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What does a Historian do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A historian is a person who studies and writes about the past, and is regarded as an authority on it.

Historian job duties include:

  • Researching and studying historical events, people, or periods
  • Analyzing primary and secondary sources to interpret events
  • Developing thesis statements and historical arguments
  • Writing papers and reports on findings
  • Giving presentations on research findings
  • Consulting with clients on historical projects
  • Teaching history courses at the college level
  • Serving as an expert witness in court cases involving historical issues
  • Working as a curator at a museum or historical site

Historian Job Requirements

A historian studies the past and interprets historical events and trends. Most historians need a master’s degree or Ph.D. in history. Some jobs, such as teaching positions in community colleges, may only require a bachelor’s degree. Many historians work as college professors or as researchers for government agencies, museums, historical societies, or private companies. Some historians also work as consultants for businesses or law firms.

Historian Skills

  • Research
  • Writing
  • Critical thinking
  • Organizational skills
  • Time management
  • Communication
  • Presentation
  • Computer skills
  • Foreign language proficiency
  • Public speaking
  • Editing

Related: Top Historian Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Historian

There is no one formula for becoming a historian. There are, however, certain skills and qualities that will make you successful in the field. First and foremost, you must have a passion for history. This passion will drive you to want to learn more about the past and to share your knowledge with others. Secondly, you must be able to think critically about the evidence you find. You need to be able to ask questions and look at all sides of an issue in order to form your own opinion. Lastly, you must be able to communicate your ideas clearly and effectively, both in writing and in speech. If you can do these things, then you have the potential to become a great historian.

Related: Historian Resume Example

Related: Historian Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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