Art & stories · Space & science
What does a
historian do?
Researches and explains what happened in the past and why.
A career guide for curious students · Grades 3–12
A day in the life
Reads sources, compares evidence, writes and teaches, and tests different explanations.
Skills to practise
Reading, writing, critical thinking.
How to explore this path
A history degree, often followed by advanced study.
Training, qualifications and professional rules vary by country. Check current local requirements with a teacher or careers counsellor.
School subjects & interests
Historian connects with History, Languages. You may enjoy this work if you like with people, hands-on.
TRY A LITTLE OF THIS CAREER
A hands-on activity
Interview an older person about their childhood and compare it with yours.
Ask an adult to help. Follow the safety notes in the activity. Print this activity or save it as a PDF in your chosen language. Downloadable PDF files are in English.
For younger explorers: a simpler explanation
What do they do?
Historians study the past and explain it.
What helps?
Reading, asking questions, and weighing evidence.
Learning about the path
You study history at college.
Questions to explore next
- Which part of this work sounds most interesting to me?
- What did I enjoy when I tried the activity?
- What could I ask someone who works in this field?