Career Pathways in the Public Humanities

Many students know there are career pathways in the public humanities, but few know exactly what the different pathways are and what degrees, certifications, and/or experience is required to attain their desired job. In this talk, Dr. Alissa Butler will: 

• Give an overview of the major career pathways including what this work looks like on a day-to-day basis and what personality types may succeed in them 
• Share what degrees, certifications, and work/internship experience is required to attain a career position in each of these fields of work 
• Discuss some realities of the job market and what actions students can take to set themselves up for success 
• Talk about the role internships play in the hiring process and the difference between undergraduate and graduate internships

This event is open to any undergraduate students interested in a career in the public humanities. Pizza and refreshments will be provided. 

Questions about this event can be directed to Jessica Keene jkeene@umass.edu

Dr. Alissa Butler is a Rhode Island resident and manages the research branch of Historic New England, called the Study Center. She has a bachelor’s degree in history from Arizona State University, a master’s degree in American Studies from the University of Massachusetts Boston, and a PhD in American Cultural Studies from Bowling Green State University. Her work at the Study Center oversees research projects that focus on marginalized and erased groups to help bring their stories to the public. Most notably is the organization-wide initiative Recovering New England’s Voices (RNEV). Before coming to Historic New England, she taught university courses in American history, ethnic studies, cultural studies, media studies, and museum studies. She has also worked in museum education, programming, and non-profit administration.