WashU History alumni have gone on to careers in government, environmental work, libraries and archives, higher education, business, law, medicine, and beyond.
To highlight the many career paths available to history majors, we spoke with four alumni whose careers have taken them in very different directions. Their stories demonstrate how the study of history can provide a foundation for work in a variety of exciting fields.
Ben Greenho ('17) | Senior Policy Analyst, Immigration Policy at Center for American Progress
After beginning his studies in linguistics, Ben Greenho discovered that history offered a powerful way to understand international affairs and global relationships. Today, he works in the field of U.S. foreign relations, applying the research, writing, and analytical skills he developed as a history student.
Read Ben's full story → Ben Greenho: From Linguistics to U.S. Foreign Relations
Kiegan Baranski ('20) | Nature Reserve Steward, Forest Park Forever
Kiegan Baranski's education and career path demonstrates how historical thinking can support work in the natural sciences. His career combines environmental impact, supported by the research, communication, and critical thinking skills developed as a history major.
Read Kiegan's full story → From History to the Natural World: 2020 alum Kiegan Baranski finds fulfilling career in the environment
Angela He ('19) | Rare Books Librarian, Bernard Becker Medical Library
As a rare books librarian, Angela He works closely with historical materials. Her undergraduate experience in history helped prepare her for a career preserving unique collections, while finding a way to share the stories within these resources through creating displays and writing online posts.
Read Angela's full story → From History Major to Rare Books Librarian: Angela He's Path
Syrus Solo Jin ('19) | Elihu Rose Scholar in Modern Military History, New York University
Following his time at WashU, Syrus Solo Jin earned a PhD in History and now serves as a faculty member at New York University, where he researches international and military history.
Read Syrus's full story → History Major to Historian: Syrus Solo Jin's Story (History '19)
Career Paths
The skills history majors develop and the curiosity they hone support careers in a wide variety of fields, from public policy, business, and law to medicine, environmental science, academia, and library / archival work.
Interested in exploring where a history degree can take you? Read the full interviews above and learn more about studying history at WashU.
