SUNY Oswego - Career Services

What can I do with a minor in art history?

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Art Interpreter
Curatorial Assistant
Exhibition Development
Traveling Exhibits Manager
Historical Interpreter
Content Development-Expansion Strategist
Development & Marketing Coordinator
Marketing Specialist

Search for employers hiring graduates in your minor

Employers in NY: 4,372
Employers in US: 51,559

Explore the numerous career fields related to your major

Museums & Galleries:

Areas

Administration
Curatorial
Preservation
Restoration
Exhibit design/preparation
Archive management
Education
Development/Fundraising
Public Relations

Employers

Art Museums
Archives
Historical societies
Natural history museums
Living history museums
Galleries

Sample occupations

Gain relevant experience through internships or volunteer positions in museums or galleries.
Visit museums around the country and world to gain exposure to art.
Learn a foreign language or study abroad.
Most art historians specialize in a period or region.
Acquire strong skills in research, fundraising, speaking, writing, and attention to detail.
Develop interpersonal skills, including the ability to work well on teams.

Art Sales:

Areas

Appraisal
Sales
Antiques dealing
Art authentication
Public relations

Employers

Self-employed
Art dealers
Galleries
Museums
Auction houses
Interior design firms

Sample occupations

Learn to communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
Prepare to work independently and be self- motivated.
Obtain sales experience through internships or summer and part-time jobs.
Volunteer in museums, membership drives, local galleries, auction houses, and community outreach programs.

Education:

Areas

Teaching
Research
Administration
Library/Information sciences
Visual Resources curating
Community education
Educational program coordinator

Employers

Public and private schools
Colleges and universities
Art and design schools
Art libraries
Museums

Sample occupations

Develop excellent speaking, writing, and research skills.
Learn how to develop curriculum and workshops and how to use multimedia.
Obtain degree and certification in art education for public school teaching.
Seek campus leadership positions

Media:

Areas

Publishing
Editing
Freelance writing
Art criticism
Set design
Costuming
Website design

Employers

Newspapers
Art magazines and journals
Textbook or commercial publishing houses
Production companies

Sample occupations

Develop excellent writing and editing skills along with knowledge of the history and culture of art.
Learn web design skills to prepare for online work. This area of journalism is growing while print is declining.
Become comfortable working in a deadline-oriented atmosphere.
Work with campus or local newspapers, TV, or radio stations.
Create a portfolio of work samples, especially those that have been published.

Non-profit:

Areas

Administration
Management
Public relations
Development
Research
Grant writing
Direct service

Employers

Local and national nonprofit agencies
Foundations
Libraries
Museums
Historic sites
Historical societies

Sample occupations

Gain experience through volunteering or completing an internship.
Obtain leadership roles in relevant campus and community organizations.
Develop strong communication and research skills.
Learn how to write grants.
Earn a graduate degree for more job opportunities and advancement.

Government:

Areas

Public affairs
Writing/Editing
Museum work
Curating
Development

Employers

State arts agencies
Local, state, and national councils for the arts
Historical commissions
Museums/Galleries
Libraries and archives
Endowments/Grant making agencies
Cultural affairs agencies

Sample occupations

Complete an internship with the federal government.
Earn a graduate degree for advancement.
Become familiar with the government application process.
Develop a network of contacts through informational interviews and referrals.

Business:

Areas

Management
Sales
Public relations
Market research
Creative design

Employers

Wholesalers
Manufacturers
Real estate agencies
Consulting firms

Sample occupations

Develop strong analytical, verbal, and writing skills.
Gain experience in an area of interest through internships or other employment.
Obtain leadership roles in campus organizations.
Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills.
Gain computer skills for databases, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Be prepared to start in entry level positions.

General information and strategies

Gain as much relevant experience as possible through volunteer positions and internships.
You may need to relocate to the larger markets of metropolitan areas where more opportunities exist.
Join art-related professional and student organizations.
Develop skills in business management, computers, marketing, and other related areas to increase marketability.
Gain experience in fundraising and grant writing techniques.
Often research and nonprofit organizations must be funded in this manner.
Seek exposure to art by visiting museums around the country and world. Learn about world history, cultures, and languages.
Conduct informational interviews with professionals in areas of interest to learn more about opportunities and strategies for these areas.
Develop excellent writing and editing skills along with knowledge of the history and culture of art.