Careers in History & Geography You Need To Explore

History and geography were some of the few subjects that most considered “meh” and “unimportant” because “how is that going to help you land a job?” No one’s ever going to ask you what the stratosphere is or how many forts Shivaji conquered. But, against all odds and opinions, if you’ve decided to pursue a career in social studies, we’ve got your back! 

We’ve dug deep and searched high and low and finally managed to curate a list of the many careers you can pursue with your interest in social studies. 

Love history but don’t know how to make a career out of it? Take the Mentoria holistic career assessment test, to find the right career fit for you based on your unique interests, personality, and ability. 

Let’s go back in time; it’s time to talk HISTORY!

While a quick Google search may show teaching and archaeology as the only careers related to history, there is a world of options out there. Here are some of the top careers you can pursue as a history major:

1. Museologist

No, you won’t be battling historical figures (sadly!), that privilege only lies with Larry from “Night at the Museum.” But, your job won’t be any less fun! As a museologist, you get to plan exhibits, decide which artefacts go where and how best to display the stories from the past! 

If this interests you, pursue a two-year MA in Museology from colleges like Banaras Hindu University, University of Calcutta, etc. This course will train you in curating a museum – where you decide what can be a part of the museum and also look after the conservation. You will need to have at least 50% marks in your bachelor’s degree to be eligible for this course. 

Average Salary: According to Payscale, the average base salary of a museologist is around Rs. 3L.P.A which is about Rs. 25k per month.

2. Archivist

“Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” 

We live in a world where it is extremely important to maintain historical records. They teach us a lot about how humanity has progressed over the years and archivists are the reason why we have access to this data. As an archivist, you will be qualified to collect, organise, and analyse data. You could work with government agencies, academic institutions, and even museums. You will be analysing different forms of data, from pictures and videos to letters and manuscripts!

If this interests you, pursue a one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Archival Studies from Dr. BR Ambedkar University, or a one-year Post Graduate Diploma in Archives, Documentation and Management from The Gandhigram Rural Institute. Alternatively, you could pursue an MA in History and then apply for a one-year Professional Diploma Course in Archives and Records Management from the National Archives of India. You will need to have at least 50% marks in your master’s degree to be eligible for this course.

Average Salary: According to Payscale, the average base salary of an Archivist is around Rs. 5.5L.P.A which is about Rs. 45.8k per month.

3. Historian

While “Historian” may not be a job in itself, there are several places that employ historians. Historians as researchers are in demand in various avenues like cinema, literature, art, etc. They are hired to make sure that everything is era-appropriate. While this sounds exciting already, there is more! Historians are also employed by archaeological organisations to help identify their findings and do more research on them during their digs. 

If this interests you, pursue a two-year MA in History and specialise in any discipline that interests you like politics or culture in a specific era. Colleges like Lady Shri Ram College, Presidency University and Aligarh Muslim University offer great MA History courses. You will need to have at least 50% marks in your bachelor’s degree to be eligible for this course. 

Average Salary: According to Payscale, the average base salary of a Historian is around Rs. 11L.P.A which is about Rs. 91.5k per month.

4. Archaeologist

Everyone who has seen Indiana Jones envisioned themselves going on an expedition to find some long lost ruin. But, if you’re one of those people who held onto this desire and passion, you should consider a career in archaeology! While it may not be as exciting and adventurous as the movies, you will have your moments of excitement when you dig up some long lost artefact or discover another section of the Harappa civilisation! This may not be an everyday occurrence, but you can be assured that you will be immersed in history almost all the time – and that alone is exciting enough for a history-head such as yourself! 

Pursue a two-year Masters in Archaeology from colleges like Banaras Hindu University, University of Calcutta, etc., and start planning your first dig. You will need to have at least 50% marks in your bachelor’s degree to be eligible for this course.

Average Salary: According to SalaryExpert, the average base salary of an Archaeologist is around Rs. 7.5L.P.A which is about Rs. 62.5k per month. 

5. Heritage Manager

Ever visited a location and ended up gaping at the monuments in awe? Find yourself longing to find out more about every historical site you pass? Well, let’s make a career out of this!

As a heritage manager, you will be in charge of the conservation and administration of historical sites such as historic buildings, landscapes, museums, ancient monuments, and other properties. You’ll have many responsibilities ranging from historic site preservation to developing plans to preserve a community’s culture or a region’s industrial heritage. Your goal will be to strike a balance between site preservation and the necessity for income generation and long-term business viability.

