Thinking About Becoming a Professional Genealogist? | Ancestry

Do you love genealogy research so much that you have considered the idea of doing it as a career? Join Crista Cowan to learn more about how to be a better genealogist and how to know if you are ready to start taking clients.

Even if that doesn't interest you, some of Crista's tips will help make you a better genealogist all around.
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Thinking About Becoming a Professional Genealogist? | Ancestry
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[@LisaVanGemert]

I joined one of the ProGen study groups on your recommendation, and it has been amazing! I have learned so much, and I feel so much more confidence in myself. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@staceemccarter1824]

Thanks! I have wanted to do this for quite a while. This helps me set my goals.

[@Rowynnwillow]

This is fantastic information. Thank you, Crista, for this video filled with awesome advice.

[@hudson2157]

Yay! My goal for 2017! Paving the way toward a career in Genealogy

[@Crystalwren]

Hey, thanks so much for all the information! I checked into the study group and it recommended to have taken NGS or the BU course(s) prior to taking this study group. Is there one you recommend more than others? It seems the BU program leaves you in a better place as far as becoming certified if I choose that route. I will be joining the NGS anyway, thanks for the advice on the quarterly newsletter. I've been researching for about 2-3 years, but feel my skills would benefit from a solid foundation.

[@kaitlynpauley1271]

The ummmmk

[@Cigar65]

I looked into this 4 years ago through Ancestry and online and could not find anything no courses, nothing. So where are they?

[@Cigar65]

Thank God for the internet. I could never imagine doing family history today without it. What one can do in a evening would take months the old pen and paper way which is how I started. Now the computer gets all the attention and the paper notes sit by the side. They need to be updated soon. Becoming a pro genealogist I thought would be like going to school and taking classes. From what I have seen here, you pretty much do it on your own without writing a test or attending classes? I seem a bit confused as to just where you go for this and what you have to do.

[@AncestryUS]

There are plenty of classes to take. Some of them are online programs - like Boston University. Some of them are IRL learning opportunities - like the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy or other institutes and conferences. You would also greatly benefit from a program like the ProGen Study Group. There are tests to take in order to become certified or accredited, depending on which route you want to take.

[@Cigar65]

Ok, would you be able to give me some links, address's so I may look into this. i have no idea as to where to start.

[@AncestryUS]

Boston University - professional.bu.edu/programs/genealogy/ SLIG - ugagenealogy.org/aem.php?eid=24 ProGen Study Groups - www.progenstudy.org/

[@Cigar65]

I checked all the links below and none of the courses come close to what I am looking for. They want people with previous experience and education in this field and a entire host of other requirements. And I believe you have to show up in person on one of them. That wont work. Looks like there is not much out there for the beginner in his hometown or on the internet to take and educate him or herself to become a better genealogist.

[@AncestryUS]

I'm sorry. I didn't understand that was what you were looking for. Maybe one of these programs would better suit your needs: BYU Family History Certificate (available as an Independent Study Course) registrar.byu.edu/catalog/2012-2013ucat/departments/History/FamHistoryCert.php BYU-I Family History Certificate (available as an Independent Study Course) www.byui.edu/online/degrees-and-programs/family-history-research-x95119

[@MelanieElaineH]

Hi Crista. I've thought for a while that becoming a genealogist may be a great late-career choice for me. I've discovered and solved a couple of family mysteries. Does one work for genealogical societies as well or is the genealogist only self-employed? Salt Lake City is not near my location, and I wonder about its cost of living data. Thank you for these many points to ponder. This was a very informative video discussion.

[@AncestryUS]

Most professional genealogists start out as self-employed and many eventually work their way into contract work with one of the larger firms (based on the contractors location to specific archive or library that gives them easy access to offline records needed for client work). Most genealogical societies do not have paid professionals working for them, but if you give them your name, they can be a great referral line for you. Potential clients often contact genealogical societies to find out who can help them. Hope that helps! (Crista)

[@MelanieElaineH]

Oh, yes! Your comments are a great help. I'm thinking of becoming a certified genealogist. I have not yet looked into the details, but after resolving a couple of family scenarios and then assisting as a volunteer with the One World Project on ancestery.com, I am now seriously considering certification for this year. I received a score of "exceptional" in the World Project work that I completed, and this has given me wings to study more and apply it. Thank you for your assistance. I greatly appreciate your answer and your KZbin videos. Keep them coming! - Melanie

[@rightofcl]

Genealogy definitely interest me

[@pamelaflynn1129]

Thank you for this information, it was very helpful!

[@urbantruffle]

I am graduating this year with a degree in Anthropology, and I am looking to add the Genealogy certificate to my resume. One of the things I would like is to do an internship will Ancestry be adding any to their listing any time soon?

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks so much for stopping by! We're grateful for your interest in joining out team and we always want to help as much as we can. You'll be able to apply and sign up to be alerted for upcoming internships through the following link: careers.ancestry.com/internships We hope this helps, and we wish you all the best with your studies!

[@brittanyhayes1043]

Congrats!

[@urbantruffle]

@@brittanyhayes1043

[@lbfaith]

Would you ask them general basic info to start? Bdays place death dates and places names where they lived. And just what they know already? That’s what I would do.l

[@wvcatlady]

I was thinking about joining my local historical society. Good idea?

[@AncestryUS]

Charity, it really depends on what your goals are for joining. Local historical societies often have educational offerings at a discount or may be exclusive to members that may help you improve your research knowledge for that particular area. They're also a wealth of information on the particular state/county because of the expertise of the local researchers who often have well documented research for the area themselves. We recommend reviewing what the benefits are of the society you're interested in joining and making a list of what you want events you want to participate in or collections that may be exclusive to them that you plan to research to really make the most of your investment in the year. Good luck!

[@blindianswirltwo2986]

I am interested in learning this .

[@MonaMbM]

Thank you so is a professional Genealogist a degree or a certificate program? thanks Mona

[@AncestryUS]

There are a couple of universities that offer degrees in family history (history.byu.edu/Pages/Programs/FamilyHistory/default.aspx). AND there is a certification program (www.bcgcertification.org/) and an accreditation program (www.icapgen.org/).

[@PBG345]

Thanks for the information. I'm thinking this might be an interesting and challenging part time job during retirement. What do you think ? Could you realistically invest a limited number of hours per week and have success ?

[@AncestryUS]

There are a lot of people who make family history research their 2nd career.

[@melissaflores7751]

Hi Crista! What do you think of genealogy and family history certification? I live in Seattle, WA and the University of Washington offers an 8 month certification program.

[@AncestryUS]

I'm not familiar with that particular program. But, I'm a fan of genealogy education in general. (~Crista)

[@BarbSimpson]

Christa I was viewing some older videos,the one last Jan,called identifying Biological Family.You had mentioned isogg,about a chart that shows about the shared dna centimorgans,where exactly is that chart,couldnt find it

[@AncestryUS]

You can find it here: isogg.org/wiki/Autosomal_DNA_statistics

[@MiscSubs]

Thanks for the video. Do you think the NGS Quarterly will help with African-American Ancestry research?

[@AncestryUS]

Yes, MPL. The NGSQ does have articles on African-American research.

[@rexxavier6807]

Is this something you could do as a side-job, or would you have to commit to it completely?

[@AncestryUS]

If you want to work for one of the big research firms, like Ancestry ProGenealogists, it is a full time commitment. But, if you just want to dip your toe in the waters and get some experience taking clients, plenty of genealogists do it as a side business.

[@rexxavier6807]

Thanks a ton!

[@wednesdayg118]

Can you make decent money doing this?