What is a Oral Historian? Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path | UK Career Advice

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What is a Oral Historian?

As an Oral Historian, you'd be focused on collecting, preserving and interpreting history based on first-person accounts. You would conduct interviews to gather stories, testimonies and eyewitness accounts of historical events for archive purposes in a museum.

Skills

Strong research and interviewing skills
Excellent oral and written communication abilities
Proficiency in audio and video recording equipment
Knowledge of archival and preservation techniques
Ability to analyze and interpret historical information
Attention to detail and organizational skills
Familiarity with digital archiving and database management systems
Cultural sensitivity and empathy when working with diverse interviewees
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Strong project management and time management skills

Qualifications & Education

A good first degree is required for entry into a relevant postgraduate course
Relevant practical experience is often required for entry into many postgraduate courses
On-the-job training is typically received
Professional qualifications leading to NVQs/SVQs in relevant areas are available at Levels 3, 4, and 5

Career Path

Oral Historian

Archivist

Historical Researcher

Museum Curator

Educational Consultant

Documentary Filmmaker

Writer/Author

Journalist

Public Relations Specialist

Cultural Heritage Manager

Frequently Asked Questions

Do historians use oral history?

Yes, historians in the UK do use oral history as a valuable source of new knowledge and interpretive perspectives on the past.

Is oral history valuable?

Yes, oral history is valuable. It provides different perspectives and viewpoints from eyewitnesses, which can fill in gaps and correct or contradict the written record of history.

What is the highest paying job with a history degree?

The highest paying job with a history degree in the UK is a lawyer, particularly for those who pursue a doctorate.

What is the work of oral historian?

The work of an oral historian in the UK involves documenting the past by preserving insights that are not available in printed sources. They must remain impartial, actively listen, and stay in the background while conducting interviews and collecting oral histories.

Oral Historian: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path

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