Researchers in all areas use their intellectual curiosity and analytical skills for new information. They also share their discoveries with the rest of the world. They are not the only ones who have a passion for digging through historical records and uncovering important moments in the past. History researchers can work in academia, government, and the military, as well as in museums and economics. A Master of Arts in History degree is available to anyone who wants to be a historian.
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What does a history researcher do?
Historical researchers examine past events, peoples, policies, documents, and other information to understand their impact on current and future societies. A history researcher must examine both primary and secondary sources. In addition, they translate and interpret texts into other languages and help museum curators and historians preserve artifacts.
Some historians work at universities, while others do specialized research on a particular topic. The study of American history can include everything from the effects of religion on ancient governments to American politics. The history researcher starts by identifying a topic or broad question. Next, they search for and analyze previous research studies that are related.
They then narrow down or refine their investigation to determine which historical research method they will use. Next, they search for primary and secondary sources in university archives, historical societies, public records, and other sources. After analyzing these sources, they write or publish academic papers.
History researchers have many career options.
Historians can play many important roles in both private and public sectors. Master of Arts degrees in history, for example, emphasize research skills, subject knowledge, and practical application of findings. In addition, a master’s degree in advanced history can teach individuals how to be successful historians. These sections provide information about some career options for historians.
Research historians
They are interested in understanding how and why significant past events happened by interrogating facts in different contexts. Historical evidence is the grist for the researcher’s analysis. This includes primary sources such as documents, material artifacts, and firsthand recollections. Secondary sources are often the work of other historians. Their work can be displayed in museums, used in lectures, or published in academic journals.
Museum Researcher
Museum researchers are responsible for providing artifact descriptions, authenticating historical materials, and contributing to exhibits or educational programs. Museum researchers are experts in their field. Some focus on particular historical records, such as manuscripts or photographs, maps, and video and audio recordings, while others specialize in a specific area. Museum researchers might also help to acquire and curate new pieces for display.
Cultural Resource Manager
Cultural resource managers are responsible for preserving and memorializing cultural heritage. Cultural preservationists have access to historical maps, government records, and contemporary publications. Secondary sources are also available.
FBI Intelligence Analyst:
FBI intelligence analysts interpret and collect information from many sources to identify threats and communicate these to decision-makers. An analyst with a history background can help to advise on possible responses to these threats using their knowledge of past events. The FBI Intelligence Analyst Selection Process tests critical thinking, writing, analytical, and time management skills. This is all the focus of Master of Arts programs in History.
U.S. Navy Historian
Historical researchers can use their knowledge of past political and social events to consult and support government agencies. According to the NHHC, the Naval History and Heritage Command, archivists, and other personnel are responsible for “using history and heritage to enhance warfighting capabilities of the U.S. Navy.” The agency preserves material of historical importance to the Navy and assists in recovering and preserving lost ships and aircraft.
Professor at University
According to the Journal of Research Practice, businesses and government agencies are increasingly hiring historians as consultants. In addition, higher education institutions need history professors to train the next generation of researchers. History professors can also teach public affairs and political science courses at universities and colleges.
Salary for History Researcher
Historical researchers can earn different wages depending on their job, education, and years of experience.
- Historian. History specialists earned a median annual income of $63,690.
- Museum researcher. According to the BLS, the median annual salary of museum curators, archivists, and museum researchers was $49,850 in May 2019.
- Cultural resource manager. According to the BLS, these individuals earned an average annual salary of $63,670 in May 2019.
- FBI intelligence analyst. According to PayScale, the median salary for FBI intelligence analysts in America is $70,000.
- Navy historian. The annual salaries of navy historians vary depending on their position. A supervisory curator, however, can earn between $96,070 to $126,062, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
- Professor at a university. According to the BLS, professors in postsecondary history earned an average annual salary of $751,170.
Steps to become a history researcher
Although there is no one way to be a historian researcher, there are some common traits. First, they combine academic preparation with practical experience through internships and jobs.
Step 1: Obtain an advanced education.
To be a successful historian researcher, you must have a solid academic foundation. This can start with a bachelor’s in a relevant area. Aspiring researchers can also learn valuable skills while completing their undergraduate history coursework.
While a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for entry-level positions in history, most historian jobs require a master’s or doctorate. Many historians have a Master of Arts degree in History, while others hold degrees in museum studies, historic preservation, and archiving.
Step 2: Get Experience.
Although students can learn about the daily work of historians through internships and field assignments, they cannot replace the experience gained by working as a research assistant or assistant curator.
Nevertheless, it’s a great way to learn about the various career options for researchers while also acquiring practical skills such as designing exhibits or processing and preserving artifacts. These positions also offer opportunities to use skills gained through academic work, such as writing research reports, analyzing data, and using technology resources.
Step 3: Get a doctorate.
A doctoral program in history may be available for researchers who want to specialize in a particular area of research, especially if they are looking to work in academia or a federal agency. A specialization typically represents a country or region, a period, or a subfield of history, such as social, cultural, and political. In addition, many universities and colleges hire people with a master’s degree who are also pursuing a doctoral degree to teach.