Roots For as long as I can remember, I have enjoyed history. Finding out the story behind antebellum homes, learning about wars fought both on and off the battlefield, and exploring my own family tree are just a few things that I love learning and exploring in History. My goal is to become a Genealogist for those reasons. Genealogy incorporates all the things I love about History and more.
I. Definition A Genealogist is a type of Historian. Historians research, analyze, interpret, and present the past by studying a variety of historical documents and sources (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor). Specifically, Genealogists study family histories and develop family trees for people who want to know more about where their…show more content… Education and Other Required Competencies There are not really any specific education requirements to be a Genealogist, but many Genealogists have bachelor’s degrees in history, family history, library sciences, and other similar fields, such as classical studies ("How to Become a Genealogist." Academic Invest). However, some tips for becoming a successful Genealogist are as follows ("How to Become a Genealogist." Academic Invest):
• Join your local professional genealogy association
• Prepare and Apply for Certification and/or Accreditation
• Volunteer with the local genealogical society
• Network with genealogists, librarians and archivists
• Explore the local courthouses, libraries, and archives
• Continue (or begin) researching your family history
• Subscribe to genealogical journals and publications
• Attend educational seminars and workshops
V. Employment Opportunities Employment opportunities for Genealogists are often provided by Colleges and universities; municipal, provincial and federal government departments; local or regional heritage societies; libraries and archives; private businesses and agencies (such as genealogical research companies); or self-employment ("How to Become a Genealogist." Academic
