When we started the AHA’s LinkedIn group we hoped it would be a place for history professionals and enthusiasts to “interact, connect, and discuss matters of the history profession.” We’re pleased to see that this is in fact taking place. Members of the AHA’s LinkedIn page are reaching out to each other, seeking advice, and forming a community. Below, see highlights from some recent discussions, then make your way to the LinkedIn page to answer today’s question: “What career advice would you give new historians?”

Discussions Started by Members
One of the best features of the LinkedIn group is that members can start their own discussions. Some people have introduced themselves, looking for members with similar interests, while others have asked specific questions.

• I want to know what grad programs I should look into with a BA in history.
  One member asked for advice on continuing her history education in grad school and transitioning into a career working in museums. Other members responded, suggesting museum studies programs and a masters in library science degree.
• I would like to connect to members who enjoy discussing the American Civil War or the World Wars and gather advice or tips on how to pursue a career in History.
  Another member of the group reached out for resources on the American Civil War and thoughts on how to pursue a career in history, and received feedback about H-Net listservs, as well as sites to check out online.

Discussions Started by the AHA
Staff at the AHA have also begun discussions, and plan to continue these on a weekly basis from now on. A few months ago we were interested in finding out how people use AHA pamphlets, Perspectives on History articles, web pages, and blog posts. We asked the question below and got a number of responses.

• How Do You Use AHA Resources?
  We asked how you use AHA resources and received responses like “I use my copies of the American Historical Review to find the very latest books written by academic historians” and “I used AHA electronically to search for articles on the integration of technology in the classroom.”

Today’s Discussion
Add your two cents to today’s question: “What career advice would you give new historians?”

This post first appeared on AHA Today.