16 answers
Andrew
Student
Aberdeen, South Dakota
18
Questions
Asked
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Can a history major go into a business job?
I love the study of history more than any other subject and if I could major in it I would. I've always heard that history majors are versatile as the soft skills will land you a job from teaching to business. What business jobs can history majors get and how much will they be paid. Would it be harder to major in history and to go into business compared to a business major?
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16 answers
Ashton Taggart
Rewards
1
Answer
Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Ashton’s Answer
Studying history as my secondary major in university was an absolute delight! Every moment spent was simply love-filled.
History lessons equipped me with the ability to condense vast amounts of information into a straightforward and lucid response. This skill was my lifesaver during my early days as a junior consultant, where research was essential to expand my knowledge base.
History lessons equipped me with the ability to condense vast amounts of information into a straightforward and lucid response. This skill was my lifesaver during my early days as a junior consultant, where research was essential to expand my knowledge base.
Julian Rueda
1
Answer
Updated
Julian’s Answer
Merging the interpersonal skills gained during history studies with practical business skills can turn a history graduate into a highly beneficial contributor in the business sector. Continually improving skills and staying informed about industry trends are key to achieving success in a business role, especially for those with a history background.
Cassie Creer
FP&A
4
Answers
Salt Lake City, Utah
Updated
Cassie’s Answer
Regardless of your major, you can still pursue a career in business. If you're studying history, it's important to remember that this major doesn't directly impart business skills. To bridge this gap, consider obtaining relevant certifications to learn technical skills. Alternatively, you could consider enrolling in graduate school. This could offer you the chance to earn a degree that's solely focused on business, such as an MBA or a Masters in Finance. This way, you can enjoy studying history during your undergraduate years and still prepare for a future in business. It's also beneficial to secure a business internship while you're still in school. This experience can bolster your resume, showcasing your practical knowledge in the business sector when you graduate.
Vanessa E. Bass, CMP, MMP, HMCC
Event Management
18
Answers
Eastampton Township, New Jersey
Updated
Vanessa E.’s Answer
Absolutely, a history major can venture into the business world! Here's something they don't tell you in school: you can become almost anything with any type of degree, unless it is in a very defined field like the medical field. Most degrees, including one in history, give you tools and resources that can be transferred to most professions.
History majors develop critical thinking, research, analysis, and communication skills, all of which are highly valued in the business sector. These soft skills can make you a strong candidate for various roles, such as management, marketing, sales, human resources, and even finance, with the right additional training or experience.
The jobs you might find could range from roles in project management, where your ability to understand complex situations and timelines shines, to marketing, where your storytelling skills can be a unique asset. The salary can vary widely depending on the industry, location, and your role within a company. For instance, entry-level positions may start lower, but there's significant room for growth as you gain experience and take on more responsibility.
It may seem that transitioning from history to business is a leap, but in reality, the versatility of your history degree allows you to craft a compelling narrative about your skills and how they apply to business challenges. It might require some extra effort to learn industry-specific knowledge or gain certain technical skills, but your foundational skills in analysis, research, and communication are universally valuable.
While a business major might have direct training in business concepts, history majors bring a unique perspective, the ability to think critically about complex issues, and the skills to communicate effectively. These are all traits that businesses value highly. So, if you're passionate about history and curious about entering the business world, you have a strong foundation to build on. The key is to identify how the skills you've developed as a history major can solve problems and add value in a business context.
History majors develop critical thinking, research, analysis, and communication skills, all of which are highly valued in the business sector. These soft skills can make you a strong candidate for various roles, such as management, marketing, sales, human resources, and even finance, with the right additional training or experience.
The jobs you might find could range from roles in project management, where your ability to understand complex situations and timelines shines, to marketing, where your storytelling skills can be a unique asset. The salary can vary widely depending on the industry, location, and your role within a company. For instance, entry-level positions may start lower, but there's significant room for growth as you gain experience and take on more responsibility.
It may seem that transitioning from history to business is a leap, but in reality, the versatility of your history degree allows you to craft a compelling narrative about your skills and how they apply to business challenges. It might require some extra effort to learn industry-specific knowledge or gain certain technical skills, but your foundational skills in analysis, research, and communication are universally valuable.
