History

Resources, Strengths, Career Paths, Skills

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “The best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” A student of History is well positioned for doing just that. In the 21st century’s highly integrated global society, there has been a rapid increase in demand for people knowledgeable in the histories, geography and cultures of the world. People capable of communicating concisely and effectively are valued by all organizations, regardless of field or scope. History majors, indeed most students of the liberal arts, have an abundance of worthwhile and satisfying careers to choose from.

Transferable Skills: Students of History develop a diverse and widely used list of skills during the course of their undergraduate careers. In addition to superior writing ability, History majors will graduate with refined analytical and research skills, as well as a unique perspective towards the problems of today. A History major is taught:

  • Analytical and critical-thinking abilities
  • Research experience
  • Extensive technical and analytical writing experience
  • Rhetorical skill
  • Didactic skill
  • Oratory skill
  • Knowledge of foreign cultures

Career Paths: The major in History provides students with opportunities in a virtually limitless number of fields and industries. Here is just a small sample of career fields you may pursue:

  • Journalism, publishing, and technical writing
  • Law
  • Media and entertainment
  • Teaching (elementary, secondary, and higher education)
  • Advertising and marketing
  • Public relations
  • Travel and hospitality
  • Government and public policy
  • International relations business
  • Health care administration
  • Business management
  • Museum and curatorial
  • Archival and library science
  • Archaeology

Resources & Professional Associations: There are numerous academic and professional organizations for students interested in connecting with other historians. Here is a small list to help get you started:

Consider joining on-campus clubs related to history and your specific field of interest. On-campus student organizations are a great way to meet people with similar interests who may be able to connect you with professionals in your field. Visit the Stony Brook University Student Activities website for more information.

Employers: The following companies and institutions have hired/accepted alumni of Stony Brook’s History program:

  • Syracuse University
  • Gallagher, Walker, Bianco & Plastaras Attorneys at Law
  • New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
  • NYC Department of Education
  • NYC Public Advocate's Office
  • The Office of Senator Charles Schumer

Sample Job Titles: History majors from around the country have held an incredible variety of job titles, including some prestigious ones like President of the United States. A History major is well prepared to be just about anything, including:

  • Archivist
  • Curator
  • Editor
  • Author
  • Publicist
  • Paralegal
  • Lawyer
  • Lobbyist
  • Politician
  • Diplomat/Ambassador
  • Journalist
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Human Resources Specialist
  • Manager
  • Media Planner
  • Teacher
  • Professor
  • Copywriter
  • Speech Writer
  • Librarian
Note: Some of these job titles may require an advanced degree.

ZebraNet Search Categories: Administrative Support Services/Customer Service; Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations; Editorial/Copywriting; Education; Event Planning/Facilities; Fundraising/Development; Government & Policy/Politics; Hospitality/Restaurant/Food Services; Hotel/Restaurant/Hospitality; Human Resources; Human Services/Advocacy; Human Services/Non-profit; International Relations; Journalism; Legal/Law Enforcement; Management; Media/Entertainment/Production; Museums & Libraries; Print & Publishing; Public Relations; Sales; Teaching/Education; Travel & Tourism; Writing

Famous History Majors: The following people are just a few of the dozens of famous History majors:

Wolf Blitzer - CNN Journalist
Steve Carell -- Actor
W.E.B. DuBois - Co-founder NAACP
Newt Gingrich – Former Speaker of the House of Representatives
Lee Iacocca – Revived Chrysler Motors
Conan O’Brien – Talk Show Host
Franklin D. Roosevelt - Former President of the U.S.A.
Martha Stewart – Business magnate

Additional Information: For additional information on the History Major, visit the History Department’s website at: http://www.stonybrook.edu/history