~ Kushagra Bhardwaj
History has always remained an underrated career option. But the truth is that from heritage managers to archaeologist and journalists, there are thousands of opportunities waiting at your doorstep that will pay you a handsome amount of money.
To all the history enthusiasts out there get geared up to transform history from your favourite subject to your career.
History enhances the ability to comprehend our culture and heritage. As an academic discipline, it helps us learn about societies and lifestyles.
However, if you are a history devotee, fond of being around dinosaur bones or tonnes of history books, there’s some great news for you. Your fondness can help you achieve mental satisfaction as well as a high paying job.
Any average student with decent research skills, strong analytical mindset, attention to detail, and excellent writing skills can be highly successful in the field of history.
Here are the 8 highest Paying Jobs in India that you can choose if you have a degree in history:
Table of Contents
1. Archaeology
One of the most fantasized professions, in the field of history, is being an archaeologist. Majority of the work of an archaeologist includes research and field-related jobs.
It is such a wide field that it includes separate fields in itself. One can gain specification in the history of coins (numismatics), for an instance, or in the deciphering of inscriptions.
A bachelor degree in history and a masters in archaeology is the most common way of becoming an archaeologist.
In India, archaeologists are primarily employed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to research various inscriptions, historical sites and excavations.
2. Historian/Expert in History
The primary job of a historian is to research, study and bridge the gap between the present and the historical events through his/her published works.
In addition to this, a historian is expected to conserve artefacts and theorise various important historical events.
These days, there is a huge demand for historical experts on the movie sets. They are required to conduct research works on costumes and sets designs.
History experts are also employed to analyse historical events in various production houses.
3. Archivist
Historical documents are of immense value for any nation as well as the world. To preserve such fragile, priceless documents is the main task of an archivist.
Archivists are employed in several museums, national libraries as well as in the National Archives of India.
The responsibility of orderly arrangement of historical maps, archives, audiotapes, photos of historical locations and personalities rests on the shoulders of the archivist.
A masters degree in history is the minimum requirement to be an archivist.
4. Heritage Manager
India is home to a huge number of historical monuments and structures. Those monuments are the epitome of our rich traditions and uniqueness.
Serving both as world-renowned tourist spots as well as world heritage sites, monuments are the reflection of our engineering ingenuity and prosperous culture.
The work of a heritage manager is to preserve and protect these monuments of historical importance. They are responsible for maintenance of these structures.
The primary roles of a heritage manager include managing budgets, formulating rules and regulations, forming policies to increase sightseeing, preserving the monument and managing the people employed in the structure.
A masters degree in history is the eligibility for this job. In a country like India, with such a rich and vast cultural diversity, there are thousands of opportunities in this sector.
5. Museum Director
The overall functioning of any museum is monitored by its director. He is the top authority in charge of the museum. His prime role is to manage all activities inside as well as concerning the museum.
Among other things, the director is responsible for authenticating new exhibits. Occasionally, he/she is also required to go on excursions for claiming new antiquities and exhibits for the museum.
6. Civil Services
History students always have an edge over others in civil services entrance exams. The Union Public Services Commission conducts entrance exam for posts such as the IAS, IPS, IFS and others.
A huge chunk of the syllabus of civil service exams is related to subjects like history and other social sciences. As a result, a student of history has the advantage of cracking the Civil Service selection examinations over others.
7. Journalist
Journalism is considered as the fourth pillar of democracy. With a continuous dearth in unbiased and free journalism, the country is in dying need of people who are true to their profession and work diligently for the society.
Pre-requisites for being a successful journalist are having sound knowledge of history and current affairs. People with socio-cultural understandings and a decent skill to write are bound to be highly successful in the industry.
Journalism is a common and well-paying career option for any history student. Several new sectors are emerging at present. For instance, the PR, media and advertising agencies are creating plenty of opportunities for the freshers and the youth.
Students with a history degree generally opt for masters in journalism to make a successful and stable career in the journalism industry.
8. Teacher/Professor
One of the noblest professions on the face of the earth is that of a teacher. History provides one with a great opportunity to do so.
We all know how badly our schools require history teachers who can make it an interesting subject.
To be a teacher at secondary level, one needs to pursue a bachelors degree in history and B.Ed later. Whereas, for being a teacher at post-secondary level one has to complete his/her masters in history and his doctoral degree for being a lecturer/professor.
In India, there are many organizations that can employ you as a researcher. The Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) and the Indian Council of Social Sciences Research (ICSSR) are two of them.
9. Museum Curators
Individuals with an aesthetic and artistic mindset are the best fit for this profession. The primary responsibility of a museum curator is to manage the collections of the museum.
They are responsible for acquiring, preserving and exhibiting them accordingly.
One is expected to specialize in almost all aspects of history as a subject including textiles, paintings, artefacts, inscriptions, culture, metals, and so on to qualify as a museum curator.
Museum curators also organize promotional and exhibitional events and research about the collections in their museums. The minimum qualification for this job is a masters in history or a related field such as archaeology.
On the other hand, some museums require a doctoral degree.
10. Museology
Museology is described as the study of museums, exploring their history and importance in society. This profession requires a decent amount of research, administrative qualities and public dealing.
National level institutes such as the National Museum Institute (New Delhi) offers a course on masters in Museology.
Conclusion
History is an undiscovered field, especially in India, but has countless opportunities that can pay you exceptionally well.
Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.
Confucius
It is very important to choose your profession wisely. If you truly love history, don’t wait to make it your career. The first and foremost step to build a remarkable career is to choose one which you love and subsequently strive to achieve success in.
