I finally finished college this past June. I've been going to school off and on but for the past 4.5 years I cracked down and got my B.A. in History. When I first graduated from high school (back in 199 I planned on getting a degree in Computer Science. After my first programming class I knew it wasn't what I wanted to do (plus I was never good at advanced math). One of my history professors sort of inspired me to choose History as my major. I knew that it wasn't a popular major but it was something that interested me and I was good at remembering people/places/ideas/events. My area of concentration ended up being 20th U.S. History.

So now what? I've been told I can teach (have to get a credential first) but that's not really something I want to do full-time. Maybe substitute teaching would be okay but that's not really a career. What I would like to get into is a government-level job. It could be local, state, or federal. I know that the benefits are great but I'm not exactly sure where to apply and how the process goes. Someone told me I need to take a Civil Service exam...what is that?

As far as my skills, I'm good at research, analysis, and writing. Of course I still do my computer stuff on the side, upgrading and repairing systems for friends and former coworkers. I used to work at a pharmacy as a pharm tech but I quit about three weeks ago (low pay and very few hours). I was thinking of starting my own computer business but it isn't something I want to do forever.

Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

i think you should go for the credential and become a teacher. just imagine, summers off, holidays off, and you get to potentially make differences in tons of peoples lives.

 

Do the teacher thing for now-it will be good income while you are writing your book-use your summers to try different careers. It is cool te help kids grow and want to learn too.

Proof reader is a good paying job-I am an analyst (nothing to do with my degree)

I have a BA in philosophy/pre-law and haven't used my degree yet to do anything but build back interest in school loans. (Law school was more expensive than I though and way harder to get in to by the time I graduated)

Your history degree is about as useful. Sorry to be the one to break it to you.

 

Honestly I would go with being a teacher. You would have the opportunity to inspire younger students to be interested in History and get their minds involved. Too many young people these days know very little about History of any era. Mostly because of the lack of funding or the teaching retrictions but one thing I've noticed is that if the teacher is pysched about the subject then the kids will too.

Or you might be able to become a currator in a musuem for a particular wing.

 

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...416&highlight=


History is interesting

 

My problem with teaching is the politics. I heard you can teach in private schools without a credential, is that true?

 

Ouch. A history major. Aside from being a teacher, there isn't much you can really do with a history degree. I used to work in customer service and one of the ladies I worked with had a history degree. She was making $9 an hour like me.

 

There's lots of politics with teaching a subject like history. It would be cool if you can teach REAL history, include a diverse curriculum instead of the standard not so accurate BS history we learn in grade school. Teachers don't make much but maybe you can do some private tutuoring on the side, that usually pays well.

 

Well, there is a lot I can do...the problem is what. I can apply to work for the CIA as an analyst, but without a M.A. some are saying it might be difficult to get in. I can go to law school but that's gonna cost some serious bucks. Pres. Bush was a History major too, it seemed to work out for him, lol.

 

I submitted my resume to Riverside County...we'll see what happens!

 

Another option is Law school.

 

You need to continue with your education as soon as it's financially possible. Having a bachelor's in history isn't very special, but having a master's degree or a doctorate would open up a lot of lucrative and enjoyable opportunities. You could end up being an analyst, a researcher, a professor, etc. Either way, expect to spend a lot more time in academia.

 

My friend has the same problem. She has her BA and MBA in History and cant get work. She's applying to every museum there is and they all want experiance. She finally got a job working in the gift store at a museum. an MBA and all she could do is work in a gift store. But at least she's on payroll b/c everything at museums are done by seniority. All I can say is good luck man, good luck.

 

I went to school for History as well. I work in a jail. Go figure.

 

I could try to find something in the pharmacy tech field again. I know hospitals pay more than retail so I might try that. In the meantime I filed for unemployment...

 

^ That unfortunateley sounds like the current career for a lot of people with degrees-work experience seems to help more

 

I was hired straight out of school. Guess I got lucky.

 

How is it that you QUIT your job, and then filed for unemployment?

 

Pretty sure he didn't tell the unemployment office about that job.

 

http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/unempl...employment.htm

Well, when I only get 10 hours a week and everyone else is getting 30+, they were obviously pushing me out. Management didn't care that I had seniority over some of those people who were getting more hours. I was in a hostile work environment and had to leave. I'm not even expecting to get approved for unemployment, but I thought it was worth a shot while I look for another job. I've already sent in three resumes this week and two applications last week.