Turning historical curiosity into career opportunities

When I finished my undergraduate degree in History, I knew one thing for certain: I wasn’t ready to stop studying it. 

What I wasn’t certain about was whether I wanted to pursue a PhD. And without that clear academic destination, committing to a Masters felt like a big decision. Was it the right investment? Would it actually open doors beyond academia? 

Now, halfway through my MA in History at the University of Birmingham, I can confidently say it’s been about much more than deepening my knowledge of the past. It’s been about shaping my future. 

Continuing my passion without following the traditional route 

Early in my MA, I made a conscious decision to explore careers beyond the traditional academic route. I began attending university-wide careers fairs, not entirely sure what I’d find. 

One conversation stood out. Speaking to an ambassador from the ‘Big 4’ firm, Ernst & Young, I learned that a significant proportion of hires for their consulting graduate scheme came from History and Geography backgrounds. That completely shifted my perspective. 

I realised employers aren’t simply looking for vocational degrees. They’re looking for analytical thinkers, strong communicators and individuals who can evaluate complex information and present clear arguments. In other words, historians. 

That moment reframed how I saw my degree. It wasn’t limiting my options; it was equipping me for more than I’d realised. 

Employability embedded in the MA History course 

What’s surprised me most about the MA is how naturally employability is woven into the course. 

Through seminar debates, independent research and dissertation planning, I’ve strengthened skills that translate directly into the workplace: analytical thinking, project management, communication and cultural awareness. 

We’ve also welcomed guest speakers working in heritage, research and public history in response to student interest. Hearing directly from professionals helped me understand how academic research connects to real-world practice. 

A recent highlight was attending a heritage-focused workshop where Birmingham City Council invited students to contribute ideas on local heritage strategies. Seeing how the themes we discuss in seminars inform policy and community engagement was eye-opening, and it was a great opportunity to offer opinions that make real change. It also sparked a new interest in history consulting, a path I hadn’t previously considered. 

I also take a Research Preparation module as part of my course, where guest speakers share insights into different career paths and offer practical advice on applications and the current job market. Interestingly, the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 identifies analytical thinking, creativity and curiosity amongst the Top 10 most in-demand skills globally, with analytical thinking ranking first in 2025. These are skills we actively practise every week on the MA.  

Beyond the classroom: careers and professional development 

The support available beyond the department has been just as valuable. 

Through Careers Network, I’ve attended application workshops, employer events and used tools such as the “My Attributes” assessment. This helped me reflect on my strengths and think more carefully about the kinds of working environments I’d thrive in. As I begin applying for graduate schemes, that preparation has been incredibly useful. 

There are also opportunities such as the Birmingham Award, which recognises extracurricular development and appears on your extended degree transcript. Alongside this, the University offers bursary-supported internships across a wide range of sectors, allowing students to gain practical experience while studying. 

Alongside my MA, I completed a marketing internship with Paperback Theatre Company. Balancing professional experience with postgraduate study showed me that a Masters does not remove you from the working world. Instead, it can enhance how you engage with it. 

One of my highlights was contributing to a local festival event. The shifts were long, but I noticed something interesting. While the hours were tiring, the fast-paced and social environment energised me. Engaging with people, presenting ideas and helping solve problems as they arose made the experience genuinely enjoyable, and that’s what gave me the greatest sense of satisfaction after each day. 

It helped me realise that the aspects of my degree I value most are the interpersonal and problem-solving skills developed through seminars, presentations and collaborative discussions. Experiences like this have helped me think more clearly about the kinds of careers I might want to pursue, particularly roles where communication, adaptability and working with people are central. 

Where I’m heading next

My MA hasn’t locked me into a single career path. Instead, it has expanded my perspective. 

I’m now exploring opportunities in consulting and public service, areas where analytical thinking and research-based decision-making are highly valued. Whether I ultimately work in policy, cultural heritage or professional services, I feel equipped with the skills and confidence to adapt. 

Choosing to continue studying History wasn’t about postponing a career decision. It was about giving myself the space to develop direction, build networks and recognise the professional value of what I love studying.