Becoming a Professional Genealogist: Participating in a ProGen Study Group

Are you interested in becoming a professional genealogist? Have you wondered what might be involved in taking clients or what career options are available in the genealogy world? Participating in a  ProGen study group can help you find answers to these questions.

In 2007 ProGen 1 began by reading and discussing the first edition of Professional Genealogy: A Manual for Researchers, Writers, Editors, Lecturers, and Librarians, edited by Elizabeth Shown Mills. Run strictly by volunteers, the program provides interested participants a way to study various aspects of professional genealogy. Each group is mentored by an Accredited or Certified genealogist and all involved benefit from networking with colleagues and learning new skills.

I joined ProGen 33 in 2016 as a student and recently completed my second ProGen study group – this time acting as a mentor for ProGen 44. I enjoyed meeting monthly with my peers for a discussion of the month’s assignment. Now based primarily on the 2nd edition of Professional Genealogy: Preparation, Practice & Standards, edited by Elizabeth Shown Mills, the assignments range from writing a business contract to creating an education plan.

What can you expect when you join a ProGen Study Group? Each month you will complete assignments, give and receive feedback on those assignments, and read chapters from Professional Genealogy. The program takes 14 months to complete and upon graduation, you are listed in the ProGen Directory. ProGen reunions take place at major conferences and institutes where you can meet up with classmates in person.

The monthly discussions take place virtually and one of the advantages is meeting genealogists from all over the country and sometimes the world. Our attendees were in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Utah, and Australia to name a few locations. We came from different backgrounds and experiences and had lively discussions on a variety of professional topics.

Needed Experience

If you’re interested in applying for a ProGen study group, be aware that you need to have had some significant research experience. The application form lists several areas to show whether you are ready for the experience. Consider how you measure up in each area listed below. If you are short on experience, make a plan to gain some!

– Have conducted research at four different types of repositories such as archives, courthouses, libraries, etc.

– Experienced at  writing research reports complete with source citations documenting the findings

– Knowledge of evidence analysis and an understanding of the terminology for sources, information, and evidence.

– Completed a genealogy research course.

– Attended a genealogical institute

– Other significant education in genealogy or historical research

– Studying scholarly genealogical articles

– Currently taking genealogy clients

Curriculum

Having an assignment due each month motivates you to accomplish things you might otherwise procrastinate. When I participated as a student in ProGen, I knew I wanted to start a genealogy business, but had no business experience. Two assignments made me take a hard look at the business side of professional genealogy.  I created a business and marketing plan and a contract and fee analysis. Both assignments proved useful when we launched Family Locket Genealogists in 2017.

The majority of the assignments are designed to help a candidate prepare a portfolio for certification through the Board for Certification of Genealogists. Although, I didn’t follow this path to a credential, submitting the various writing assignments and participating in the peer review helped me improve my writing skills.

Benefits

ProGen offers many benefits. As already mentioned, increased writing skills and business preparation. But, other benefits might not be so obvious. The professional genealogy field revolves around networking. No one can have experience with every locality or type of research. If you become a professional genealogist, you may be asked to work on projects that are beyond your scope of experience. Perhaps a potential client wants help filling out a lineage society application or needs Jewish research conducted. If these are not in your wheelhouse, you will want to have trusted genealogists whom you can suggest the client contact. Participating monthly in video chats and reviewing each other’s work gives you a good idea of the qualifications of fellow students.

Even if you have no desire to work as a professional genealogist, the ProGen Study Groups can help raise the level of your research. Check it out and see if this is a path you would like to pursue.

Best of luck in all your genealogical endeavors!