What is History?
History is a discipline that explores the past to understand the present. The UTSC history curriculum:
- Spans history from antiquity to present and from all parts of the world (North America, Africa, Europe, South and East Asia.
- Covers topics on colonialism, relationship between men and women, religion, the environment, urbanization, immigration, race, ethnicity and material culture.
- Emphasizes critical reading, research and writing skills.
What makes History at UTSC unique?
The opportunity to study history in a globally-oriented, truly interdisciplinary department where you can get full credit towards your program for also taking courses on international relations, Asian diaspora, global food culture, and comparative law!
Skills of History Grads
- Analyze ideas/information
- Develop cross cultural awareness
- Employ interdisciplinary research methodology
- Evaluate historical data
- Observe and compare people/data/things
- Recognize patterns in historical events
- Synthesize a large amount of information
- Understand/interpret the present and past
- Write and present information clearly
Entry-Level Jobs for Bachelor Grads
Common employment destinations include:
- Interpreter or Administrator in Museums
- Foreign Service Officer in Federal Government
- Market Research Analyst in Corporations
- Public Relations Consultant in Non-Profits
- Editor or Copywriter in Publishing
- Underwriter in Insurance
- Political Aide in Government
- Communications Assistant in Marketing
- Risk Analyst in Security Agencies
- Human Resources Associate in Recruiting
- Blogger, Journalist or Reporter in Media
History Grads from UTSC have gone on to:
- Ontario Shores (Human Resources)
- Parliament of Canada (Community Outreach)
- Toronto Public Library (Librarian)
UTSC History graduates are working in Education, Media, and Program Management.
Graduate & Professional Studies
Popular further education opportunities include:
- History – Master of Arts
- Information/Library Science – Master
- Education – Bachelor or Master
- Public Service– Master
- Law School – JD (Juris Doctor)
- Paralegal Studies – Diploma
- Human Resources – Certificate (earning CHRP)
- Marketing – Post-Graduate Certificate
Examples of Fields that ‘Fit’ the Skills of History Grads
- Libraries, Archives, Museums
- Government (Federal, Provincial, Regional, Municipal)
- Publishers (Magazines, Newspapers)
- Public Relations, Advertising Agencies
- Insurance Agents and Brokers
- Education
- Universities, Colleges, School boards
- Law / Legal Services
Your 4-Year Career Exploration Action Plan
1. Do Your Research
The databases below provide you with details about job prospects, nature of work, educational requirements, working conditions, pay and related career paths:
- Career Cruising: Log into cln.utoronto.ca, click on Resources, and click on Career Cruising to be logged in automatically
- O*Net: online.onetcenter.org (U.S. site)
Attend our workshop Discover Your Skills and Career Options, meet with a Career Counsellor, and use our resources to get to know your skills, values, personality and interests.
Use the advice on our tip sheets for gathering information:
- Information Interviews
- Working On-Campus
- Internships
- Volunteering
2. Explore Career Options & Get Experience
Gain exposure to your options in the world of work and make connections while you’re a student via campus events and programs listed on cln.utoronto.ca and ccr.utoronto.ca:
- Extern Job Shadowing
- In the Field
- Explore It! (course-based)
- Partners in Leadership (4th year students)
- iLead, uLead, weLead (Department of Student Life)
- Employer Information Sessions
- Career & Volunteer Fairs
- Departmental Student Association Events
Apply for Work Study jobs in CLN in Fall and Spring! You might also find work via the SCSU.
Find networking opportunities, internship programs and entry-level jobs via websites like TalentEgg and Charity Village.
As an upper year student (14+ credits), attend UTSC’s Get Hired conference and participate in Jobs for Grads.
As a graduate, explore internships and other trainee programs like Career Edge.
3. Build Your Network
Explore professional associations and get involved! Volunteer for their events and get to know people in your industry of interest. These are your future mentors, supervisors and colleagues!
- Canadian Historical Association
- American Historical Association
- Canadian Library Association
- Association of Canadian Archivists
- Canadian Museums Association
- The Heritage Foundation of Canada
Other associations and websites for finding networking opportunities and experience include:
Please note: This information is a starting point for your further research into career options in this field of study. For more information on this program and course requirements, please visit the Department of Historical and Cultural Studies website.