History alumni discuss careers after Eastern

A quintet of alumni from Eastern’s Department of History returned to campus as panelists to share their career journeys with current history majors on Nov. 12 in the David G. Carter Science Building. From professional work in libraries and archives to digital history, the alumni discussed their career paths following Eastern.

Andrea Slater '18 

During her tenure at Eastern, Slater studied under history Professor Emerita Barbara Tucker, who suggested that Slater look into library work rather than teaching, leading to her current role as an archivist at the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History. 

“It was Dr. Tucker who suggested I look into libraries as a profession. ... Until then, everyone assumed I wanted to be a teacher,” said Slater.  

She explained, “Our mission at the Museum is to collect and preserve the history and culture of our state. So far, we’ve amassed a collection of about 4.7 million individual items.” 

Margaret Khan 

Khan explained that in high school, her two career paths of interest were to be a pilot or a librarian. She chose the latter and is currently the director of the Booth and Dimock Memorial Library in Coventry, CT. 

“Library administration gives you the opportunity to create the future for the institution you’re working for and set priorities for the community you serve,” said Khan.  

“Eastern really prepared me for this — the faculty and staff here are amazing people who will absolutely help you every step of the way if you ask.” 

Rachel Anderson '21

Anderson, holding a background in veterinary medicine, is now an archivist at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. 

“I discovered a master’s degree in library science is a thing, and for 10 years, I worked single-mindedly on that goal,” said Anderson. “Archives let me keep learning without paying to be a student anymore.” 

She continued: “Every time I interact with a fellow researcher, I learn something new that I can take into the next interaction.” 

Cassie Epes '19

Epes is currently working in the reference services office within the Otis Library in Norwich, CT.  According to her, Otis possesses a substantial local history collection with archives that are open to the public. 

“We work with people who often have little research experience, so we’re not just helping them find information; we’re teaching them how to do the research,” she said.  

“Public libraries are community hubs — we help with everything from job searches to immigration paperwork.” 

Dana Meyer '19

Meyer attributes his role as a digital history specialist with CT Humanities to the networking and undergraduate opportunities he had at Eastern and beyond. 

“My job is never the same two days in a row,” he said. “One day I’m talking about creating maps for migration; the next, I’m helping someone who’s never used a database.” 

He continued: “I love digital history because it’s about making collections accessible and relevant for the future.”