I am not what I would consider a professional genealogist...yet. But I think I am well on my way. I study each day, reading what the professionals have to say, watching webinars, and reading books and websites to improve my skills.
One way that I am getting better at what I do, is by offering to help my friends with their family history. My family is pretty concentrated in the New England area. While I am still learning what is available for records, and how to obtain them, being able to work with information in other areas of the country is also expanding my skills.
One friend that I have been working with, actually has a Mormon background in her family, which she didn't know. Her ancestors can be traced back to England, and coming to America with the influx of people in the 1800's who heard Mormon preachings in England. I knew nothing about the Mormons, so it was a great learning experience, and lots of fun history to learn as well.
Another friend that I am working with, has roots in Kansas and Nebraska. More history, more fun facts. More to learn, and brush up on my skills.
I have goals for my genealogy education, and will work hard to get them achieved, so I can call myself a "professional" in the future. But, like with most of my life, I am a firm believer in self education....never, ever stop learning. There is too much out to know!
Besides, practice makes perfect, right? What are you doing to hone your genealogy skills?
One way that I am getting better at what I do, is by offering to help my friends with their family history. My family is pretty concentrated in the New England area. While I am still learning what is available for records, and how to obtain them, being able to work with information in other areas of the country is also expanding my skills.
One friend that I have been working with, actually has a Mormon background in her family, which she didn't know. Her ancestors can be traced back to England, and coming to America with the influx of people in the 1800's who heard Mormon preachings in England. I knew nothing about the Mormons, so it was a great learning experience, and lots of fun history to learn as well.
Another friend that I am working with, has roots in Kansas and Nebraska. More history, more fun facts. More to learn, and brush up on my skills.
I have goals for my genealogy education, and will work hard to get them achieved, so I can call myself a "professional" in the future. But, like with most of my life, I am a firm believer in self education....never, ever stop learning. There is too much out to know!
Besides, practice makes perfect, right? What are you doing to hone your genealogy skills?
