Career Compass: History

The study of history provides essential background for many disciplines and professions where research analysis, communications skills and an understanding of how past events influence the present are important. The department includes specialists in intellectual, cultural, social, medieval, Aboriginal, women’s and world history. A particular area of departmental specialization is Canadian and western Canadian history.

Skills you will gain by studying HISTORY

• The ability to understand, interpret and describe past and present events using quantitative and qualitative methods
• The ability to research current and historical events from a social, political and economic perspective
• The ability to think critically and develop analytical arguments
• The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
6 credit hours in HIST at the 1000 or 2000 level

To do this year:

1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor or department advisor to help you plan your program.
2. If you need academic support, visit Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a learning skills instructor.

CAREER TIPS

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Set up your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including History Students Association and Arts Student Body Council.
2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience or join the Student Leadership Development Program.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as UM Community Volunteers.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Considering international opportunities? Visit the Language Centre and check out the International Centre website to learn more international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit the University of Manitoba Archives, Canada’s National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Honours: 18 credit hours in HIST at the 2000 or 3000 level.*

Advanced: 18 credit hours in HIST at the 2000 level.*

General: 12 credit hours in HIST at the 2000 level.*

*Refer to the Academic Calendar for specific requirements related to areas of historical study required within the degree.

To do this year:

1. Should you follow a 3-or 4-year plan? Meet with an academic advisor and career consultant to map out your options.
2. Consider choosing a second language for your minor to enhance your employability prospects upon graduation.

CAREER TIPS

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
3. Become a student affiliate with the Canadian Historical Association.
4. Attend the Fort Garry Lectures/Manitoba Student History Talks.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Explore student research opportunities: Apply for an Undergraduate Research Award and inquire about research assistant positions.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out the Manitoba Historical Society, Parks Canada and museums or historic sites.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Become a Faculty of Arts Student Ambassador.

Earn while you learn: Consider applying to the Arts Co-operative Education program once you have completed 48 credit hours.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange or Travel Study to Israel, an international internship or service-learning program, My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday".

Staying local? Check out Community Engaged Learning. Consider learning a new language and culture through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Honours: HIST 3990, plus 6 credit hours in HIST at the 3000 level.*

Advanced: 18 credit hours in HIST at the 3000 level.*

General: 6 credit hours in HIST at the 3000 level and 6 credit hours in HIST at the 2000 or 3000 level.*

*Refer to the Academic Calendar for specific requirements related to areas of historical study required within the degree.

To do this year:

1. Meet with a department advisor for honours program approvals.
2. Meet with your co-op advisor (if applicable).
3. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).

CAREER TIPS

Investigate your career options:

1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
3. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.
4. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other academic institutions.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Check out student job opportunities with: Lower Fort Gary, Manitoba Museum, Riel House, Winnipeg Public Library and Young Canada Works (YCW).

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Job Bank, Find My Job, Indeed and the Canadian Heritage Information Network.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program, volunteer for the Land and Water: Land-based Education or take part in Graduation Pow Wow.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Honours: 24 credit hours in HIST at the 4000 level.*

Advanced: 6 credit hours in HIST at the 4000 level.*

*Refer to the Academic Calendar for specific requirements related to areas of historical study required within the degree.

To do this year:

1. Meet with a department advisor for Honours program approval.
2. Meet with your co-op advisor (if applicable).
3. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

CAREER TIPS

Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to graduate school: Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the YCW Building Careers in Heritage program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus and register for the Intercultural Leaders program through the International Centre.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Administrative Officer
• Archivist Assistant
• Citizenship/Immigration Officer
• Community Outreach Manager
• Conservation Technician
• Collections Coordinator
• Cultural Resource Manager
• Curatorial Assistant
• Editor
• Education Program Coordinator
• Foreign Service Officer
• Genealogical Assistant
• Heritage/Historic Interpreter
• Historic Preservation Specialist
• Historic Site Manager
• Immigration Agent/Consultant
• Immigration Settlement Worker
• Insurance Underwriter
• Legislative Assistant
• Municipal Heritage Consultant
• Museum Volunteer Coordinator
• Museum Technician
• NGO Manager
• Policy Analyst
• Records Technician
• Research Assistant

Options requiring other education

• Archivist
• Conservator
• Curator
• Genealogist
• Historian
• Journalist
• Lawyer
• Librarian
• Public Relations Specialist
• Social Worker
• Teacher
• University Professor
• Urban and Regional Planner

Industries such as archives, education, government, media and communications would value an history major in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Oral and written communication
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Numeracy and data use
• Teamwork
• Digital technology
• Industry specific knowledge
• Continuous learning

Attain skills through your classroom education by taking advantage of experiential education opportunities.

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.