What can I do with a Masters in History?

What should I get my masters in, I have a bachelors in history?

• I got my bachelors in history last year and it really hasn't improved my job search. I work as a store manager ,but want to go after a real career. I know plenty of masters will require a ton of prerequisites ,but I am trying to finish a masters in a relatively shorter amount of time. I thought about getting a MBA or getting certified to teach, but I heard the teaching market is flooded. Anything suggestions?

• Answer:

  You have a degree and you have a job, so you can be proud. Keep your job for another 2-3 years, save your money, then consider getting an MBA. It can be expensive, but opens many doors and can lead to a variety of great careers. Your store management experience will be valuable. MBA programs accept students in any undergraduate field. They prefer students who do not have a business major because they give you the business training but they cannot provide the broad background that managers should have. The best majors are in the sciences, engineering, or math, but other majors are also suitable. Your degree in history is good enough. MBA programs prefer students with 2-3 years work experience after the first degree. Some accept students right out of college if they have good grades and a high GMAT score. Some MBA programs are designed specifically for new college graduates without work experience. But in those programs you don't get the benefit of learning from other students who have work experience. A lot of valuable learning takes place through class interaction. Also when you graduate your job offers will be about the same as a business undergraduate. Teaching is also a respected profession, but unless you teach at the college level, the pay tends to be less than is deserved. At the college level, a Ph.D. is expected, and that can require 3-6 more years of eduction.