Skills Developed through a History Degree

An understanding of History and its potential implications and lessons for today's realities ensures that you develop the skills and mindset to tackle many different professional challenges.

Core History Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of past political and social processes that have shaped people’s lives throughout the ages
• Abilities to gather various types of information, assess them, analyze and incorporate potential linkages from different fields, and efficiently interact with colleagues to successfully carry out projects  

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

• An ability to organize, understand and analyze new sources of information and to apply it to different professional settings and tasks
• Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
• An ability to prepare oral and written presentations and reports using current data and technology
• The ability to learn new information and apply this to professional demands
• The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument
• The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas

Management and Teamwork

• The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project’s intended and successful end result
• Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
• The ability to debate, persuade, mediate and present your thoughts and opinions to others, as well as the capacity to recognize and incorporate other potential solutions or applications to given problems
• The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing an industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field.

• Canadian Historical Association
• The Heritage Canada Foundation
• The Canadian Institute of Strategic Studies
• Canadian Council on Social Development
• The Council of Canadians