The skills that you develop as a historian are highly regarded by employers in many sectors. You are trained to analyse evidence, organise ideas and present a coherent argument. You can assess problems in the light of considerable amounts of information, often conflicting, and can present complex material accurately, clearly and convincingly, both orally and on paper.
Such skills are essential in a wide range of careers - commercial management, administrative roles in the public and private sector, and in jobs that involve dealing with people and their problems and requirements. As a result our graduates enter a variety of careers - in finance, management, information, education, human resources, the media, marketing and administration. You can also make direct use of your knowledge of history in certain careers - in specialised publishing and information management, teaching, some aspects of the media, and work in the heritage sector.
A recent survey by David Nicholls of Manchester Metropolitan University revealed that History turns out more directors of top companies than any other subject. Historians holding political power include Gordon Brown and Alan Milburn (a Newcastle postgraduate), while top business people with history degrees include Lord Sainsbury, Sir Roland Smith, chairman of Manchester United plc, and Anita Roddick, founder of Body Shop.