We surveyed 850 historians to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical historian. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a historian?
Low
High
Working as a historian typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that historians are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.
Can I learn to become a historian?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a historian typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a historian?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically quite difficult to find a job as a historian. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for historians.
Do historians work full-time or part-time?
52% of historians work in full-time roles while 48% work part-time.
Is being a historian stressful?
Low
High
Historians tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as a historian?
Low
High
Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a historian.
How competitive is the workplace for historians?
Low
High
Competition at work is not common for historians.
Does being a historian require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for historians.
Are historians allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Historians are afforded a certain level of ability to express themselves creatively, compared to other careers.
Do historians have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally historians will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.
Is being a historian physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as a historians is rarely physically demanding, making it a suitable option for those unable to perform physically strenuous tasks.
Are historians exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Historians tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being a historian require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a historian.
Does being a good historian require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a historian.