As part of the Career Diversity for Historians initiative, the AHA is producing and making available short videos of historians working in unusual places talking about what they do. The newest video features Valerie Paley of the New-York Historical Society.

What is it like to work at the second oldest historical society in the United States? Valerie Paley gives us some insight into the work she does as chief historian and vice president for scholarly programs at the New-York Historical Society. One important skill is “how to convey very complex, nuanced arguments in very few words.” She also narrates her “serendipitous” career path, concluding that “You draw on all of your experiences to create the whole package that is you professionally and personally.”

As part of the Career Diversity for Historians initiative, the AHA is producing and making available short videos of historians in unusual places talking about what they do. Previous videos can be found here; more videos are in the works, so check back soon!

This post first appeared on AHA Today.