This article discusses possible career paths for a graduate of History in Nigeria. Here, you will read about career options, jobs you can you get with a psychology degree, salary, companies that hire, furthering your education in Nigeria and abroad, and more. Keep reading to get tall the information you need.
History is the study of past events, human behavior, and societies. It is a broad field of study that encompasses various disciplines, such as anthropology, sociology, economics, and political science. History is a fascinating and rewarding field of study, but many people wonder what career paths a graduate of history can pursue. In this article, we will explore the possible career paths for a graduate of history in Nigeria.
Table of Contents
Advantages of Studying History
History is a versatile field of study that provides graduates with a range of skills and knowledge that are applicable in various areas of life. Some of the advantages of studying history include:
- Critical Thinking Skills: Studying history helps to develop critical thinking skills. History majors learn how to analyze and evaluate evidence, identify patterns and connections, and make informed judgments.
- Research Skills: History majors are trained to research and analyze information from various sources. This skill is valuable in many professions, including law, journalism, and academia.
- Communication Skills: History majors learn how to communicate verbally and in writing effectively. They develop the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
- Cultural Awareness: Studying history helps to develop cultural awareness and understanding. History majors learn about different cultures and societies, which can help them to navigate the global economy.
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Disadvantages of Studying History
While history is a fascinating field of study, there are some disadvantages to pursuing a career in history. Some of the disadvantages include:
- Limited Job Opportunities: There are limited job opportunities for history graduates, particularly in Nigeria. Many graduates end up working outside their field of study.
- Low Pay: History graduates may earn lower salaries than graduates in other fields. This is because many jobs available to history graduates are in the public sector, where wages are generally lower than in the private sector.
- Limited Scope: Many history graduates find that they need to be more expansive in terms of the scope of their work. They may be required to focus on a specific area of history, which can be restrictive.
Is History a Good Course to Study in School?
Yes, history is an excellent course to study in school. History is a versatile field of study that provides graduates with a range of skills and knowledge applicable in various life areas. History majors learn critical thinking, research, communication, and cultural awareness skills. These skills are helpful in many professions, including law, journalism, and academia.
Career Paths for a Graduate of History in Nigeria and Abroad
Possible Career Paths and Job Options in Nigeria
There are several career paths and job options available for a graduate of history in Nigeria. These include:
1. Education: History graduates can pursue careers in education. They can become history teachers at the secondary or tertiary level.
2. Research: History graduates can work in research, either in government or private organizations. They can research historical events, cultural practices, and social movements.
3. Archiving: History graduates can work in archives, museums, and libraries. They can help to preserve historical documents and artifacts for future generations.
4. Journalism: History graduates can work in journalism, either as reporters or editors. They can use their research and writing skills to report historical events and social issues.
5. Public Service: History graduates can work in public service at the local or national level. They can work in cultural affairs, tourism, and heritage preservation areas.
6. Law: History graduates can pursue careers in law. They can become lawyers, legal assistants, or paralegals. Their research and critical thinking skills are useful in legal practice.
Possible Career Paths and Opportunities for Graduates of History Abroad
History graduates can also pursue careers abroad. Some of the career opportunities available to history graduates abroad include:
1. Museum Curator: History graduates can work as museum curators, where they can help to preserve and showcase historical artifacts.
2. Archivist: History graduates can work as archivists, helping preserve historical documents and records.
3. Historical Consultant: History graduates can work as historical consultants, where they can provide advice and guidance on historical matters to organizations and individuals.
4. Researcher: History graduates can work as researchers in academic institutions, think tanks, and research organizations.
5. International Relations: History graduates can work in international relations, where they can apply their knowledge of history to analyze global events and trends.
6. NGO Work: History graduates can work in non-governmental organizations (NGOs), where they can apply their knowledge of history to help address social and environmental issues.
Salary Ranges in Nigeria and Abroad for History Career Options
The salary range for history graduates in Nigeria varies depending on the career path chosen. For example, a history teacher can earn between ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 per month, while a research assistant can earn between ₦70,000 to ₦150,000 per month. In the public sector, a cultural affairs officer can make between ₦100,000 to ₦200,000 per month.
