Department of History
 

Career Brochure

But what I do with a major in history?

It is a question frequently asked not only about history, but also about all fields in the liberal arts. It is a myth that a liberal arts degree-including history doesn't prepare you for a career. Options for liberal arts majors are, rather than few, almost too many. Alumni of this department hold good career positions in a wide variety of fields. Training in history has been and will continue to be relevant regardless of career paths.



Identify Your Options:

Focus on how your experiences have prepared you, and pursue effectively the opportunities that will allow you to make full use of your interests, education, and talents.

Design a strong academic program and pursue it with determination. Complement your formal education with thoughtful career-related extracurricular and work experiences. Use your personal initiative in as many ways as possible throughout your college years.

Gain a solid general education that will allow you to begin moving forward through a succession of increasingly rewarding levels of career development.

Acquire writing and reasoning skills that are fundamental to your career success.

Identify your interests, skills, and abilities:

Check out the Career and Placement Information for History Students bulletin board.

Discuss career options with your professors, academic advisor, and career advisor, Dr. Tom Howard. Call 231-8374 or email( tchoward at vt.edu), for an appointment.

Utilize the University Library for guides to job prospects and careers.

Visit Career Services, located on the top floor of Henderson Hall, and review the variety of resources, programs, and services to assist with making decisions about career options, gaining related experience, and connecting with potential employers.

Search internet resources for career and job search information are unlimited. Here are several helpful sites:
Career Mosaic
http://www.careermosaic.com

Yahoo! Careers
http://careers.yahoo.com

H-NET: Humanities & Social Sciences Online
http://www.h-net.msu.edu

Jobweb
http://www.jobweb.com

Starting Salary Expectations for the Class of 2005

According to Job Choices magazine, the average starting salary for history majors is $30,000-$35,000. However, many factors will affect your starting salary: geographic location, supply and demand, and your own uniqueness. Your specific qualities and qualifications will play a key role in your ability to attract employers and negotiate a salary.

Career Spectrum, 2005

The following companies attended the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences in September 2004 and were interested in History majors. For more information about these companies check out their websites:

7-eleven, Inc.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
Central Intelligence Agency
Chesterfield County Police Dept.
Colonial Williamsburg
Columbia Services Group, Inc.
Enterprise Rent-a-Car
Ferguson Enterprises, Inc.
Henrico County Div. Of Police
Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations
JobDirect.com
Key Staffing Solutions
Lutton Electronics Company, Inc.
Mass Mutual-The Washington Group
Maxim Healthcare Services
National Conference Services, Inc.
National Council for Science and the Environment
Navair
Naval Financial Management Career Center
Navy Civilian Jobs
NVR, Inc./Ryan Homes
Peace Corp
Richmond Police Department
State Corporation Commission
Virginia State Police
Alumni Careers Listed in our newsletter, Historically Speaking, Summer 2004
Professors
High School Teachers
Military Careers
Lawyers
Director of Development at Virginia Tech
Site Manager of a Historic Park
Revenue Inspector
Web Developer
Director  at Museum of the Confederacy
Sales Director
Director of Education at Explore Park
Sales Representative
Supply Officer
Manager of federal and local employment training programs
Presidents of private company
Special Agent with North Carolina Bureau of Investigation
Superintendent of Salem City Schools
Freelance writer
History graduates have proven that they are well-trained to be successful  in a wide variety of  careers.  You can do whatever you choose with a history major.