What does a Historian do?

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

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