How do you become a Genealogist?

neelyohara

I just noticed in another thread someone said they weren't professional but still 'in training'.

I've done a lot of research on my family... and I've used researchers in groups for local work but I was wondering how exactly do you become a professional genealogist? (It's not something I'm considering but I'm interested to know)

I never actually thought that there might be some formal training or education involved... I assumed it came down to experience (if you are setting up a business and you are the 'professional') or a combination of experience and work history if you are applying to a company.

I'd be interested to hear from any pro's lurking on this forum

pinkypinky

I think it was me that said "in training".
The answer is mostly experience but there is a course in UCD (which I'm doing). The Association of Pro. Genealogists have some criteria, like practicing fulltime and accepting commissions, but they (imo) strike me as a club rather than a representative body.

ShagNastii

I saw this on the main boards.ie page and I misread this as gynecology.

Got excited for a second. Anyway carried on sorry for the disturbance.

Man I'd love to be a gynecologist.:cool:

Alicat

It's something that has crossed my mind admittedly for the past few months. I think I would love to be involved in something like this. Just don't really know where to start! Still have lots to learn

genie

pinkypinky wrote: »

I think it was me that said "in training".
The answer is mostly experience but there is a course in UCD (which I'm doing). The Association of Pro. Genealogists have some criteria, like practicing fulltime and accepting commissions, but they (imo) strike me as a club rather than a representative body.

I'm a professional genealogist (not full time, though - I work summers as a tour guide to get away from dead people for a while!), and although I did a distance learning course with the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies in the UK, it was years and years of experience with my Irish ancestors which led me to go professional and I now specialise in Co. Sligo research.

I'm not a member of any association as when I contacted the above Association, they told me more or less to go forth and multiply. :rolleyes: Seem to be a clique IMO unfortunately.

Also, it sounds corny, but when you undertake research for clients, you learn something new everyday!

DamoRed

genie wrote: »

Also, it sounds corny, but when you undertake research for clients, you learn something new everyday!

So the undertaking doesn't end with the funeral, I see.

genie

InchicoreDude

Is it possible to make a career as a genealogist in Ireland? What kind of money could you make doing it?

pinkypinky

I can't comment how much genealogists earn but I doubt if it's anything substantial. The work is time-consuming, hard on the eyes and often unsuccessful (with the best will in the world). I know that some genealogists charge a flat fee to start the research and do a report on what they find and then they might charge more if you wanted to go further. With all the resources that are online now, a lot of people can just get going themselves with pointers.

InchicoreDude

With all the resources that are online now, a lot of people can just get going themselves with pointers.

Ive often thought that there is too much stuff online now. Its takes away a lot of the satisfaction in doing research

pinkypinky

InchicoreDude wrote: »

Ive often thought that there is too much stuff online now. Its takes away a lot of the satisfaction in doing research

I don't agree at all. Before to do a bit of family research (for example in the National Library or Archives), I had to plan and book a day off work, get into town, wait for microfilms to be delivered to me, spend hours scanning bad handwriting in latin and hoping I don't miss the one vital thing I'm looking for, which I have also done. Now I can do a lot of this sort of thing at home, without taking annual leave. I am far more satisfied to have the work done thoroughly and quickly.

InchicoreDude

I don't agree at all. Before to do a bit of family research (for example in the National Library or Archives), I had to plan and book a day off work, get into town, wait for microfilms to be delivered to me, spend hours scanning bad handwriting in latin and hoping I don't miss the one vital thing I'm looking for, which I have also done. Now I can do a lot of this sort of thing at home, without taking annual leave. I am far more satisfied to have the work done thoroughly and quickly.

I do see your point. But I did get a lot of satisfaction from going through the poor handwriting in the national library. Not many people have the patience to do it. I guess it made me feel special!!!!