Studying history prepares learners for the future of work
An appreciation for history is essential today no matter what field students enter, said University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) Collegiate Professor Danielle Skjelver, PhD. With artificial intelligence poised to disrupt a variety of entry-level jobs, career counselors are emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, reasoning, and familiarity with fields like history.
“It's human intelligence that AI cannot replicate,” said Skjelver. “That's the point of this—to try to encourage people to major in what they love. History is so broadly applicable to career choices.”
UMGC’s History Student Society brings the past to life
With more than 500 members, UMGC’s vibrant History Student Society encourages students to explore their interest in history while providing networking and other community-building opportunities for history majors and other interested students and alumni, who attend virtual meetings from around the world.
The UMGC History Student Society has won the university’s top Student Organization of the Year award for the past four years, expanding beyond U.S. borders to include participants in Europe and Asia.
Society gatherings have featured presentations by history majors discussing their senior theses, professional historians, and alumni who share how their studies in history—and the way historians think—has helped them succeed, often in fields unrelated to history.
The Society “seemed like a great way to get to know the other people in your classes, because it's all virtual,” said Emilie Osterfeld, who helped launch the program as a student and now, after graduating, continues to volunteer. “It’s a great way to build community.”
Society’s annual conference invites international learning
In addition to its monthly meetings, the History Student Society pioneered an annual undergraduate history conference open to universities worldwide. The now two-day event started small in 2022, growing annually.
This year’s conference will take place April 17–18, 2026. While the conference routinely receives proposals from other U.S. universities, Skjelver noted an uptick in international participation. “This year, we have six proposals from Oxford. We always get some from Edinburgh, which sends us great stuff. This year, we have also received strong proposals from universities in India and South Africa.”
Students are engaged in every aspect of the conference, from selecting participants to planning the speaker line-up, moderating panels, and performing after-action analysis. “They learn skills that transfer well into the workplace,” Skjelver said.
Being part of the selection committee was a benefit to Osterfeld. “Just reading what other people are researching in history is so fascinating,” she said. “I'll read it, and say, ‘Why didn't I think of that?’ or ‘Why has no one else thought of this before?’”
UMGC students make connections that endure after graduation
Matthew Drake got involved with the History Student Society after enrolling at UMGC as a transfer student. Joining the group not only honed his history knowledge but also introduced Drake to a group of like-minded students.
“It’s been one of the biggest blessings in disguise,” said Drake, who has maintained his connection after graduation, while he pursues a master’s in history at Jackson State University. “It became a close-knit family.”
UMGC graduate Hailey Sanchez noted that her experience with the History Student Society was helpful to her current job teaching middle school history in North Carolina, especially in how she approaches engaging students in controversial topics.
“We might not be able to see eye to eye, but we can express ourselves and have civil discussions,” she said.”
History Student Society has an eye on the future of work
Skjelver, who teaches history from Bozeman, Montana, said her next project is to create a consortium of universities that partner with surrounding high schools to provide programs on why history matters, inviting students, parents, and guidance counselors to hear from people who majored in history and then excelled in other fields.
“The purpose is for people to understand the practical value of majoring in something that a lot of people think is just an indulgence,” she said.
Join UMGC for a virtual Student Involvement and Resources Fair on February 25, 2026. Learn more and register today!