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.
Visit the Job Bank Canada website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field. Some career options may require further education or training.
- Appraiser
- Archivist
- Charitable organization director
- Communications specialist
- Community development worker
- Community programs director
- Conservator
- Copywriter
- Cultural anthropologist
- Curator
- Diplomat
- Documentarian or 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 or Information consultant
- Museum administrator
- Museum educator
- News analyst
- Policy advisor
- Records technician
- Research assistant
- Restoration technician
- Social policy researcher
- Teacher or Professor
- Tourism industry consultant
- Writer
Make the most of your program
Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities, develop your skillset, and help you clarify your values and interests.
- 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. - Experiential learning opportunities
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.
- Active History
- American Historical Association
- Archives Canada
- Assembly of First Nations
- Association of Canadian Archivists
- Association of Canadian Studies
- BC Historical Federation
- BC Public Service
- Canada’s History Society
- Canadian Association for the Study of International Development
- Canadian Association of Professional Conservators
- Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
- Canadian Committee on Labour History
- Canadian Heritage Information Network
- Canadian Historical Association
- Canadian Museums Association
- Canadian Network for Economic History
- Canadian Public Relations Society
- Canadian Research Knowledge Network
- Canadian Society for Renaissance Studies
- Culture Works Canada
- 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
- WorkInCulture
Connect with alumni
Learn about possible career paths by browsing alumni stories or viewing the profiles of UBC History graduates on LinkedIn.
As you read, take note of interesting job titles, organizations, and experiences you may want to explore. If a particular story or profile aligns with your goals, consider reaching out for an informational interview.
More information
Throughout 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.