• Historian Job Description

    A historian is a person who studies, interprets and reports the past. Historians conduct historical research and analysis to find out information about the past and to educate the public on them.

    A historian should be patient, enthusiastic, curious, observant, determined and methodical, and have the ability to think critically and solve problems. They should be able to communicate effectively to explain information to others in the simplest of ways.

  • What does a Historian do?

    Historians may do some or all of the following:

    • carry out research to gather and analyze information about past events
    • check historical information for accuracy
    • help archive or preserve historical information and artifacts
    • write reports, make presentations and give speeches on historical topics
    • teach at colleges and universities
  • Where does a Historian work?

    Places of work for historians include:

    • research and consulting firms
    • colleges and universities
    • government agencies
    • museums
    • libraries and archives
    • media houses
  • Working Conditions

    Historians usually work normal office hours, but may sometimes work evenings and weekends. They work in offices, classrooms, libraries, archives and at historical sites. They may travel for research or to attend seminars or conferences.

  • What is Required to Become a Historian?

    To become a historian, you will need a master's or doctoral degree in history or a similar discipline.

  • Modules
  • Specializations
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Historians need to have:

    • patience
    • diligence
    • perceptiveness
    • self-discipline
    • adaptability
    • integrity and reliability
    • imagination and creativity
    • good attention to detail
    • good interpersonal skills
    • good listening and communication skills
    • good judgment and decision making skills
    • time management and organizational skills
    • research skills
    • the ability to view things objectively
    • the ability to interpret and analyze information
    • the ability to think critically
    • the ability to tolerate people who think differently from them
    • the ability to teach and instruct others
    • knowledge of history and archeology
    • knowledge of sociology and anthropology
    • knowledge of geography
    • knowledge of human behavior
    • knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions

References

Should I be a Historian?

Take our career test to find out if this career is ideal for you!



Alternative Careers
  • Anthropologist
  • Archaeologist
  • Geographer
Share this Page

If this is your profession and you would like to add to or amend any of the information on this page, then please get in touch with us at mail[at]careersome[dot]com