


Genealogist
Heritage Consultant
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Historians research events, people, technologies, ideas and other topics
from the past.
They collect data from a wide variety of sources, which can be cross-checked
with other sources to check accuracy and find discrepancies.

Historians interpret this information to suggest theories and draw
conclusions about the subject. Their findings can be published through
reports, books, journal articles, in the media, presented as lectures or
form part of a museum exhibition.
Many historians also undertake teaching duties at universities or schools.
They may also act as an adviser or consultant to governments and other
organisations, such as churches, private businesses or individuals.
ANZSCO ID: 272411
Specialisations: Art Historian, Cultural Historian,
Economic Historian, Geographical Historian.
Knowledge, skills and attributes
An historian needs:
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thorough investigative and research skills
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the ability to analyse and interpret information
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good communication skills
-
an interest in human behaviour, culture and
society
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an enquiring mind

(Source:
Your Career)
Duties and Tasks
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Assembles historical data by consulting sources
of information such as historical indexes and catalogues, archives,
court records, diaries, newspaper files and other materials.
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Organises, authenticates, evaluates and
interprets historical, political, sociological, anthropological and
linguistic data.
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Undertakes historical and cultural research into
human activity, and prepares and presents research findings
Working conditions
In Australia, the majority of historians work in the metropolitan
regions, in offices, libraries, museums or from their own homes. Some
historians may occasionally travel to universities, libraries and museums
around the world to examine rare data sources, study sites of interest first
hand or attend conferences. They generally work regular business hours,
though this may vary depending on specific projects.
Most historians work full time, although a growing
number are self-employed and work on a contract or project basis.
Historians work in government agencies, museums, archives, historical
societies, research organisations, and consulting firms. Some travel to
carry out research.
Some historians undertake teaching qualifications and work in secondary
schools or universities.
Tools and technologies
Historians collect information from a wide variety of data sources including
manuscripts, diaries, letters, artefacts and newspaper, magazine and journal
articles. Information sources are often located in archives or libraries,
and historians will need to be familiar with referencing systems to locate
information related to the subject they are researching.
Some historians may also conduct interviews with people, often recording
them. They also use computers and word processing software to write-up their
findings.

(Source:
Timetoast)
Education and training/entrance
requirements
To become a professional historian you usually
need to study history at university, generally to honours level. Most
historians also hold additional postgraduate qualifications, usually at
Masters or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) level.
Employment Opportunities
Employment of historians is projected to grow slower than the average for
all occupations.
Many organisations that employ historians depend on government or public
funding, and even donations. Thus, employment growth will depend largely on
the amount of funding available.
Did You Know?

"Australian
Aboriginal history is the only history that grows both ways—forward
into the present and backwards into the past as new scientific
methods indicate that archaeological sites are much older than
originally thought."
(Source:
Creative Spirits)
Investigate this
timeline to research the long history of Australia's Indigenous
Peoples
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