Career Pathways

Alumni archiving art at a museum

By exploring how our world came to be, the study of History fosters the critical knowledge, breadth of perspective, intellectual growth, and communication and problem solving skills. that will help you lead purposeful lives and achieve career success in museums, libraries, law, management and many other fields.

Is Your Education on Track?

Recommendations for History Majors

YEAR 1: EXPLORE AND REFLECT

  • ENGAGE fully in coursework and reflect on what interests you most; consider minor, second major, or language certificate
  • EXPLORE the History Forum, other clubs, campus journalism and employment, and Community
    Development to connect with other students
  • SEEK a mentor by getting to know your professors, your faculty advisor, and History’s internship coordinator
  • SUBSCRIBE to History’s social media channels via our Timelines blog: sunybrockporthistorydept.net/timelines
  • ATTEND History’s public lectures, alumni panels, and Scholar’s Day panels
  • ACTIVATE your Handshake account and explore Career Services events and tools, like the O*NET Interest Profiler

YEAR 2: TAKE AIM

  • DECIDE between History major and Social Studies (Inclusive) Education majors
  • BOOST major GPA to at least 3.0 by using your professors’ office hours and Academic Success Center tutoring
  • GRASP the career-building power of knowledge and skills in your major
  • FOCUS on chosen campus clubs, job, volunteer work
  • APPLY for interest-driven experiences like Leadership Development, internship, Summer Undergraduate Research Program, or study abroad
  • ATTEND Career Services Part-Time Job Festival and Careers for the Common Good event in fall, Jobs and Internships Fair in spring
  • TAKE HST 370: Career Development and History or meet with Career Services staff (or Year 3)

YEAR 3: BUILD AND DEVELOP

  • TAKE HST 390: Research Methods and build career-boosting skills in historical research and oral presentation
  • BUILD critical thinking and writing skills in 300/400-level courses
  • BECOME a leader in your chosen club, job, or volunteer work
  • PRESENT at Scholars Day
  • COMPLETE an internship
  • ATTEND more careerplanning events through History and Career Services
  • REACH OUT to alumni using professional email practices
  • BEGIN creating your LinkedIn profile
  • PLAN for taking the GRE, LSAT or other grad school gateway exam

YEAR 4: PREPARE TO LAUNCH

  • POLISH your research, writing, and presentation skills in your 400-level capstone course
  • JOIN History honors society Phi Alpha Theta (if eligible)
  • REFLECT on your journey as you take the Department of History New Alumni Survey
  • MENTOR younger students
  • PROFESSIONALIZE yoursocial media accounts
  • UPDATE your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, and job search plan
  • APPLY for grad schools/jobs
  • EXPLORE the National Labor Exchange job listings
  • SCHEDULE mock interviews with Career Services
  • UTILIZE the Professional Clothes Closet

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