Your degree in History

Skills you’ll develop

While studying History, you’re learning about the political, social, and cultural forces that have animated the past and shaped the present around the world. You’ll develop important skills and resourcefulness when finding crucial information and using context to understand its meaning and importance. 

These skills may include:

  • Identifying and analysing sources using research databases, and compiling of scholarly literature
  • Developing supporting arguments and conveying ideas in written communication
  • Persuasive public speaking and the ability to debate with others
  • Evidence-based reasoning and acknowledgement of the influence different perspectives can have on facts
  • Assimilating evidence as well as understanding different perspectives, and formulating reasoned conclusions
  • Public engagement, inside and outside of academia, to promote greater understanding and the importance of history

Explore career possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including education, government, non-profit, business, law, museums, publishing, media, the arts, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.

Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.

  • Appraiser
  • Archivist
  • Charitable organization director
  • Communications specialist
  • Community development worker
  • Community programs director
  • Conservator
  • Copywriter
  • Cultural anthropologist
  • Curator
  • Diplomat
  • Documentarian/Filmmaker
  • Education policy analyst
  • Elections officer
  • Event planner
  • Foreign service officer
  • Genealogist
  • Heritage interpreter
  • Historian
  • Human rights officer
  • Immigration officer
  • International development worker
  • Journalist
  • Lawyer
  • Library director
  • Lobbyist
  • Media/Information consultant
  • Museum administrator
  • Museum educator
  • News analyst
  • Policy advisor
  • Records technician
  • Research assistant
  • Restoration technician
  • Social policy researcher
  • Teacher/Professor
  • Tourism industry consultant
  • Writer

Make the most of your specialization

  • UBC History Students Association
    Meet other UBC students through events and programs. 
  • Departmental events
    Network with History students and faculty members at a variety of events with visiting lecturers, seminar series, and departmental socials.
  • Departmental research opportunities
    Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions.
  • UBC Journal of Historical Studies
    Showcase your research by submitting papers to be published in a peer and faculty-reviewed journal or participate on the editorial board and gain experience operating an academic journal.
  • History Writing Centre
    Develop your writing skills by checking out research, style, and citation guidance from the UBC Department of History or gain experience as a peer tutor working with the History Writing Centre.
  • History co-op success stories
    Learn about the experiences of past and present co-op students from your program and others.
  • Arts Co-op Program
    Gain paid work experience in your area of study as part of your degree program
  • Careers for historians
    Check out career paths for History students in academia, education, public history, media, and the arts.
  • Go Global
    Learn more about international opportunities recommended by the History department.
  • Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations
    Develop new skills and gain practical knowledge in a heritage field over the summer.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

Connect with alumni on LinkedIn

Find UBC History graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.

More information

From your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.