Nicholas Haines, B.A. 1994

1994 Major: History

How has being a History graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?

"I was inspired to major at History at Duke by two incredible history teachers in high school. My freshman year at Duke, I was signed up for the TCAP program and had seminar by Dr Watson former chair of the department which I really enjoyed and this decided to major in History. My experience at Duke shaped both my personal interest in history which has continued as well as helped provide the foundation of intellectual curiosity, intense research, analytical reasoning and persuasion that are important parts of my career as a real estate investor and developer today. In fact, we just worked on a project where the public space designs were inspired by piazza of Ancient Rome."

What advice would you give students in Duke's History programs? 

"Enjoy the journey and learning and don’t fear that your destination after college will only less you to be qualified as a history phd/professor. Every employer in the world values original thinking, analytical reasoning, persuasive writing and passion for a subject that Duke’s history department taught me. Moreover, your journey will help make you an informed citizen of your community and the world."