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

Jan 1, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The rise of labor unions in the 19th and 20th centuries was a major factor in the development of a thriving middle class. As workers began to organize and join together for improved wages, benefits, and working conditions, employers began to respond by providing better wages and benefits. This in turn led to an increase in purchasing power for the average worker, which led to a more robust economy, with more products produced and consumed.

This ultimately led to an increase in jobs and a higher standard of living for the middle class. This development of a strong middle class is considered one of the most important factors in the development of the U.S. economy.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. In order to become a labor historian, you should earn a bachelor's degree in history or labor studies. During your undergraduate studies, you should take courses related to labor history and labor relations to gain an understanding of the development of unions and labor laws.
Consider Graduate Studies. To become a labor historian, you should consider pursuing a master's degree or doctoral degree in labor studies or history. Advanced degrees can help you gain the skills and knowledge needed to conduct research and teach in the field.
Develop Research Skills. As a labor historian, you will need to be able to conduct primary and secondary research into the history of labor. You should build up your research skills by taking courses and by conducting your own research projects.
Gain Experience. You should consider gaining experience through internships with labor organizations, journal publications, and other activities related to the field.
Seek Employment. Once you have earned your degree and gained experience, you can seek out employment as a labor historian. You may be able to find employment in universities, government agencies, and other institutions.

As a labor historian, it is important to stay updated and competent in the field. Keeping up with the latest developments in labor history and related topics is essential for success. To do so, one can read widely from various sources such as newspapers, academic journals, books, and websites.

attending conferences and seminars related to labor history and joining professional organizations are great ways to stay connected and informed. With this knowledge, labor historians are able to better understand the current trends and events in the labor world, and develop new strategies to address them.

You may want to check Maritime Historian, Technological Historian, and Gender Historian for alternative.

Job Description

Research Assistant: Conducts research and collects historical data concerning labor and union activities.
Archive Specialist: Organizes archival material related to labor history, including documents, photographs, artifacts, and other materials.
Museum Curator: Develops and maintains museum exhibits related to the history of labor and union activities.
Writer/Editor: Writes articles, books, and other publications related to labor history.
Educator: Develops educational programs related to labor history and its significance in contemporary society.
Public Speaker: Presents lectures and educational programs about labor history for academic, professional, and public audiences.
Consultant: Advises organizations and individuals on issues related to labor history and its implications for their work.
Policy Analyst: Analyzes the impact of current policies on labor history and makes recommendations for changes.
Political Advocate: Promotes awareness of labor history and its implications for political decision-making.
Media Liaison: Serves as a spokesperson for organizations and individuals interested in labor history and its importance to contemporary society.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of labor history including legislation, labor organizations, unionization efforts, and labor disputes.
Understanding of labor laws and regulations.
Ability to research and analyze primary and secondary sources related to labor history.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Knowledge of key figures, movements, and organizations associated with labor history.
Familiarity with labor-related topics such as class structure, collective bargaining, and workplace safety.
Experience in teaching or presenting on labor-related topics.
Ability to work in a team environment and collaborate with colleagues.
Proficiency in using computers and other technology for research purposes.
Ability to think critically and develop new theories or interpretations related to labor history.

Labor Historians play an important role in understanding the history of the labor movement. Their skill sets are critical for understanding past and present labor issues. They need to be well-versed in research methods, have a deep understanding of labor laws, and be able to analyze the impact of labor movements on peoples lives.

As well as possessing these skills, Labor Historians must be able to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people, including those with different backgrounds and perspectives. This allows them to better understand the context and implications of labor movements. With this knowledge, Labor Historians can use their research to help shape current labor policies, protecting workers rights and ensuring fair working conditions.

By doing so, they are not only preserving the history of labor movements but also helping to ensure a better future for all workers.

Genealogical Researcher, Political Historian, and Diplomatic Historian are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How would you define the role of a labor historian?
What inspired your interest in labor history?
How have your research and writing skills contributed to your success as a labor historian?
How do you keep up-to-date with developments in labor history?
How do you use digital tools in your research to uncover new information on labor history?
What challenges have you faced while researching labor history?
How have your findings in labor history been used to inform public policies and legislation?
What techniques do you employ to accurately interpret primary sources related to labor history?
How do you work to ensure accuracy when presenting historical facts about labor history?
How do you use education and outreach to inform the public about labor history?

Common Tools in Industry

Archival Research. A tool used to study past documents and materials related to labor history. (eg: examining historical records of a labor union)
Oral Histories. A tool used to capture the memories of individuals with direct experience in labor history. (eg: interviewing a retired union member)
Document Analysis. A tool used to analyze documents related to labor history. (eg: analyzing labor contracts)
Statistical Analysis. A tool used to analyze large data sets related to labor history. (eg: analyzing trends in wages over time)
Network Analysis. A tool used to analyze networks and relationships related to labor history. (eg: mapping the connections between labor unions)
Historical Mapping. A tool used to map historical events related to labor history. (eg: mapping the spread of a strike across a region)
Comparative Analysis. A tool used to compare different aspects of labor history. (eg: comparing laws regulating workers in different countries)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Historical Association (AHA)
Organization of American Historians (OAH)
Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations (SHAFR)
American Studies Association (ASA)
Society for the History of Technology (SHOT)
Labor and Working-Class History Association (LAWCHA)
International Labour and Working-Class History Association (ILWCH)
International Confederation of Labor History Institutions (ICLHI)
Center for Labor and Working-Class History (CLWH)
International Institute of Social History (IISH)

We also have Genealogical Historian, Historian Educator, and Forensic Historian jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Labor Movement. A collective effort of working people, organized to protect and improve their pay and working conditions.
Labor Unions. Organizations that represent workers in negotiations with employers and lawmakers.
Collective Bargaining. Negotiations between a union and an employer to form a contract that sets wages, hours, and other working conditions.
Strike. A labor action in which workers refuse to work in order to demand higher wages or better working conditions.
Worker Rights. The rights of a worker to fair wages, safe working conditions, and freedom from discrimination.
Labor History. The study of the history of the labor movement, labor unions, and workers rights.
Labor Laws. Laws that protect workers rights and regulate their working conditions.
Labor Economics. The study of labor markets, labor supply and demand, wages and salaries, and labor policy.
Organizing. The process of forming a union or other organization to represent workers interests.
Arbitration. The process of settling a dispute between two parties through the use of a neutral third party.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is considered to be the father of modern labor history?

Philip S. Foner is considered to be the father of modern labor history.

What was the name of the first labor history journal?

The first labor history journal was titled Labor History.

What year did the journal Labor History begin publication?

Labor History began publication in 1960.

How many volumes of labor history have been published since 1960?

Since 1960, a total of 59 volumes of labor history have been published.

What is the primary focus of labor history?

The primary focus of labor history is the study of the history of organized labor and working-class movements.

Web Resources

Labor History | Department of History - University of Virginia history.virginia.edu
Labor History | Harvard University | History Department history.fas.harvard.edu
Labor History | Harvard University | History Department history.fas.harvard.edu