While a business major might have direct training in business concepts, history majors bring a unique perspective, the ability to think critically about complex issues, and the skills to communicate effectively. These are all traits that businesses value highly. So, if you're passionate about history and curious about entering the business world, you have a strong foundation to build on. The key is to identify how the skills you've developed as a history major can solve problems and add value in a business context.
See Ling Tan
Commercial Analyst
3
Answers
Singapore
Updated
See Ling’s Answer
Hello Andrew,
I completed my studies in Computer Engineering, but interestingly, I found myself thriving in a commercial role, setting prices across a range of industries. The business world is incredibly diverse - it's like an ocean full of opportunities. You can start by exploring the industry that piques your interest, be it software, retail, or industrial sectors. Don't worry about understanding every aspect of the business world right away. It's not as daunting as it seems! You can always take up courses later on to sharpen your skills in the areas you're most passionate about.
I completed my studies in Computer Engineering, but interestingly, I found myself thriving in a commercial role, setting prices across a range of industries. The business world is incredibly diverse - it's like an ocean full of opportunities. You can start by exploring the industry that piques your interest, be it software, retail, or industrial sectors. Don't worry about understanding every aspect of the business world right away. It's not as daunting as it seems! You can always take up courses later on to sharpen your skills in the areas you're most passionate about.
Ingrid Tran
Human Resources
7
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Ingrid’s Answer
Hello Andrew! Individuals in the business world hail from diverse backgrounds. To secure a job in business, you generally need certain abilities such as proficiency in Excel, clear and effective communication, teamwork, meeting deadlines, and openness to change and development.
As for the jobs history majors can acquire in business and their potential pay, I believe you'd be able to land any job if you're willing to learn the skills required and the pay greatly depends on the specific role and company.
It might be harder as a history major to get a business related role, particularly if you lack the skills required for the job you're aiming for. Keep learning and keep working at those skills!
Wishing you the best of luck!
As for the jobs history majors can acquire in business and their potential pay, I believe you'd be able to land any job if you're willing to learn the skills required and the pay greatly depends on the specific role and company.
It might be harder as a history major to get a business related role, particularly if you lack the skills required for the job you're aiming for. Keep learning and keep working at those skills!
Wishing you the best of luck!
Thank you for the advice Ingird. I probably wouldn't do a history major without double majoring, but I'm currently learning excel and manage spreadsheets for my schools SADD chapter. I'll continue learning the skills I need!
Andrew
Louise Patrick MCIPD
HR Manager
5
Answers
Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Louise’s Answer
Business encompasses a wide range of areas, welcoming diverse backgrounds. While a History degree may not directly benefit you in the business world, it certainly won't hold you back. Careers in business are generally open-minded, not frequently demanding specific backgrounds or qualifications. So, step forward with confidence!
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1913
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Andrew !
You have one of the most interesting and awesome career interests as history is very expansive and a subject covering never-ending ground. I would like to share some advice for you to consider as you move forward with your education and plans for a career. The first suggestion is to yes, major in History, but decide how far you want to proceed - a Bachelors, Masters or PhD. That will greatly weigh much on your career options.
One of the first careers that came to mind to suggest for you is to be an appraiser. It is a business in which one can use their wide range of history knowledge plus gain an income. You could start your own service/business or work for an auction house. As far as business opportunities, it will depend on if you want a high corporate position or are open to working for cultural or non-profit type companies. You will have to define business. You can most likely work for a library, archive, as an historian for government agencies, or a business consultant for libraries or museums. So you won't be focusing on things that are high corporate, but the business part might be if you begin your own service or business. Most business careers are geared to business, economics or management degreed people. If you apply for a high corporate position, I am not so sure that your skills in history would be expected, although as a history student you will learn focused skills that will carry you far.
My advice is yes, major in History and take it as far as you can. You'll never stop learning, however. You will develop great analytical skills, superb oral and written communication skills, become detail oriented, work well with others and independently, and learn how to meet deadlines. All these are skills that are important for any career. While you are a student, things may come your way to provide experiences for you as well as opportunities to experience being an historian and you will know through experience what you'd like to do. I would just focus on the history as there's so much to learn and let things happen as you go along in the academic setting. A high corporate or business employer would have to want an historian for the job in order for you to work in what you deem as "business". Most are looking for financial, management or economic experts.
