geneoligist

overthenest

folks anyone know how one becomes a geneologist? is there a necessary qualification?

Coolnabacky1873

I work as a genealogist in the U.S. and don't have specific genealogy qualifications. However, my degrees do provide me with a lot of the necessary skills such as research methodologies, critical evaluation of primary and secondary sources, coherent report writing, analysis skills etc..

Like any area of work though it is a good idea to get a qualification if you can. There are threads on here about courses in UCC and UCD and other contributors on here have those qualifications.

You really do have to know your stuff and spend a lot of time becoming very familiar with the huge range of sources and documents that can provide genealogical information.

Networking and getting to know the different organizations and genealogists is also recommended.

And like any small to medium size business you have to be able to run it in a good manner, be able to get clients, keep accounts, do taxes etc..

First book to read if you want to do this....Professional Genealogy by Elizabeth Shown Mills.

First piece of advice: ALWAYS get paid a retainer before doing research.