| Genealogy as a Profession | | | | Think about what types of research interests |
| If you offering genealogy services for pay, you | | | | you, the access you have to necessary |
| can benefit by following these simple steps to see | | | | resources, and the profitability of doing research |
| if you have the necessary skill, experience, and | | | | as a business. Make a list of your goals as a |
| expertise. | | | | professional genealogist. |
| Make sure you read the code of ethics of the | | | | You cannot run a successful business without |
| Association of Professional Genealogists and the | | | | knowing about accounting, taxes, advertising, |
| Board for Certification of Genealogists. These | | | | licenses, and time management. So, develop your |
| rules should apply to you. Consider your | | | | business skills and learn to solve a wide variety of |
| experience. A genealogist must be familiar with | | | | genealogical problems. If you are unsure about |
| the various types of genealogical records available | | | | your qualifications, enlist the services of a |
| and know where to access them, as well as | | | | professional genealogist to critique your work and |
| know how to analyze and interpret evidence. | | | | offer guidance. |
| Assess your writing skills. You must know how | | | | When you are ready, apply for certification or |
| and where to access information and have good | | | | accreditation. The Board for Certification of |
| grammar and writing skills in order to | | | | Genealogists grants certification in six categories |
| communicate your findings to your clients. | | | | and the Family History Library offers accreditation |
| It is beneficial to you should think of joining the | | | | in specific geographical areas. |
| Association of Professional Genealogists. This way | | | | Visit courthouses, libraries and archives to explore |
| you can educate yourself as you can take | | | | the records. Get as much experience as you can |
| genealogy classes, attend seminars and | | | | before working for others. Don't stop researching |
| workshops, and read genealogical magazines, | | | | your own family history. It is most likely the |
| journals, and books offered by this society for | | | | reason you fell in love with genealogy in the first |
| professional genealogists as well as those aspiring | | | | place and will continue to provide inspiration and |
| to become genealogists. No matter how much | | | | enjoyment. |
| you know there is always more to learn. It is a | | | | Always remember that as a practicing genealogist. |
| good idea to volunteer with a local genealogical | | | | You should strive for the highest level of truth |
| society or an online genealogy Web site to keep | | | | and accuracy in all phases of your work and act in |
| in touch with a network of fellow genealogists, | | | | the interest of your client. |
| which will help to further develop your skills. | | | | |