As an Historian, don't forget that you can share your work and knowledge as a writer of articles, trade magazines and for journals. There are really many ways that you can go with this career and it will all be made known to you in college. If you want a business career, look into business programs at some colleges and see if that really is something that you want to dedicate yourself to. It is a very different program of courses than history would be.
I hope that this has been of help and something to consider as you move forward with your future academic plans !
You have one of the most interesting and awesome career interests as history is very expansive and a subject covering never-ending ground. I would like to share some advice for you to consider as you move forward with your education and plans for a career. The first suggestion is to yes, major in History, but decide how far you want to proceed - a Bachelors, Masters or PhD. That will greatly weigh much on your career options.
One of the first careers that came to mind to suggest for you is to be an appraiser. It is a business in which one can use their wide range of history knowledge plus gain an income. You could start your own service/business or work for an auction house. As far as business opportunities, it will depend on if you want a high corporate position or are open to working for cultural or non-profit type companies. You will have to define business. You can most likely work for a library, archive, as an historian for government agencies, or a business consultant for libraries or museums. So you won't be focusing on things that are high corporate, but the business part might be if you begin your own service or business. Most business careers are geared to business, economics or management degreed people. If you apply for a high corporate position, I am not so sure that your skills in history would be expected, although as a history student you will learn focused skills that will carry you far.
My advice is yes, major in History and take it as far as you can. You'll never stop learning, however. You will develop great analytical skills, superb oral and written communication skills, become detail oriented, work well with others and independently, and learn how to meet deadlines. All these are skills that are important for any career. While you are a student, things may come your way to provide experiences for you as well as opportunities to experience being an historian and you will know through experience what you'd like to do. I would just focus on the history as there's so much to learn and let things happen as you go along in the academic setting. A high corporate or business employer would have to want an historian for the job in order for you to work in what you deem as "business". Most are looking for financial, management or economic experts.
As an Historian, don't forget that you can share your work and knowledge as a writer of articles, trade magazines and for journals. There are really many ways that you can go with this career and it will all be made known to you in college. If you want a business career, look into business programs at some colleges and see if that really is something that you want to dedicate yourself to. It is a very different program of courses than history would be.
I hope that this has been of help and something to consider as you move forward with your future academic plans !
Thank you so much for the advice Michelle! I'll look into appraiser as I have exprience in real estate!
Andrew
You are welcome, Andrew. Just to clarify what I wrote, I meant an Antique Appraiser, not real estate. Have an awesome day !
Michelle M.
Terica Johnson
Experience Senior Manager
34
Answers
Atlanta, Texas
Updated
Terica’s Answer
You certainly have the power to do so! Your degree opens up limitless possibilities! Even if the field you're interested in doesn't exist yet, you have the potential to bring it into existence.
Duncan Phin
Culture and Engagement Data Manager
19
Answers
Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Duncan’s Answer
Hi Andrew
My first degree was in History. However, throughout my career I have continued to study and returned to University to gain additional qualifications to support my career development. Skills in the workplace can cover several different areas including academic areas but softskills are also very valuable.
Best of luck
My first degree was in History. However, throughout my career I have continued to study and returned to University to gain additional qualifications to support my career development. Skills in the workplace can cover several different areas including academic areas but softskills are also very valuable.
Best of luck
Bhavna Phulwani
6
Answers
Updated
Bhavna’s Answer
Hello Andrew .History is a very interesting subject .You could go in to academics ,research, travel and tourism !!
Joseph Ford
175
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
The business of history :-) Here is something I ran across after researching:
the liberal arts degree, with a major in history, is just as sure a path to success as any alternative. Large corporations are looking for individuals who are both creative and analytical for their management programs.
the liberal arts degree, with a major in history, is just as sure a path to success as any alternative. Large corporations are looking for individuals who are both creative and analytical for their management programs.
Paul R. Banks
B2B Sales and Partnerships Manager
14
Answers
Palm Springs, California
Updated
Paul R.’s Answer
Hi Andrew-
To answer your great question, yes, yes, and more yes!
