By reading, listening or viewing the events that have occurred, Historians gather factual information that have been recorded or retold. Often, Historians work to prove or dismiss a thesis and draw conclusions based on historical events.

The University of Strathclyde has identified that "historians have the following skills and qualities of mind":http://www.strath.ac.uk/history/careerswithyourhistorydegree/whatmakeshistorygraduatesemployable/thehistoriansskillsandqualitiesofmind/

1. Self-discipline
2. Self-direction
3. Independence of mind, and initiative
4. Ability to work with others and respect others' reasoned views
5. Ability to gather, organise and deploy evidence, data and information; and familiarity with appropriate means of identifying, finding, retrieving, sorting and exchanging information
6. Analytical ability and the capacity to consider and solve problems, including complex problems to which there is no single solution
7. Structure, coherence, clarity and fluency of oral and written expression
8. Intellectual integrity and maturity
9. Imaginative insight and creativity

Historians are exceptionally well educated. Entry level historians hold a bachelors degree while professional historians earn a masters degree or more often, a Ph.D.http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_degree_should_a_historian_have

In High School, a student who would like to become a historian should focus on social science and language courses. A high school student should also:

1. Obtain moderate to high marks in advanced placement social science courses.
2. Consider taking summer history courses at a local community college or university.
3. Become involved with a local library, museum, or importantly the local govornment.

While studying a wide range of social science topics, historians often supplement their core courses with those in education. Even if a historian does not plan to teach, one of the fundamental abilities of a historian is to effectively communicate the events and facts that they have learned. Classes in education ensure that the modern historian has the tools to succeed.

Beyond classes in education, many historians have a background in mathematics and data analysis. Often, historians will need to review and create quantitative reports. With a background in mathematics, the research and resulting reports become light work.http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_degree_should_a_historian_have

Historians fall within the realm of social science. Job titles within any social science discipline are slightly erroneous. Currently, Working.com, Workopolis.com, and Monster.com report the following job titles for people with the skills required to be a Historian:

1. Data Historian
2. Archivist
3. Researcher
4. Writer, Author
5. Secondary Teacher
6. College Teacher
7. University Professor
8. Curator
9. Publisher

Payscale.com is a service that regularly monitors the median salaries of a variety of professions. The service reports that the salary range for a historian in the U.S. is between $30,000 and $80,000.

A historian With 1 to 5 years of experience can earn between $30,000 and $40,000. Historians with between 5 and 20 years of experience typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000. The salary range for a historian can reach as high as $80,000.http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Historian/Salary

The career of a historian is advanced through education and recognition. To progress, a historian must first obtain a Bachelors degree, then a masters, then a Ph.D. and finally specialized distinctions in specific areas of expertise. Historians also progress their careers by receiving recognition by publishing studies, articles and literature.

The most popular job for a historian is as a teacher. Depending on the level of education one possesses, historians typically teach secondary school, college or university. It is important to note that many historians who work in education often supplement their work with independent or sponsored research. This research usually involves traditional, advanced historical research and when combined with education is fulfilling, rewarding and profitable.

Many historians also find employment as writers or authors. Often, the education of a historian provides them with a deep knowledge of writing. This skill lends itself well to various forms of professional writing including becoming an author or commercial writer.

Other jobs for historians can be found within the government, drug companies, the military, at museums or large companies that require historical data to make clear decisions.http://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=Historian&l=