Your degree in History

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

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.

• 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.

• Active History
• American Historical Association
• Assembly of First Nations
• Association of Canadian Archivists
• Association of Canadian Studies
• BC Historical Federation
• BC Public Service
• Canada’s History Society
• Canadian Archival Information Network
• Canadian Association for the Study of International Development
• Canadian Association of Professional Conservators
• Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
• Canadian Committee on Labour History
• Canadian Council of Archives
• Canadian Heritage Information Network
• Canadian Historical Association
• Canadian Museums Association
• Canadian Network for Economic History
• Canadian Oral History Association
• Canadian Public Relations Society
• Canadian Research Knowledge Network
• Canadian Society for Renaissance Studies
• Cultural Human Resources Council
• Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences
• First Peoples’ Cultural Council
• Government of Canada
• Institute for Research on Public Policy
• Library and Archives Canada
• National Council on Public History
• National Trust for Canada
• Network in Canadian History and Environment

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.