How does History prepare students for the world of work? 

Here are some of the skills developed on this degree and valued by graduate recruiters:

What do History graduates do?

Sectors where our graduates were working include:

Sample employers include:

Sample occupations include:

Further study options include:

What our graduates say

Why did you study History?

I chose History because it was my strongest subject at school. It was also a degree that kept my career options open as it can be used in finance, journalism and politics. Beyond the practical reasons, I was also curious about other cultures and Warwick’s course enabled me to learn about different histories. During the course, I mainly studied Chinese and Mexican history.

Tell us about your current employer and what attracted you to the role?

I’m a freelance football writer for The Guardian and prior to that I directed a documentary for Chelsea FC.

While I worked with Chelsea, I became increasingly interested in women’s football. I wanted to write about it as I thought it deserved more coverage so when The Guardian offered women’s football writer role, I applied for it. I’ve read The Guardian for years and they have a great work culture so it was a no brainer for me.

What skills did you learn at Warwick that have helped you in your career to date?

While I was an undergraduate, I participated in the Undergraduate Research Support Scheme to create a documentary about decolonising the curriculum. The ideation, production and editing skills I developed during that scheme all helped me when directing my documentary for Chelsea. I also developed my research and essay writing skills at Warwick. My experience of meeting tight essay deadlines has helped me to deal with the high pressure newsroom environment.

What tops tips would you give to students looking for a career in your market sector?

Get as much experience as you can while you’re still at university. An easy way to start your career as a journalist is to write for the student newspaper. Make the most of the university’s resources such as the Lord Rootes Fund and the Undergraduate Support Scheme too. Both funds enabled me to create video content in a safe space. Learning in this environment will give you the confidence to take on freelance opportunities. Some publications such as VICE, Adobe and The Tab offer opportunities to students.

What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were applying for jobs?

Nothing – I felt quite informed when applying for jobs. The biggest thing I’ve noticed since entering the industry is that everyone knows everyone. I’d encourage students to network as early as possible.

Xaymaca Awoyungbo, History (2020-2023)

Opportunities available at Warwick include:

Careers support from our professionally trained staff, opportunities to meet recruiters and attend events, help finding work experience and free careers support after graduation.

Derived from the HESA Graduate Outcomes survey, carried out approximately 15 months after successful completion. Contains HESA Data: Copyright Jisc 2024. Jisc cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data.

*discoveruni.gov.uk/ includes information from the national Graduate Outcomes survey, carried out approximately 15 months after graduates complete their course. For some career paths, graduates need to gain relevant experience, often at non-graduate level. It may therefore take some graduates longer than others to secure a graduate-level job.