History is a vast and complex field of study, full of secrets and surprises. To become a historian requires a special set of skills and knowledge, as well as a passion for uncovering the secrets of the past. The journey to becoming a historian is a long and challenging one, but the rewards are great.
**At no point will I tell you to get a degree in history. As someone who spent the past year taking college history courses, I highly recommend taking your own path towards becoming an expert in your studies.
The first step in becoming a historian is to gain an understanding of the history of the world. This can be done through reading books, attending lectures, and visiting historical sites. It is important to gain an understanding of the major events and people in history, as well as the political, social, and economic forces that shaped them. This understanding will be invaluable when researching and writing about historical topics.
Once a basic understanding of history has been gained, the next step is to develop research skills. Historians must be able to find and analyze primary sources, such as documents, photographs, and artifacts. They must also be able to interpret these sources in order to draw meaningful conclusions. Research skills can be developed through practice and by taking courses in research methods.
Free courses on research methods can be found online.
The next step is to learn how to write about history. Historians must be able to communicate their findings in a clear and concise manner. This requires an understanding of writing techniques and styles, as well as an ability to present complex information in an accessible way. Writing courses can be helpful in this regard.
Finally, historians must be able to communicate their findings to a wider audience. Take a free online course on public speaking and learn how to engage an audience. Learn how to collaborate with other historians and to work as part of a research team.
Becoming a historian requires dedication and hard work, but the rewards are great. The ability to uncover the secrets of the past and to communicate them to the world is a unique and rewarding experience.
For those who are passionate about history and eager to learn, the journey to becoming a historian can be an exciting and rewarding one.
