I am already able to do that to some degree, but as I've examined the work of professional genealogists, I realize they have skills and experience that can help them make progress in particularly challenging projects as well as to provide a more robust product in general.
I've looked at the websites of dozens of private and corporate genealogists and all of them have credentials of various kinds. At first, the different acronyms and titles confused me; but as I started looking more in depth, I was able to make sense of it.
Most professional genealogists are not certified by an accrediting agency nor do they have a college degree in family history. Instead, they have taken advantage of the learning opportunities which they list as "credentials" to do the work. These include conferences, membership, classes, and publications.
Here is how I plan to use the following educational opportunities to reach my goal.
Beginner Level Genealogist
My first step was a membership with the National Genealogical Society. The membership itself can be listed on a resume. I got signed up for their free, online, members only, introductory course and look forward to exploring the many inexpensive classes that introduce students to the basic of genealogical work. After completing the class, you get a certificate which can also be listed on the resume. Additionally, the organization's quarterly publication can be a great source of information and an opportunity to publish your own work down the road. Later, I can consider memberships in relevant state, regional, and special interest organizations such as DAR.
I found that while the larger organizations hold their conferences in the spring and summer, my the Georgia Genealogical Society holds several weekend seminars throughout the fall and winter. I decided to sign up for one three weeks from now at the non-member rate, since I'm not quite ready to commit more money to this project.
Another big item I saw on the resumes of professional genealogists, was conferences. Most of these are not your "bop around from booth to booth," kind of events. They plan these courses several years out so that family history buffs can make sure they get the education they need in both basic genealogy and specialty areas. Since I'm not sure what I'll need at this point, I haven't settled on a conference for next spring, but I've got a list of those within a reasonable distance from my home!
- National Genealogical Society Conference 8-11 May 2019, St. Charles, Missouri
- Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR) Saturday, July 21 - Thursday, 26 July 2019 at the University of Georgia
- Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh June 23-28 AND July 14-19, 2019
Intermediate Level Genealogist
I'd like to spend time on classes available through NGS and then try out a conference in the summer. At that point I'll consider enrolling in one of the online degree or certificate programs through Brigham Young or Boston University. Both are unique, it is just a matter of how much time and money I'll have available.
ProGen offers more advanced study opportunities after one of these thorough programs, to "for those who already have strong research skills and are ready to further develop their professional business, writing and analysis skills."
Advanced Level Genealogist
Genealogists who have a college degree or have been board certified charge more money and usually manage a team of genealogists.
- degrees-- many genealogists have a BA in history, with a minor in family history, while others have a BA in something like Family History from Brigham Young. Boston University offers a unique certificate program which is less involved than a degree program, and offers college level course work.
- certification/accreditation-- Genealogists certified by Board for Certification of Genealogists are entitled to place the initials CG (Certified Genealogist) as their title, while those accredited by the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists use AG (Accredited Genealogist) after their name.
Completing one of the board certification programs is very time consuming and requires all of the credentials mentioned above. In case I decide to do this in the future, I plan to keep a portfolio with the following information as suggested by BCG: "List the genealogy-related activities that helped you prepare for certification
and in a sentence or two discuss how each activity helped you improve your
(a) attainment of genealogical standards, (b) knowledge of genealogically useful
materials and contexts, (c) skills in reconstructing unknown or forgotten relationships,
families, people, groups, and events, and (d) abilities to present your findings
to others."
Comments
Post a Comment