Ugh Bad Choice Majoring in History

gettysburgfreak · 10-16-2008, 10:28 AM

Has anyone else majored in history or political science in college? I made that mistake and am now kicking myself in the ass. It was hard enough to find a job in that field after college but now with the crappy economy its even harder. Anyone have any suggestions for what I can do with a history degree?

Mugen910 · 10-16-2008, 10:37 AM

History or Poli Sci should IMHO be coupled with philosphy. That way you have more doors open...Honestly I know one guy with a History Degree but he does admin work..He does have aspirations of becoming a teacher though.

TideRoll · 10-16-2008, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gettysburgfreak

Has anyone else majored in history or political science in college? I made that mistake and am now kicking myself in the ass. It was hard enough to find a job in that field after college but now with the crappy economy its even harder. Anyone have any suggestions for what I can do with a history degree?

I majored in PoliSci, minored in English, had enough hours to minor in History. There are any number of fields which might not seem obvious you can pursue. Besides post-grad studies such as a law degree, MBA/MPA, etc., there are also things like media/communications, government relations, education, etc.

I never once regretted studying what I was interested in: history, political science/economics, literature. I'm not sure I'd do anything different other than maybe giving law school a shot after all (and that's only because I've been burned out at what I've been doing for a few years; I happen to know more than a couple burned out attorneys my age, too). And as far having to lock into a job specifically related to History or PoliSci, a buddy of mine who majored in English is now a fairly successful network engineer.

BlackDog · 10-16-2008, 01:03 PM

I majored in history, minored in political science. Got a job on in DC working for a lobbying group for a few years. Got good at numbers and analysis. Transitioned into "regular" business. Now I am an analyst for a very large grocery company. It's not about what you know, it's about how flexible you are and what you can learn.

croatan · 10-16-2008, 02:41 PM

My history major is incredibly useful for trivial pursuit. Had to go to two grad schools to get a job.

white_s2k · 10-16-2008, 02:51 PM

I'm graduating in May with a major in Poli Sci and a minor in Criminal Justice. I know what I want to do, so hopefully there won't be TOO much job hunting going on.

I don't see myself ever regretting it. Sometimes when I tell people my major they say "eww, why are you majoring in that, politics is so boring." That mindset, I believe, is why this country's political system is in the crapper right now. The average Joe doesn't want to learn about politics, but want to complain when they elect a monkey into office for 8 years and he nearly destroys the country.

Ok, I'm done.

bobarian · 10-16-2008, 03:31 PM

Majored in PoliSci, minor in Econ. Never had a regret. You must remember that very few jobs are ever directly related to a undergraduate degree. Most fields(not all) will require continued education or an advanced degree. But there are thousands of jobs not tied directly to a specific field. Many employers are looking for a degree as a demonstration of commitment not knowledge.

10-16-2008, 10:28 AM	#1
gettysburgfreak Patriot Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The Mitten Posts: 1,442 Trading: (2)	Ugh Bad Choice Majoring in History Has anyone else majored in history or political science in college? I made that mistake and am now kicking myself in the ass. It was hard enough to find a job in that field after college but now with the crappy economy its even harder. Anyone have any suggestions for what I can do with a history degree? __________________ Author ofeath, Disease, and Life at War: The Civil War Letters of Surgeon James D. Benton, 111th and 98th New York Infantry Regiments, 1862-1865.

10-16-2008, 10:37 AM	#2
Mugen910 I <3 Huy Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Location Location: First Name Posts: 8,387 Trading: (106)	Re: Ugh Bad Choice Majoring in History History or Poli Sci should IMHO be coupled with philosphy. That way you have more doors open...Honestly I know one guy with a History Degree but he does admin work..He does have aspirations of becoming a teacher though.

10-16-2008, 01:03 PM	#4
BlackDog Gonna make you groove... Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Warren Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 2,468 Trading: (19)	Re: Ugh Bad Choice Majoring in History I majored in history, minored in political science. Got a job on in DC working for a lobbying group for a few years. Got good at numbers and analysis. Transitioned into "regular" business. Now I am an analyst for a very large grocery company. It's not about what you know, it's about how flexible you are and what you can learn. __________________ "We live in the good of this."

10-16-2008, 02:41 PM	#5
croatan Missing Peter Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: James Location: la Vuelta Abajo Posts: 3,727 Trading: (6)	Re: Ugh Bad Choice Majoring in History My history major is incredibly useful for trivial pursuit. Had to go to two grad schools to get a job. __________________ Fumo ergo sum.

10-16-2008, 02:51 PM	#6
white_s2k The Dude Abides Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Josh Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 1,052 Trading: (20)	Re: Ugh Bad Choice Majoring in History I'm graduating in May with a major in Poli Sci and a minor in Criminal Justice. I know what I want to do, so hopefully there won't be TOO much job hunting going on. I don't see myself ever regretting it. Sometimes when I tell people my major they say "eww, why are you majoring in that, politics is so boring." That mindset, I believe, is why this country's political system is in the crapper right now. The average Joe doesn't want to learn about politics, but want to complain when they elect a monkey into office for 8 years and he nearly destroys the country. Ok, I'm done.

10-16-2008, 03:31 PM	#7
bobarian Cranky Habanophile Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wine Country Posts: 8,869 Trading: (51)	Re: Ugh Bad Choice Majoring in History Majored in PoliSci, minor in Econ. Never had a regret. You must remember that very few jobs are ever directly related to a undergraduate degree. Most fields(not all) will require continued education or an advanced degree. But there are thousands of jobs not tied directly to a specific field. Many employers are looking for a degree as a demonstration of commitment not knowledge.