You must pursue a Master’s in Heritage Management from renowned universities like Wildlife Institute of India and Delhi Institute of Heritage Research & Management. The basic eligibility required is graduation with any major.

Average Salary: According to Glassdoor, the average base salary of a Heritage Manager is around Rs. 3L.P.A which is about Rs. 26.5k per month.

Want to open up your world and explore your options with geography? Speak to Mentoria’s expert career counsellors to get personalised step-by-step guidance on your career path.

Grab a globe; it’s time to talk GEOGRAPHY!

Most people don’t realise, but teaching isn’t the only option for geography majors. Here are some of the top careers related to geography you can pursue:

1. Cartographer

How fascinating it must be to visit a place and create a map of it! People are constantly talking about treasure maps when the real treasure is how you can tell someone exactly where they need to go with just a piece of paper you drew on. It’s almost as if some wizardry is involved! 

If you’re interested in working on maps and creating new ones for unplotted places, cartography is the career for you! 

Complete your bachelor’s degree in geography and pursue a one-year Post Graduate Diploma in Geographical Cartography from Osmania University. Or pursue a two-year MA in Geography from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Loyola College, etc., with a focus on geo-informatics and cartographic studies.  You can find your career in government agencies, publishers and industries that require you to create maps. 

Average Salary: According to Payscale, the average base salary of a cartographer is around Rs. 3L.P.A which is about Rs. 25k per month.

2. Climate Change Analyst

Thanks to global warming, the need for climate change analysts is on the rise now more than ever.  We need qualified professionals who can read data from remote sensing satellites and recognise patterns and instances of weather change. This information becomes crucial when there are risks like floods and droughts that people need to be warned about. Climate change analysts are the heroes we hardly recognise and give credit to, but heroes nonetheless. 

If you would like to combine your love for all things climate and weather and assume the role of a behind-the-scenes hero. This is the career for you. 

You can pursue certificate courses in Climate Change Studies from institutes like CEE, CCCR, IGNOU, etc.  With climate as a part of daily news, there is a great demand for analysts. Media, as well as Meteorology departments,  welcome more hands on board. 

Average Salary: According to SalaryExpert, the average base salary of a Climate Change Analyst is around Rs.11.5L.P.A which is about Rs. 95.5k per month.

3. Geospatial Analyst

Here, you would work with data, create databases, and use them in Geographic Information System (GIS) applications for the military, real estate, the environment, and the government.  

Depending on your area of specialisation, you could also use this data in forest management and agricultural or economic management. You could also work as a demographer for the government and other institutions. 

Pursue a two-year course in Geospatial Analysis from the University of Rajasthan, Institute of Geo-informatics & Remote Sensing, etc. 

Average Salary: According to Glassdoor, the average base salary of a Geospatial Analyst is around Rs. 2.9L.P.A which is about Rs. 24k per month.

4. Urban and Regional Planning

Imagine planning a town or a city, ensuring people have a satisfactory place to live in and avail all the facilities they would need! That’s what urban and regional planners do. As an urban and regional planner, you will be part of all the processes like planning a city and looking after the housing and development projects. 

After completing your master’s degree in geography, pursue a two-year Masters of Planning in Urban & Regional Planning from colleges like Arvindbhai Patel Institute of Environmental Design, School of Planning & Architecture, etc. 

Average Salary: According to Payscale, the average base salary of an Urban and Regional Planner is around Rs. 5L.P.A which is about Rs. 41.5k per month.

5. Meteorologist

Meteorology is concerned with the physical, chemical, and dynamical condition of the Earth’s atmosphere, as well as the interactions between the Earth’s surface and atmosphere, and involves both climate and weather. As a  meteorologist, your primary role is to track and analyse changes in the weather in order to provide forecasts and interpretations regarding meteorological conditions.

You can pursue a bachelor’s degree in Meteorology after which you can undertake a Master’s degree from universities like IIT Delhi and Shivaji University. The basic eligibility is graduation from the Science stream.

Average Salary: According to Glassdoor, the average base salary of a Meteorologist is around Rs. 9L.P.A which is about Rs. 75k per month.

Contrary to what most people, especially “concerned” aunties and uncles, have there is great scope for those who pursue social studies. Now that you’re aware of the various opportunities available, make sure you choose the right one and give it your all. We can help there. Reach out to us if you’re confused about your next steps. We’ll be happy to help!

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