History majors learn skills that make them highly competitive in today’s job market. As a historian, you will locate, collect, analyze, and synthesize data, arguments, and information. Historians can take the general and make it specific, and provide convincing and compelling arguments that influence future decisions. You have the option to concentrate in cultural history or contemporary history.
History majors find careers in the fields of education, government, politics, law, and the private sector. In other words, history majors are not pigeonholed into any single career path. In a rapidly changing market, they have the skill-set to adapt and pursue a number of career options. Being able to communicate effectively, write persuasively, analyze information and argue convincingly, are all crucial traits that employers look for.
Primarily, historians analyze artifacts from the past to derive lessons about the present. This process, however, is far more interesting than memorizing dates, names, and facts. These skills can be applied to academics, education, government and law, but they are equally sought after in the private sector. The skill-set of a historian – which includes outstanding written and verbal communication skills, information analysis, argumentation and persuasion – prepares you to be successful in today’s competitive marketplace.
According to the journal Foreign Policy, the number one field of study for people pursuing careers in international affairs is history. According to the University of Michigan Law School, history is one of the primary majors for future Law students. Job sites such as Monster.com show that history majors begin careers with salaries comparable to other popular university majors such as English or Psychology. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, employers favor graduates with skills learned in history, not technical education.
History doesn’t have any marketability.
Not true! Training for one specific career might help you in the short term, but if the market changes, you may be forced to move long distances, take a pay cut, or find yourself unemployed. A broader educational skill-set, like the kind history provides, prepares you to adapt to any number of employment situations, making you marketable to more than just one field.
History degrees don’t have “real-world application.”
Yes they do! In fact, they open up many doors instead of one. Tech training in one specific skill set (welding, a computer programming language, etc., all of which are important) might pigeonhole you in long run if the market changes. A history degree makes you adaptable to an ever changing market.
A History background shouldn’t lead to questions like “What can I do?” Instead, it should make you ponder “What can’t I do?”
May 16, 2023
Updated May 16, 2023
On Thursday, March 2, Finlandia University’s Board of Trustees announced that FinnU will not enroll students for the 2023-2024 academic year. Announced Tuesday, March 14, the University’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to dissolve the institution and wind up affairs in an orderly manner.
Finlandia has finalized eight Teach-Out Agreements with Adrian College, Bay College, Michigan Technological University, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Northern Michigan University, University of Dubuque, Waldorf University, and Wartburg College. Several non-partnering institutions have […] Read More
May 11, 2023
Finlandia University held its final Spring Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 7, honoring 92 graduates in the Class of 2023. Following commencement, a commendation service was held for Finlandia University students, staff, faculty, alumni, neighbors and friends, commending the University and its 126 years of service.
Full High-Res Photos from Spring 2023 Commencement: On-Demand Livestream of Spring 2023 Commencement: Full High-Res Photos from Service of Commendation:May 10, 2023
Founded in 1896 as Suomi College, Finlandia University held its final spring commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 7, honoring 92 graduates in the Class of 2023. In March, the University announced the decision to dissolve the institution and not enroll students for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Delivering the welcome address was Board Trustee Stephen Nikander, whose great-grandfather founded the institution and whose grandfather served […] Read More
Associate Professor, Finnish & Nordic Studies; Chair, Institutional Review Board
hilary.virtanen@finlandia.edu