The latest Q & A is by Alison Norman, a history PhD who moved into a government researcher role where she’s doing important work. “I get to be a historian on a daily basis, and put my knowledge and skills to good use,” she writes. Here’s an excerpt:
What most surprises you about your job?
There is a whole world of historical research happening beyond universities. It is critical to the land claims process in Canada, and to litigation involving Indigenous lands. There is an entire research industry of historians working on very important historical research that’s unrelated to universities or publishing. The work is mostly in Ottawa but also takes place in government offices and companies across Canada. Those companies do research for First Nations, governments, law firms and corporations. There is work there!
Read all of Alison’s story over at my (award-winning!) University Affairs blog.