historian
Snapshot
Delve into the past and shape our understanding of the present as a historian. This role combines rigorous research with compelling storytelling, bringing historical events and figures to life for diverse audiences.
Historians are dedicated to uncovering, analyzing, and interpreting the past. Their work involves scrutinizing documents, artifacts, and other sources to build a comprehensive picture of human societies and their evolution. Daily tasks can range from archival research and data analysis to writing reports, delivering presentations, and collaborating with other professionals on historical projects. This career band (Leadership & Strategy) often involves leading research teams or developing broader historical narratives.
- • Conducting in-depth research using primary and secondary sources.
- • Analyzing historical data and identifying patterns and trends.
- • Writing reports, articles, and books to communicate findings.
Delve into the past and shape our understanding of the present as a historian. This role combines rigorous research with compelling storytelling, bringing historical events and figures to life for diverse audiences.
Could historian fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Persistence?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Initiative?
Future Outlook for historian
The outlook for historian is exceptionally stable. While AI tools will assist with daily tasks, the core of this role relies on human judgment, resulting in a high resilience score of 82.4%.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could historian change as AI adoption grows?
Human judgement, trust, and context remain strong protectors for this role.
How could historian change as AI adoption grows?
Human judgement, trust, and context remain strong protectors for this role.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
This role remains strongly human-led where do historical research depends on trust, nuance, and real-world judgement.
Where AI may become a co-pilot
AI is more likely to assist supporting tasks such as manage intellectual property rights, documentation, search, and workflow coordination.
Tasks most exposed to automation
Automation pressure appears selective rather than broad, with the strongest signal currently coming from Generative AI.
Detailed Analysis Vital Signs, AI Vectors & Megatrends
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Vital Signs, AI Vectors & Megatrends
Vital Signs
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Megatrend Signals
0-100%Model-derived scores. Indicates structural exposure to megatrends, not direct demand.
Technical Details
NexFuture™ v2.0 combines O*NET ability and activity profiles with ESCO skill group distributions and six global megatrend signals. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture™ Methodology White Paper for full details.
What people in this role usually do
Healthcare & Human Services
A typical day as a historian
09 09:00 · Morning apply for research funding
10 10:30 · Mid-morning apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
12 12:00 · Midday do historical research
14 14:00 · Afternoon manage intellectual property rights
15 15:30 · Late afternoon operate open source software
17 17:00 · Wrap-up analyse recorded sources
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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archaeology
The study of the recovery and examination of material culture left behind from human activity in the past.
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art history
The history of art and artists, the artistic trends throughout centuries and their contemporary evolutions.
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conservation techniques
The procedures, instruments, techniques, materials and chemicals used in conservation and archiving.
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cultural history
Field that combines historical and anthropological approaches for recording and studying past customs, arts, and manners of a group of people taking into account their political, cultural, and social milieu.
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museum databases
The tools and processes involved in working with museum databases.
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paleography
The study of handwriting and its processes and forms to decipher, interpret and transcribe ancient manuscripts and handwriting styles from different historical periods
- historical methods
- history
- periodisation
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do historical research
Use scientific methods to research history and culture.
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manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data
Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.
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perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
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apply scientific methods
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
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apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.
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promote open innovation in research
Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.
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draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation
Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.
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disseminate results to the scientific community
Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.
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publish academic research
Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.
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write scientific publications
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
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consult information sources
Consult relevant information sources to find inspiration, to educate yourself on certain topics and to acquire background information.
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synthesise information
Critically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.
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manage research data
Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.
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analyse recorded sources
Analyse recorded sources such as government records, newspapers, biographies, and letters in order to uncover and interpret the past.
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interact professionally in research and professional environments
Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.
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operate open source software
Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.
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speak different languages
Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
Take the free Career DNA assessment to see how historian aligns with your interests, work style, and future path. In less than 10 minutes, you will get a personalized fit signal and a roadmap for what to do next.
Scan to continue on mobileGrowth Pathways & Similar Roles
Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does historian fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of education is typically required to become a historian?
- A bachelor's degree in history is usually the starting point. Advancement to leadership roles and independent research often requires a master's degree or doctorate (PhD) in history or a related field. Specialization in a specific historical period or region is common.
- Are historians primarily employed in academic settings?
- While many historians work in universities and colleges, opportunities exist in museums, archives, government agencies, historical societies, and even media organizations. This occupation is primarily employment-based, meaning most historians work as employees of these institutions.
- How important are strong writing and communication skills for a historian?
- Exceptional writing and communication skills are crucial. Historians must be able to clearly and persuasively convey complex historical information to diverse audiences. The ability to synthesize research and present it in an engaging and accessible manner is essential for success.