A degree in history is crucial in informing and instructing students about interpreting human identities and discovering the wide transformations that have affected human societies and civilizations. The skills transferred to the students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in history is foundational for them to uncover, analyze and critically interpret the various events happening around them in contemporary times (not to mention past historical events). In today’s day and age when we are inundated with an information overload, not to mention, conflicting and oftentimes misinformation, a degree in history will help students learn to comprehend, differentiate, and place historical facts and arguments in a concise, coherent manner. Students will learn to treat historical sources with caution and build narratives to understand individuals, communities, societies, nations, and states in a contextual manner.

A degree in history provides us with an expansive view of human society, and civilization, as well as the development of human rights and individual enterprise and challenges. Every aspect of human life has during centuries become the universal history of mankind, depicting man’s achievements in every field of life-political, economic, social, cultural, scientific, technological, religious and artistic, etc., and at various levels-local, regional, national, and international. A history degree helps students understand the history of every academic discipline – art, science, geography, religion, psychology, philosophy, education. Its wide forays in interdisciplinary strands help us better understand our societies and the world around us.

A degree in history opens opportunities for students in numerous career options: as teachers of history in schools, colleges, and universities to archaeologists, museum officers, heritage conservationists to researchers affiliated to think tank organisations. Being a core academic subject, a background in history helps students who are interested in pursuing a career in public administration or in public policy. A background in history also opens avenues for future employment in journalism (and historical journalism) in particular.

After a BA in history, students can opt for a master’s degree (M.A). Following this they can always opt for a specialized research degree (PhD). 

A degree in history also helps students pursue career options in corporate offices in the role of a human resource officer. A background in humanities helps students develop empathy, sophisticated thinking, and problem-solving abilities – all crucial for a job in the corporate world. 

Students who have had a bachelor’s in history have an inherent advantage when opting for competitive exams like West Bengal Civil Services, Union Public Service Commission, or regional civil service exams. They are also at an advantage when opting for government service examinations.

Students who may find themselves drifting away from the discipline of history can always switch their careers to public policy, administration, or corporate jobs as enumerated above.

To conclude, a degree in history is intellectually fulfilling, academically enriching, politically and historically accurate, and socially responsible. To add to this, it provides its students an opportunity to not only understand their own selves, culture, and civilization but provides them an opportunity to serve societies and their own people.