Though certain kinds of careers require very specific training and skills that you must acquire in college, many do not. What's important is that you follow your passion, and a history major will help you develop the critical thinking skills that are required in EVERY job, so this opens many opportunities for you in business.
I happen to work in the higher education business where there are many opportunities for liberal arts majors. I went into publishing with a German degree and have been very successful over the years. (I'm now 60!) When I look at resumes, history degrees always catch my eye. It means you can think, you can write, and you can communicate. It means you are empathetic and care about the world around you. It means you have studied the world's problems over time and have learned strategies to solve problems. I can't remember hiring a history major that didn't work out well. History and philosophy are have been great on resumes for me as a hiring manager.
Above all, find your purpose and follow your passion.
Good luck, Andrew!!
To answer your great question, yes, yes, and more yes!
Though certain kinds of careers require very specific training and skills that you must acquire in college, many do not. What's important is that you follow your passion, and a history major will help you develop the critical thinking skills that are required in EVERY job, so this opens many opportunities for you in business.
I happen to work in the higher education business where there are many opportunities for liberal arts majors. I went into publishing with a German degree and have been very successful over the years. (I'm now 60!) When I look at resumes, history degrees always catch my eye. It means you can think, you can write, and you can communicate. It means you are empathetic and care about the world around you. It means you have studied the world's problems over time and have learned strategies to solve problems. I can't remember hiring a history major that didn't work out well. History and philosophy are have been great on resumes for me as a hiring manager.
Above all, find your purpose and follow your passion.
Good luck, Andrew!!
Christopher Azoy
Finance
6
Answers
West Palm Beach, Florida
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Companies provide a variety of job roles and are always searching for talented and hardworking people, no matter what your educational history is. So, it's helpful to have a fundamental knowledge of various business sectors. You might consider selecting some business-focused optional courses or even opting for a minor subject to assist in gaining this understanding.
Dan Clarkson
Guest Experience Manager
1
Answer
Loveland, Colorado
Updated
Dan’s Answer
Andrew,
As a former History student myself I have found that the skills, curiosity and desire to learn and understand makes a history major adaptable and valuable in a wide variety of industries. In my experience studying history helped to shape a solid foundation of understanding as to why people do the things they do.
Business classes can give you the hard skills to understand concepts and techniques, but the critical thinking skill set that comes with a History Major will truly help you understand the behaviors and the why behind many situations.
I recommend studying what you are excited and passionate about. Regardless you will gain skills and knowledge that can help you in a wide variety of paths. It feels good to learn about what you are passionate about - follow your passions.
As a former History student myself I have found that the skills, curiosity and desire to learn and understand makes a history major adaptable and valuable in a wide variety of industries. In my experience studying history helped to shape a solid foundation of understanding as to why people do the things they do.
Business classes can give you the hard skills to understand concepts and techniques, but the critical thinking skill set that comes with a History Major will truly help you understand the behaviors and the why behind many situations.
I recommend studying what you are excited and passionate about. Regardless you will gain skills and knowledge that can help you in a wide variety of paths. It feels good to learn about what you are passionate about - follow your passions.
Joanna Rose Mañaol, CPA, CISA
IT Auditor
200
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Joanna Rose’s Answer
Hello Andrew,
Yes, A history major can successfully transition into a business job. The skills developed through a history degree, such as critical thinking, research, analysis, and clear communication, are highly valued in the business world. History majors can leverage these skills in roles such as business analysis, project management, marketing, and public relations, where understanding historical context and trends can provide unique insights. Additionally, pursuing further education like an MBA or specific business-related certifications can enhance a history major’s qualifications and appeal to potential employers in the business sector. Networking and gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions can also facilitate a smooth transition from history into a business career.
Yes, A history major can successfully transition into a business job. The skills developed through a history degree, such as critical thinking, research, analysis, and clear communication, are highly valued in the business world. History majors can leverage these skills in roles such as business analysis, project management, marketing, and public relations, where understanding historical context and trends can provide unique insights. Additionally, pursuing further education like an MBA or specific business-related certifications can enhance a history major’s qualifications and appeal to potential employers in the business sector. Networking and gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions can also facilitate a smooth transition from history into a business career.