Historian - How to become a Historian

Historians are professionals who deal with research and analysis of historical aspects. They carry out research on the political, cultural, social or intellectual events that happened in the past. And this is carried out with the help of certain preserved sources such as newspapers, governmental records, old photographs, films, articles, etc.  Historians collect information on the preserved buildings, materials and artefacts that might be of use for further study. The information collected is documented and then filed for future reference purposes. The candidate should possess adequate educational qualifications and passion for work in order to perform well in the role of a historian.

Historian Eligibility

They must have a 12^th class pass from any of the reputed educational institutions with minimum 50% marks. This is the minimum qualification for becoming eligible for graduate courses to become a Historian. 

Historian Required Skills

• Historians possess intellectual and analytical skills; good interpersonal and presentation skills as these professionals have to convey their historical reports; have to undertake research and come out with relevant reports.
• They should possess critical thinking skills like using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Candidates also possess accurate, enquiring, patient and persistent; able to keep information private and able to make good judgements.
• They should be open-minded and have an awareness and understanding of a range of different cultures.
• Historians also needed to communicate both orally and in writing; skilled at interviewing; good at planning and organising.

How to become a Historian?

One has to follow the given steps to become a Historian:

Step 1
After passing their 12^th class, candidates have to complete bachelor level education to obtain basic qualification for the post of Historian. The bachelor degree must be obtained from any of the reputed educational institutions with History as the main subject of study.

Certificate/Degree Courses

• Advance Certificate in Ancient Indian History
• B.A. (Ancient History)
• B.A. (History)

Step 2
Nowadays Masters’ Degree or PhD (in History) is preferred for the various positions. Those who have these educational qualifications can find job opportunities in research firms, public sector firms, museums, Universities, historical societies and so on. The candidate has to score relevant marks in the selection process carried out by the recruiter to get into the post.

Postgraduate Courses

• M.A. (Ancient History)
• M.A. (History)
• M.Phil. (History and Archaeology)
• PhD (Ancient History)

Institutes offering Courses for Historian

• Faculty of Social Sciences, Banasthali University, Tonk
• Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur
• Solapur University, Solapur
• Vikram University, Ujjain

Historian Job Description

Historians analyze historical events, often specializing in a certain time period, country or area. They may specialize in a certain field such as political history, social history, cultural history or diplomatic history. Some historians work directly with a particular historical site or building, to learn and teach about or work to preserve it.

Historian Career Prospects

There are many career prospects for them after completing their graduation.

• Many Historians teach at various levels. Historians who hold teaching credentials may teach at a secondary school level - usually either United States history or world history in middle school or high school.
• Historians can become cultural historic preservation and resources manager.
• Historians have also job scopes in administrative fields so as to organize service delivery, engage in report writing, coordinate as well as service committees and draft procedures as well as policies.

Historian Salary

The average salary of a Historian is ranging from Rs.30,000 to Rs.40,000 per month. As they having experience and better work they can earn more than this. They are mostly employed in the government sector for taking care of Historical things and their preservation.