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The Association Avenue

© Chelsea Paige Buffington

There are many opportunities for majors in History outside of academia. Associations, official bodies that represent the interest of their constituents (for example, the American Historical Association or the American Bankers Association), are one avenue for the History major to explore. While there are some associations that do actually hire historians, many seek History majors for opportunities in public relations, foundation, and education departments within the association. For example, it is not uncommon for an association to hire a History major for a position that includes research to remain current in the field. A pharmaceutical association wants an individual who can keep up to date on changes in the industry, which can be annually entered into an educational packet to be distributed to members. History majors have the research and writing abilities that qualify them for this type of job. Public relations jobs often desire similar abilities: someone who can recognize their market and promote the association and its members in the appropriate way. Associations are a good place to enter into both the corporate and non-profit world using skills as a researcher and writer.

So, where do you find opportunities? The American Society of Association Executives is a place to learn about associations generally, to find links to individual associations, and they offer career resources, http://www.asaenet.org. In Canada, the Canadian Society of Association Executives offers similar services including career related information (job listings, résumé postings, etc.), http://www.associationplace.com. These two sites are the best place to begin. It is important to know what associations are about and to look at the qualifications commonly requested in advertisements. Certainly it is important to have oral and written communication skills as well as experience with different computer programs.

Other sites for finding employment with associations include an employment agency for the association community http://www.aesemploy.com and a site from the Greater Washington Society of Association Executives http://www.gwsae.org. Although there are numerous associations located throughout the United States and Canada, many associations are located in the Washington, DC vicinity. Consequently, a large network exists in the form of the Greater Washington Society of Association Executives. Through GWSAE, you can find permanent positions as well as summer internships with a variety of associations, including some opportunities outside of Washington's orbit. For individuals interested in living in the DC area associations are a place to look for employment.

History majors are well qualified for positions in a variety of contexts. While academia is one possibility, as is law school, or working for the government, associations are another place where you can employ your research and writing skills.

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