History and social science degrees are the third most popular college majors. In a one-year period, around nine percent of students will study history-earning 167,000 degrees.

But what job opportunities are available for a history major?

Are you passionate about studying history, but aren’t sure how to make a living with it? Consider one of these eight awesome careers for history lovers.

1. Archaeologists

One of the most obvious jobs in the history field is that of an archaeologist.

Archaeologists learn about human activity by studying historical and cultural artifacts. They work to collect artifacts and data and then analyze what they find. Their research helps the world learn more about the past and prepare for the future.

As an archaeologist, you can work for the government, universities, museums, or even independent corporations. An experienced archaeologist can expect to earn between $80,000 and $100,000 a year.

2. Museum Curator

A museum curator is a popular job choice in the historic career field.

As a museum curator, you are in charge of all the museum’s artifacts. You keep track of artifacts and clean them. You handle arranging museum displays and even secure new artifacts for the museum’s inventory.

A job as a museum curator is obviously available at museums, but you can also work at zoos or universities. You’ll need a college degree and several internships to lock down a job.

3. Archivist

An archivist is a great option if you’re looking for a historical research job.

An archivist is similar to a museum curator because you will be working with historical artifacts. But archivists specialize in items like maps, documents, and records.

It’s your job to ensure these items are available for research purposes and to preserve them for future generations. Because these items are so important, you’ll most likely be in charge of only a few documents centered around one topic.

4. Genealogist

Becoming a genealogist is a great career for history buffs.

As a genealogist, you work with people to discover things about their past and heritage. You trace family lines to discover ancestors and where families originated from.

To be a genealogist you need to be a great problem-solver and creative thinker. Often times you’ll have very few resources to work with. You’ll have to take one birth certificate and create a whole family tree.

You can find a career in libraries or historical societies. Many genealogists work for themselves and create a solid network of clients.

5. Librarian

When you think of a librarian, you might assume the job entails sitting behind a desk and asking people to be quiet. But a librarian’s job is actually great for history lovers.

As a librarian, you are the archivist of all your library’s materials. It’s up to you to become an expert on all the resources you have available to the public. When a patron comes in with questions, your vast knowledge of your materials will come in handy.

Librarians help with research, school projects, or special interest requests. This is where your inner historian can really shine. You’ll search your library, and possible neighboring libraries, for answers to specific questions.

While you may have to work in non-historical sections of your library from time to time, you’ll still get to help others. Learn more about what it takes to become a librarian and how your history degree can help you.

6. History Professor

The most obvious job for a history graduate is to become a history professor.

As a history professor, you will conduct lectures, teach classes, and take time for your own research. You may also find yourself teaching classes in other departments, such as philosophy, religion, or cultural studies. Almost every discipline has the need for a history expert.

To teach at most colleges, you will need a master’s or doctorate degree. Most history professors will choose a specific time period to focus their studies on.

And the best part of it all? Your college years never end!

7. Living Historian

Do you really wish you were born in a different time period? If so, a living historian is the career for you.

As a living historian, you act out the daily life of a specific time period. You’ll dress, speak, and act historically-accurate. Most often, living historians work at museums, fairs, and historical sites. You’ll teach others about how life once was.

Along the same lines, you could try out some re-enacting. This often includes re-enacting of wars or specific events in time. Instead of portraying everyday life, you’ll focus on the important, well-known aspects of one event.

While a degree is not required to be a living historian, you should take advantage of online professional development opportunities.

8. Tour Guide

Becoming a tour guide is perfect if you’re knowledgeable about a specific time period or location.

You take people around a historical site and give them a tour filled with historical facts. Your knowledge of the subject has to be incredible, as questions are a common feature of tours.

The great thing about being a tour guide is the endless opportunities.

You can find yourself giving architectural tours of a city, riverboat tours, or tours of a specific monument or museum. You’ll have the best luck if you find an interesting niche, such as giving a tour of the deadliest mob locations in downtown Chicago.

Landing the Best Careers for History Lovers

Know that you know about the best careers for history lovers, it’s time to land your new job.

Keep these tips in mind when it comes time for your job interview:

• Do research on the company and job position before the interview
• Go over practice questions with a friend before your interview
• Dress for success and make a great first impression
• Answer all questions honestly
• Follow up after the interview with a thank you

Need more career advice? Check out this article for tips for a professionally-printed resume.