Online Career Tips

You’ve studied long and hard. You’ve learned more about ancient civilizations and modern times than most people can hope to digest. You are curious about learning as much as you can about every aspect of an issue. You’ve written extensively about the impact historical events have had in shaping the future – and enjoyed every minute of it. You’ve earned your degree in history. Now what?

Make a sustainable career out of it. Here’s how.

According to the American Historical Association, there are a multitude of careers to consider with a history degree. Many, I’m sure, you’ve never thought of. Now, there are the predictable professions of historian, history teacher or professor, archivist, analyst, journalist or researcher. But have you ever considered being an advertising executive, intelligence agent, personnel manager, or public relations professional? Just think, Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt and George W. Bush were history majors. Basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabar and Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee were history majors. Even entertainers like legendary actress Katharine Hepburn, comedians Conan O’Brien and Steve Carell, and musician Jimmy Buffett were history majors. Who knew that studying history would take them so far?

Think about the skills you have obtained while studying for your degree. You have certainly honed your writing skills as a college student and can bring those abilities to any job, especially those that require polished writers. And how could anyone get a history degree without being able to do research? This skill is vital to any job and can help you become the “go to” person with regard to information gathering. You’ve probably also honed your ability to analyze information and have devised different ways that pertinent information can impact a project. These are all important skills to have in the workplace.

Dr. Jon Carleton is Department Chair for History and Military Studies at American Public University System (APUS) and a Fellow of the World Association of International Studies. He says that students graduating with a degree in American History have a great deal of flexibility in their career path, especially if they want to teach. “Most of my students do want to teach,” says Carleton. “I ask them their own historical background and advise them to use that expertise to their advantage.”

Depending on where that graduate is located around the county, Carleton advises them to capitalize on the history in that area when interviewing for a job. The student may be able to teach American History, but has a special interest in the Civil War or the American Revolution. He says to provide something unique to the potential employer to give yourself a competitive advantage.

Stay active in organizations related to your interests, like historical societies and national history organizations. Networking with fellow history buffs is sure to garner leads to exciting jobs in your chosen field.

Dr. Fred Stielow, Dean of Libraries for APUS, stresses the opportunities for Graduate students in Public History.

“Students with military experience and security clearances have a leg up for government jobs, said Stielow. “And a significant number of military history and site interpreter jobs are opening up for students studying Public History. That also includes careers that require archiving skills – working with the raw documents and images of history.”

The internet, as you know, lists many resources on history. Gatewaytohistory.org, for example, lists a number of different categories to search for history resources, including non-profit and private organizations, the federal government, publishers and museums and historical sites. All are great ways to search for opportunities related to history.

So, what can you do with a history degree? What can’t you do? Think broadly about your career options and highlight your newly acquired skills. The perfect job is right around the corner.

Political Science Graduates Have Many Options

More people voted in the 2008 presidential election than ever before. More than 44,000 ideas were submitted online as part of a citizen’s briefing book for President Barack Obama – supporting his goal to create the most open and accessible administration in U.S. history. Many — maybe even you — now want to put political ideas into action, earning a job with the new administration or closer to home. A political science degree may be a good way to start, for a variety of career directions.

“Our political science students graduate with an understanding of the political process at the various levels of government as well as develop policy analysis, financial management, and communication skills,” says Dr. Gwen Hall, dean of the school of security and global studies at American Public University System (APUS).

“Employers from all areas – government, business, non-profit organizations, the legal sector and many others – need professionals with these skills,” she says.

Career Options
Hall says enrollment in APUS’s political science program has grown this past year due to a renewed interest in public service and possibly the election.

APUS is a distance learning institution offering more than 70 online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. It serves more than 40,000 students worldwide. Hall says the political science program has always been popular among students.

“Different kinds of students are interested in the topics we cover in the bachelor’s and master’s programs, such as law, economics, history, and public policy,” she says.

The career options are just as diverse. The American Political Science Association offers a glimpse:

• Federal government
• State and local government
• Nonprofit organizations
• Law
• Business
• International careers
• Journalism
• Campaigns 
• Education

What are the challenges political science graduates face in these positions? They range from finding ways to expand local services while facing shrinking budgets, to improving communication between citizens and their leaders, to helping implement disaster plans. 

“If your career goal is to make a difference in your community, a political science degree may help you do just that,” says Hall.

Job outlook

 The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects employment for political scientists to increase about 3 to 6 percent through 2016. It says those with better educational qualifications have the best chance for success. BLS expects demand to grow for political science researchers, due to complicated international issues, such as environmental policy and immigration.

Go to these sites to view positions available today with the U.S. government – and for our new president:

• USAJOBS – This is the official job site for federal civil service positions.
• The Plum Book – This resource is issued every four years, after the presidential election. It lists presidentially appointed positions.

One APUS political science student, Robert Garrison, has this career plan:

 “I want to do some consulting work first and then I hope to build up enough finances to hopefully mount my own campaign for office someday,” he says. “My dream job would be to serve in the U.S. Senate and maybe make a run for president. Who knows? The possibilities are endless in politics.”

Career success is based on many factors. You can’t control who is hiring and which industries are booming, but there is one employment factor that you can control: The decision to earn your college diploma, whether it’s an associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Do you question whether pursuing a degree is worth it? There’s tuition costs, time spent studying and interruptions to your schedule. No excuses, please. Here are four reasons why none of those arguments outweigh the decision to earn a degree.

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