Abroad, the salary range for history graduates also varies depending on the career path chosen and the country of employment. For example, in the United States, a museum curator can earn between $40,000 to $70,000 per year, while a researcher can earn between $50,000 to $80,000 per year.
The next topic to discuss in the article to fully address the career paths for a graduate of History in Nigeria is where degree holders can work.
Where Can Graduates of History Work
Top Six Companies that Hire the Holders of HistoryDegree in Nigeria
- National Commission for Museums and Monuments: History graduates can work as curators, archivists, or research assistants.
- National Archives of Nigeria: History graduates can work as archivists or research assistants.
- Nigerian Institute for Cultural Orientation: History graduates can work as cultural affairs officers.
- Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation: History graduates can work as tourism officers.
- National Orientation Agency: History graduates can work as public affairs officers.
- Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO: History graduates can work as program officers.
Top Six Companies that Hire the Holders of this Degree Abroad
- Smithsonian Institution: History graduates can work as curators or researchers. Sample jobs – https://www.si.edu/ohr/jobs.
- British Museum: History graduates can work as curators or researchers.
- Library of Congress: History graduates can work as archivists or researchers.
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO): History graduates can work as cultural affairs officers or program officers.
- Oxford University Press: History graduates can work as editors or writers.
- National Geographic Society: History graduates can work as researchers or writers.
Now that you know about the career paths for a graduate of History in Nigeria, where degree holders can work, and the salary they attract, let us discuss the universities that offer the degree.
Top Six Universities and Polytechnics Offering History in Nigeria
- University of Lagos
- University of Ibadan
- Ahmadu Bello University
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- Obafemi Awolowo University
- University of Benin
Top Universities for History Postgraduate Education
If you want to greatly increase the various career paths for a graduate of History in Nigeria, you may need to further your education. Below are the top six universities each in Nigeria and abroad offering Postgraduate Diploma, Master, and Doctoral Degrees to further education and research in the field:
Top Universities in Nigeria for History Postgraduate Studies
- University of Lagos (Nigeria)
- University of Ibadan (Nigeria)
- Ahmadu Bello University (Nigeria)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (Nigeria)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (Nigeria)
- University of Benin (Nigeria)
Universities Abroad for History Postgraduate Studies
- University of Oxford (UK)
- University of Cambridge (UK)
- Harvard University (USA)
- Stanford University (USA)
- Yale University (USA)
- University of California, Berkeley (USA)
List of Scholarships Available for History Degrees in Nigeria and Abroad
Scholarship in Nigeria: Nigerian Women Association of Georgia Scholarship
List of Scholarships Available for This Course Abroad
- Fulbright Scholarship
- Chevening Scholarship
- Rhodes Scholarship
- Commonwealth Scholarship
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Challenges Faced by Professionals in History in Nigeria and Globally
One of the challenges faced by professionals in the field of history in Nigeria and globally is limited job opportunities. History graduates may find it challenging to secure employment in their field of study, particularly in Nigeria, where the public sector is the largest employer. Another challenge is low pay. History graduates may earn lower salaries than graduates in other fields, which can be discouraging. So, consider the career paths for a graduate of History in Nigeria before deciding to study the course.
Growth Potential in Nigeria and Globally
Despite the challenges faced by professionals in the field of history, there is still growth potential in this field in Nigeria and globally. With the increasing interest in cultural heritage preservation and tourism, there is a growing demand for professionals who can provide guidance on historical matters. There is also a growing interest in research on historical events, social movements, and cultural practices.
Which other fields can History Professionals easily transition to?
History graduates in Nigeria can easily transition to other fields, such as law, journalism, and public service. Their research and critical thinking skills are useful in these fields. They can also transition to the field of education, where they can use their knowledge of history to teach other subjects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, history is a versatile field of study that provides graduates with a range of skills and knowledge that are applicable in various areas of life. While there are some disadvantages to pursuing a career in history, there are also many career paths and job options available to history graduates in Nigeria and abroad. With the right skills and training, history graduates can make valuable contributions to society and the global economy.
Now that you have read about all career paths for a graduate of History in Nigeria, ask us any questions you have in the comment section.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What skills do history graduates need?
Critical thinking, research, analytical, and communication skills are essential.
Can history graduates work in tech companies?
Yes, in roles like content development, research, and corporate communications.