What the **** do you do with a history degree?

I read a book called "Think" once by "Somebody Blackburn". It was the most boring thing I've ever read. I kept reading it, hoping it would get better but it just didn't. It did however put me off philosophy for life.

Politics, I can see how that could be interesting but economics in my opinion is utter BS. I don't understand why it's as respected as it is to be honest.

I don't think too many universities offer PPE anyway, although I could be wrong on that.

What are you thinking of doing when you graduate. Prime Minister perhaps?

"Think" by Simon Blackburn is, I agree, rather over-hyped and dull but philosophy, at it's best, deals with the fundamental issues of life and so, to me at least, is fascinating.

Perhaps politics is more your thing then? I'm currently reading "An Introduction to Political Philosophy" by Jonathan Wolff and it's very enjoyable, providing an accessible starting point for the consideration of some interesting issues.

I'm sorry you feel that way about economics. Personally, my interest in it stems from the fact that I view it as a means to better understanding the world I live in (especially post-credit crunch). I think it's quite worrying that anyone would write off an important social science as "utter BS", but I'm sure you have your reasons.

In case you do change your mind regarding PPE, you are wrong about it being in scarce supply: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy,_Politics_and_Economics#United_Kingdom_and_Ireland

As for my plans post-uni, they're rather vague at the moment and of course depend on other factors besides what I want to do, but I've almost whittled it down to a choice betweeen further study, going in to the private sector in South America or sitting public examinations for employment at the Ministry of the Economy back in Spain.

From a more general point of view, PPE makes for good credentials in finance, journalism, academia or politics as well as giving you a solid base should you choose to try your luck as an entrepreneur.

At any rate, whatever you do choose, good luck

Your username

um....teacher? All I know so far but it's a good degree to have from what I've heard

Become an intellectual

With a username like that, I would make an excellent teacher. I think teaching wouldn't keep my interest for very long. Teaching the same stuff year in year out has got to get pretty boring after a while? I don't think I have the patience for it either.

Gordon brown did a history degree...

George Osborne did history and is now Chancellor of the Exchequer.

I absolutely hated it and dropped out in 3rd year, this was 11 years ago. Anyway I've done alright since then, have a good job, house, car etc, etc but always had that nagging feeling that I wanted to finish what I started at Uni.



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Out of interest when you dropped out of uni what did you do then?

Because nobody has actually come in to talk truthfully and openly about what exactly history as a degree does for you I'm going to step up to the plate.

There's often a massive misconception that if you do history you are becoming a teacher or a historian or going to work in a museum.

History itself is fascinating to learn and you obviously know all of this because you say you love it. But a history degree is quite different from say an engineering degree in the respects of what it provides you.

An engineering degree (not that I know much, if anything, just saying) probably provides you with set knowledge that you can apply to everyday jobs because it's engineering.


History is different in this respect, knowing about history can sometimes be useful, sometimes interesting to tell others but in the job world not that important unless you are doing a history orientated job. Sounds like I've just slammed history, but there's a reason why I am doing it.

It's the skills you gain not the knowledge you inherit when it comes to employability for history.
History, when studied at a good level requires candidates to possess skills that range from impressive analytical skills to clear, open and expressive oral and written skills. In addition to this you find that they excel in research and have an impressive ability to read between the lines of texts, interpret and judge accountability of sources. (This is why so many law firms look for history graduates, because they gain such important skills which are invaluable for a career in law).

There are many more, but I'm sure if I go on about them all you will just get bored and I'm sure you get the idea. Gordon Brown, George Osborne are two prime examples of those with history degrees who also left what you would consider the obvious route. I know it's anecdotal but I know of somebody else who completed a history degree and is doing well at a financial firm.

History literally opens you up to a whole variety of things, yes including businesses and management and accounting, whilst less so, it's a perfectly viable open door. However consider law, politics, professional research/ analysation, library work, sales roles, company Human Resources/ team leaders/ team members/ representatives and much, much more which I will happily discuss should you PM me.


Doing history demonstrates skills that can impress employers in a tough and rigorous 'traditional' subject. Those who assume the only jobs available are teaching.

Maybe history isn't for you, but I hope that helps. Got kind of sick of all the bad information posted on this thread.

Write books. Get quoted.

Go and do history. If it's something you enjoy i think you'll get more out of it...

You can look at archaeology afterwards maybe?
Something to do with museums?

Gordon Brown was a history graduate.... so become prime minister?

I'm going to give you the same advice I give to the 6th formers i give careers advice to.. Just do a subject you enjoy, the rest will come. This isn't a 'romantic ideal' its logical. The opportunities that open up to you when you study and are truly passionate and dedicated are amazing. The fact you are older and dare I say, wiser, will help not hinder as you will understand the value of these chances.
Age doesnt matter. I have a 33 year old friend who graduated in History last year, with a 2:1 from a lower-end uni. He now works at a museum for Francis.Drake and archiving at at the British library who are sending him on a research project to America for 6 months.
While I am only 23 myself I have a daughter, so can't exactly take any risks at not being able to provide for her. I've never felt like this was a risk for me. I struggled to commit to teaching as I had so many options. I nearly started a business with a friend, i was offered a job with student support at uni and i wanted to do a masters.
I think, maybe, you need to take a punt on yourself. Because you'll never know where a history degree can take you until you try.

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