another field related to history. Your bachelors degree should include coursework in the history of the region or time period in which you would like to specialize.
Get experience in the field. To increase your chances of becoming a historical research analyst, you should gain experience in the field by volunteering at archives or museums, working as a research assistant at universities, or interning with a non-profit organization or government agency.
Develop research skills. As a historical research analyst, you will need to be able to conduct thorough research and evaluate sources. You should take courses in research methods and statistics to develop your research skills.
Pursue a masters degree. Many employers prefer candidates with a masters degree in history or a related field. A masters degree will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career as a historical research analyst.
Become certified. Professional certifications are not required for this position, but they can help you stand out from other job candidates. The National Council for History Education offers a Certified History Educator credential that is designed for professionals who work as historians and/or teach history in schools.
Find a job. Once you have earned your degree and gained experience in the field, you can begin searching for job openings as a historical research analyst. You can look for openings on job boards, professional websites, and social media sites such as LinkedIn.

The key to becoming a skilled and qualified Historical Research Analyst is to gain the necessary experience and knowledge. This can be achieved by obtaining an advanced degree in a related field, such as history or archival studies, and/or by taking specialized courses in historical research methods. Additionally, professionals in this field should develop strong research and analytical skills, and be able to work effectively with large amounts of data. By honing these skills and staying up-to-date on the latest trends in the field, you can become a sought-after expert in the field of historical research.

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Job Description

Archival Researcher
Historical Document Examiner
Historical Data Analyst
Historical Document Specialist
Historical Record Analyst
Historical Research Investigator
Historical Research Consultant
Historical Research Coordinator
Historical Research Manager
Historian

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of archival practices and principles
Ability to locate and analyze primary sources
Understanding of historical methodology
Ability to think critically and interpret data
Excellent research and writing skills
Proficiency in using library resources and databases
Knowledge of relevant software applications, such as Microsoft Office
Ability to work independently as well as within a team environment
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Knowledge of foreign languages is beneficial

Having strong research and analytical skills are essential for a Historical Research Analyst. The ability to use research to identify patterns, trends, and relationships, as well as to draw conclusions and assess the reliability of sources is paramount. they must be able to effectively communicate their analysis and recommendations both verbally and in writing.

Being knowledgeable of the cultural, political, and economic history of a particular region or time period is also critical. Finally, the ability to work independently and with teams across different organizations is necessary in order to collaborate on research initiatives. These skills enable Historical Research Analysts to accurately assess and interpret historical data, which can be used to inform policy decisions and help shape the future.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What research experience do you have in history?
How would you approach researching a specific historical event?
Describe a research project you have done in the past and how you used the results.
How would you utilize both primary and secondary sources to analyze a historical event?
What methods do you employ to ensure accuracy of historical data?
What challenges have you faced in conducting historical research?
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the field of history?
How do you manage your time to complete research projects in a timely manner?
What do you think are the most important skills for a historical research analyst?
Describe a situation where you had to analyze complex historical data and make recommendations.

Common Tools in Industry

Microsoft Excel. An electronic spreadsheet program used for organizing and analyzing data. (Eg: Create a spreadsheet to track the number of historical documents collected for a research project. )
ArcGIS. A geographic information system (GIS) software used for creating interactive maps and analyzing spatial data. (Eg: Generate a map of a certain area to visualize changes over time. )
Qualitative Data Analysis Software. Software used for coding, sorting and organizing qualitative data. (Eg: Categorize and code interviews with historical figures to identify key themes. )
Document Management Systems. Software used for organizing and managing large amounts of historical documents. (Eg: Create a digital archive of primary source documents. )
Historical Databases. Large collections of historical information such as census data, economic indicators, and other quantitative data. (Eg: Utilize census data to analyze population trends over time. )
Text Analysis Software. Software used for extracting and analyzing text from historical documents. (Eg: Analyze primary source documents to uncover key themes and ideas. )

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association for State and Local History (AASLH)
National Council on Public History (NCPH)
Society of American Archivists (SAA)
Organization of American Historians (OAH)
American Historical Association (AHA)
Academic and Professional Publishers Group (APPG)
Association of Public Historians (APH)
National History Education Clearinghouse (NHEC)
International Council on Archives (ICA)
Association of Canadian Archivists (ACA)

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Common Important Terms

Primary Sources. Primary sources are original documents and materials that provide firsthand evidence about a topic. Examples of primary sources include diaries, letters, speeches, photographs, artwork, and interviews.
Secondary Sources. Secondary sources are works that analyze, interpret, or draw conclusions from primary sources. Examples of secondary sources include books, journal articles, newspaper articles, and websites.
Archival Research. Archival research is the process of locating and accessing primary source materials that are held in an archive. Examples of archives include libraries, museums, and universities.
Historical Analysis. Historical analysis is the process of examining a historical event in order to gain a better understanding of the past. Historical analysis uses both primary and secondary sources to draw conclusions about the past.
Oral History. Oral history is the practice of recording and preserving the life stories of individuals. Oral histories are usually conducted in the form of interviews and can provide valuable insight into a particular era or event.
Chronology. Chronology is the study of the sequence of events over time. Chronology helps historians understand how events unfolded and can be used to create timelines of events.
Contextualization. Contextualization is the practice of understanding historical events in their wider social and political context. Contextualization helps historians draw connections between different events and gain a clearer understanding of the past.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Historical Research Analyst?

A Historical Research Analyst is a professional who collects, analyzes, and interprets historical information for use in educational, legal, or business contexts.

What qualifications do I need to become a Historical Research Analyst?

To become a Historical Research Analyst, you will typically need a Bachelor's degree in history, political science, or a related field of study. Additionally, you may need experience in research and analysis.

What type of work does a Historical Research Analyst do?

A Historical Research Analyst typically performs research to uncover events and facts related to a specific topic or time period. They may also analyze this data and compile it into reports, presentations, or other forms of communication.

What skills are necessary to be successful as a Historical Research Analyst?

Successful Historical Research Analysts possess strong research and analytical skills, as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills. Additionally, they must have a thorough understanding of historical contexts and sources.

What are the average salary ranges for Historical Research Analysts?

According to PayScale, the median salary for a Historical Research Analyst is $56,450 per year. Salaries typically range from $44,977 to $75,608 per year.

Web Resources

Historical Research | Educational Research Basics by researchbasics.education.uconn.edu
How Institutions Use Historical Research Methods - Norwich online.norwich.edu
A Step by Step Guide to Doing Historical Research faculty.chass.ncsu.edu