People in jobs in this industry are involved in sharing information with others about things from the past, as well as from the present - whether it be through educating people about history in museums, providing information in a library or translating books into different languages. In many of the jobs, you have to be able to communicate with all kinds of people - both in person and in writing. A special interest in a subject such as art, history or languages will be important for certain jobs. For some roles you have to be able to work on your own, but also within a team. You usually need to be an organised and thorough person.
Some jobs may need you to pay close attention to detail, or carry out very delicate work.

Entry to many occupations in this area is very competitive - have you got the necessary dedication to succeed?

Below you'll find links to videos created by employers and organisations in the sector to help you get a taste of what working in this sector is like.

Videos:

Jobs for language students: It is common knowledge, that language jobs don't usually pay as much as technical careers, however, there is a much greater versatility than people think.

Careers with languages 

Where can a degree in History take you? Three history alumni from the University of Liverpool share their thoughts on how the skills they developed during their degree helped them in their careers.

Subject Guide Videos:
An impartial guide to university courses - featuring expert speakers and on demand webinars.
These impartial videos support students who are considering university to make informed future subject decisions. They feature guest speakers from a range of different universities, who are always experts in the subject being explored.

Unifrog Free Webinars:

Live webinars across a variety of careers - requires booking.

Virtual work experience opportunities:

Free courses available through the Open University

Journalism Work Experience - Think you've got what it takes? 

Can you keep your finger on the pulse? Are you able to summarise concepts and events, and present your work to the masses? Look no further than this journalism virtual work experience programme. We'll explore the different types of journalism and media as well as reveal the code that all journalists should stick to.

Publishing Work Experience with Hachette: Engaging, consumable content is the name of the game these days. Whether it takes the form of a fancy hardback or an accessible audiobook, the scope of opportunity in publishing is vast and extends far beyond what many people presume. Sound intriguing? Want to learn about the business of publishing from an industry leader? Hachette UK is here to help you take your first steps into the publishing world.

Speakers For Schools

Try different jobs in real life through free VWEX so you can find the best fit for you.  Speakers for Schools are a non-profit organisation offering free UK-wide work experience. 

Explore Forage Work Experience Programs  

Useful Websites:

eCLIPS - Languages, Information and Culture

Languages:

Chartered Institute of Linguists - offers professional membership to support linguists in their careers and provides language qualifications, including in translating and interpreting.

Institute of Translation and Interpreting - careers advice.

Why Study Languages offers inspiration to study languages and may give you career ideas.

AIIC (International Association of Conference Interpreters) - applicants for AIIC membership must be sponsored by an established AIIC member who can vouch for their work. Members are bound by a code of ethics. The highest-level conference interpreting jobs are often undertaken by AIIC members.

Association of Translation Companies - website has a directory of member organisations.

History:

The Historical Association - charity supporting the teaching, learning and enjoyment of history. The Association has over 45 local branches in the UK that offer a range of lectures, visits and other events. For careers information, curriculum-based resources and videos of people who have studied history and how it has benefited their careers.

Royal Historical Society - information about academic and research careers in history.

Discover! Creative Careers - to explore careers in the creative industries, including those relating to history, and to find out about talks, behind-the-scenes events, workshops and work experience.

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) - the professional body for archaeologists. You can join as a student or affiliate (non-accredited) member, or as an accredited member once working in archaeology. The website has careers information, lists accredited degree courses etc. Issues a weekly jobs bulletin (free for members) by email and publishes The Archaeologist magazine (free to members or for non-members priced at £10 a copy).

Council for British Archaeology (CBA) - an educational charity helping people of all ages participate in archaeology. The CBA's youth engagement work includes the Young Archaeologists' Club (mentioned in the leaflet) and a range of events and training for 16- to 25-year-olds. The CBA also hosts the Festival of Archaeology over two weeks in July (www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk); running throughout the UK, the Festival provides a wide range of opportunities to participate in and discover more about archaeology. Membership of the CBA costs £42 or £26 for digital-only student membership and includes subscription to British Archaeology magazine.

BAJR (British Archaeological Jobs and Resources) - the website has all kinds of information on archaeology, including archaeology courses, job vacancies and a directory of archaeological companies, organisations, societies, specialists etc.

Current Archaeology - published monthly, and Current World Archaeology - published six times a year, can both be bought on subscription from Current Publishing.

English Heritage For information on volunteering and job vacancies respectively, see here and here. 

Historic England for information on careers in heritage, and work experience or voluntary opportunities etc with Historic England look here

The National Trust for information about job vacancies and volunteering respectively see here and here. 

Historic Houses - supports privately and charitably owned historic houses, castles and gardens. For jobs and volunteering opportunities.

Society of Genealogists - a careers guide can be viewed by clicking on ‘Learn’ then ‘Hints and Tips’.

Association of Genealogists & Researchers in Archives (AGRA):

The Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies - a link to careers information can be found under 'Courses'.

Family History Federation - you can find contact details for local family history societies.

Association of Independent Museums (AIM)

Museums Association - website has a careers section that includes advice on entering the sector; job vacancies are advertised in the Museums Journal and online (register to view).

GEM - supports learning through museums and heritage. To view case studies on people working in various education roles, and training information.

Archives and Records Association UK & Ireland (ARA) - for information on membership, careers, training, CPD, news etc.

The National Archives - website has information on careers, job vacancies, volunteering and work experience opportunities within the organisation.

You could also contact your local authority record office or search for local authority jobs.

Icon - The Institute of Conservation - for information on careers, training, accreditation, jobs and internships (when available). 

The British Association of Paintings Conservators-Restorers (BAPCR) - website has careers and training information. BAPCR publishes The Picture Restorer twice a year.

The Museums Association

The International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (IIC):

International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) - an intergovernmental organisation, based in Rome, that is dedicated to the conservation of cultural heritage worldwide.

Worshipful Company of Glaziers and Painters of Glass

Archives and Records Association UK & Ireland (ARA) - for information on careers, training, CPD etc in archive conservation.

Library and Information services:

CILIP: The library and information association - the chartered body for information professionals and librarians, includes careers information and a list of accredited courses.

Information Professional Jobs - for information on vacancies and graduate training posts.

International Association of Music Libraries, Archives and Documentation Centres

British & Irish Association of Law Librarians.

NLPN - an online network for new and aspiring library professionals. The website lists library professionals who offer work shadowing opportunities.

IRMS (Information and Records Management Society) - professional association for people working in management or governance of information or records.

Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology:

British Sociological Association (BSA) - the BSA website has information about studying sociology and careers (under 'What is sociology?') and information on research funding and job vacancies (under 'Opportunities').

Discover Sociology - although aimed at teachers, this website has useful information for those interested in studying sociology:

Royal Anthropological Institute (RAI) - website has links to vacancy listings.

You can find out more about anthropology as a subject, and career paths at Discover Anthropology. 

You can learn more about studying anthropology at university by attending London Anthropology Day, usually held each year in June.

British Society of Criminology - website includes a jobs board.