We interviewed US-based MSc in History (Online Learning) alumna Anna, who reflects on her experience of studying history at a distance, and how it enabled a mid-career change from working in operations management to a position as a Research Historian at Boeing. I had been working in operations management for over five years when I started to reflect on my future career. Despite the security my job provided, I was looking for a career that was more fulfilling and because history was always a passion, a dream of mine was to be a historian or an archivist. So, I started doing research to find out what qualifications were needed, and quickly realized I would need a degree in that specific field. When I discovered the University of Edinburgh's history online learning programme, I was excited by its potential to fill my educational needs without having to leave my job or relocate. I was also inspired by Edinburgh’s reputation and the nature of the programme which promised the same quality as expected in a traditional classroom setting.When I applied, I was extremely nervous. I hadn’t been to university in over ten years and wasn’t sure if I was even qualified enough for the programme. So, when I got accepted, I was beyond grateful and for the first time in a long while, felt excited about the future. Because the flexible structure allowed me to take just one course per semester, I would be able to manage my studies alongside my job and personal life.Initially, I worried that I wouldn’t get the same experience that I would get on campus. I'm the type of person who loved school, especially as a kid. And this was the first time I'd done any type of online learning. But I was very surprised at just how part of the university community I felt. I really enjoyed engaging with the teaching staff and students from all over the world, each with their own perspective and approach to the various topics we discussed. The global experience not only enriched my studies but my professional and personal outlook as well. “If anybody is looking for a really good online programme that gives them that community feel but also the flexibility to do things they need to do, like work, this one is definitely going to be beneficial.” Throughout my studies, the focus on high-quality historical research and analysis equipped me with skills directly applicable to the career that I envisioned for my future. My coursework throughout the programme was not only geared towards understanding how to be an historian but helped me better understand the industry standards and qualifications necessary to get to the point where I could shift my career path effectively. Even with a degree, I was still entering into an industry I had little professional experience in, so I knew that the best path forward was to start from the bottom. Throughout the last few years of the programme, I took up internships and part-time opportunities to help pave the way into the history field after graduation. However, Covid hit merely two months after I received my diploma which made the job market even more competitive. But I was confident that my newly acquired skills gave me a significant edge. I got a few jobs with local governments working as an archivist and was even given the opportunity to serve as the historian on a speciality committee for one of the city’s I did contract work for. These positions led to my job at Boeing. Initially hired as a contractor working primarily in the archive, the position quickly grew, and I was eventually hired on full time. As the Boeing Historical Services team expanded, my role evolved from archivist to research historian, a position I helped curate based off departmental need. It was because of my schooling and learned experienced that I was able to see what I could provide that would be the most beneficial. “The job I have now was almost exactly the type of career that I was envisioning when I initially enrolled in the programme.” As the research historian, I provide research assistance to all groups within Boeing, including engineering, marketing, and legal. I also write articles for the company news publication. The job not only involves working with archival materials on a regular basis, but interpreting, analysing and storytelling – all skills which are direct applications of my learning. Looking back on my journey it’s exciting to reflect on where I started and where I am now. The choice to study history online at the University of Edinburgh profoundly impacted my professional life. The programme provided not only the theoretical knowledge required to thrive in a new discipline but also the practical tools to conduct research and manage large bodies of information which are integral to my current role at Boeing. It gave me the skills I needed, the insight into how to get here and confidence to achieve the career path I envisioned.This programme became the catalyst for my career transformation, proving that with the right resources and institutional support, significant career change is not only possible but also enriching. My journey from operations management to a role as the research historian at Boeing illustrates the successful blend of flexibility, rigor, and support provided by the University of Edinburgh’s online history programme, shaping paths not just for career advancement but for profound personal growth and satisfaction. Interested in studying with us? This interview was conducted on: October 23, 2024 This article was published on 2025-03-27
