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History based jobs for BA History graduates

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  • 25-08-2014 2:47am
    #1
    DS86
    Closed Accounts Posts: 79 ✭✭


    I'm just wondering what fields of work within History can you get into with a BA in History? For instance, are the following jobs possible to get into...

    (a) Archives.
    (b) Archaeology.
    (c) Museum Curator work.
    (d) Jobs in publishing relating to History, e.g. Book companies, newspapers, both local and national.
    (e) Local Historian

    ...etc. Basically are any of these jobs open to a BA History graduate, even if on a part-time basis? If not, could one still undergo on-the-job training - especially within archaeology - to get into one of these fields without having to do say a Masters degree in History?


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    #2
    pinkypinky
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 6,623 Mod ✭✭✭✭pinkypinky


    For the first three, you almost certainly need another post-doc qualification.

    Genealogy Forum Mod



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    #3
    robp
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,934 ✭✭✭robp


    DS86 wrote: »
    I'm just wondering what fields of work within History can you get into with a BA in History? For instance, are the following jobs possible to get into...

    (a) Archives.
    (b) Archaeology.
    (c) Museum Curator work.
    (d) Jobs in publishing relating to History, e.g. Book companies, newspapers, both local and national.
    (e) Local Historian

    ...etc. Basically are any of these jobs open to a BA History graduate, even if on a part-time basis? If not, could one still undergo on-the-job training - especially within archaeology - to get into one of these fields without having to do say a Masters degree in History?

    If there is little response here you will get the most up to date advice on careers in archaeology in the archaeology forum.


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    #4
    convert
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 9,338 Mod ✭✭✭✭convert


    To be an archivist, you'd need to do a Masters in Record Management or something similar. One is offered in UCD, and as far as I remember, you need to have gained some work experience (usually unpaid) in the area to get into the course as it's very competitive. You can do a distance learning course though a Scottish uni.

    Again, as an archaeologist you'd need to have studies archaeology, so further study would be required.

    Museum curator: you may need to do further study for this as there are some specific courses, but is probably something you could pick up. It just depends on what jobs are out there and the quality of the candidates applying.

    Publishing: if you've a good aptitude for writing, with grades to match, and editing manuscripts, then it will make things easier, especially if you've experience editing, but, again, is something you would probably learn on the job. However, be prepared to start at the bottom and work hard to work your way up. Not all work with publishing companies is actually hands-on and focused on editing/publishing. Experience, even if voluntary, in local papers would really be a good starting point.

    Local historian: you don't necessarily need further studies to write local history, but a degree or MA with a thesis, thereby demonstrating your ability to research, write concisely and accurately in a non-biased yet critical way, with correct references/footnotes and bibliography would be very helpful, as one area in which a number of local historians, who undoubtedly have great knowledge, fall down.

    If you're still in college, or have recently graduated, then call in to the careers guidance office and seek their advice. I'd also recommend contacting some of the lecturers you had, and get their opinions on what you could do. Afterall, they know you and the quality of your work.


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