history degree-job opportunities?

Vincente

Compared to other traditional degrees, history (and other non specialist subjects like english) is weak in job prospects in the business sector. The only premium you gain after graduation in earnings is simply the university you attended.

Yes but if you want to go into business then if you are sensible you would go out and get on internships to get experience in that environment.

Reply 21

Wez

14

Vincente

Compared to other traditional degrees, history (and other non specialist subjects like english) is weak in job prospects in the business sector. The only premium you gain after graduation in earnings is simply the university you attended.

Which other "traditional" degrees put you in better stead for the business world than history? I'm sure there are some, but I don't think history's seen as particularly weak when it comes to getting into the business world. Learning history gives you certain transferable skills, just like other traditional degrees.

Reply 22

Jerby

I forget which, but an ex-head of the CBI had a degree in History from Oxford. A study also found History graduates were disproportionately represented on the boards of top companies. Don't have any first-hand experience, but this is what I've read. :p:

Reply 23

Jerby

Vincente

History is simply a degree that they have chosen, but NOT got them a seat in the board of directors.

Naturally, I don't think anyone automatically expected to be appointed director of a FTSE 100 company in virtue of having just completed a History degree. Likewise, the same clearly true in the sciences.

Vincente

Can a history graduate take a post such as Director of science or technology, or even a smaller managerial post in this area? No chance.

I think you're conflating Business and Industry. Of course, no one is going to design new production methods, etc. by studying the Reformation, but could a historian become Director of Human Resources, Head of Advertising or PR, or Legal Director (via. the CPE & LPC)?

Reply 24

Vincente

14

Naturally, I don't think anyone automatically expected to be appointed director of a FTSE 100 company in virtue of having just completed a History degree.

There are more than you think......

I think you're conflating Business and Industry. Of course, no one is going to design new production methods, etc. by studying the Reformation, but could a historian become Director of Human Resources, Head of Advertising or PR, or Legal Director (via. the CPE & LPC)?

I think the term business and industry is often used interchangibly, but i guess you are right there. But yes, history graduates can certainly take these positions provided the CEO or senior directors feel the individual has sufficient experience etc. However the reason why I am saying history is a weaker subject is because a science graduate may take these jobs which doesn't require a specific degree, yet take on positions which will certainly restrict many humanities graduates even at such a late stage of their careers when academics should very mean little

Reply 25

Prince Rhyus

15

Have a look at http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=420531

I did a history PGDip and am now in the civil service. A knowledge of history and politics does come in handy!

However, most public service graduate schemes take all disciplines.

Reply 26

34253

2

History can generally lead onto most things these days. The main reason I do history is because it gives me so many transferable skills, where as things like maths only let you do maths. Why be a mathematician when you can hire one?