Intermediate Professional Development and Business Skills

Culture and its accompanying behaviors, traditions, stories, etc. (folklore) are an integral part of who we are as human beings. This course encourages students to explore their own roots to determine how their primary cultures (race, ethnicity, nationality) have influenced their ancestors over the generations, and how their subcultures (religion, family, occupations, etc.) have been formed and influenced by the intergenerational folklore passed down from ancestors.

To accomplish these goals, students will be encouraged to apply course theory to their own lives and the lives of their forebears in personal application essays.

Approximate contact hours to complete this course: 18

Conducting research on property can be as rewarding as conducting research on ancestors. The goal of this course is to teach the student to understand the various documents and research necessary to develop and present a house and/or farm history. Throughout this course, the student will build their understanding of house and farm related documents from established text and assignments that will require the student to practice their skills.

Approximate contact hours to complete this course: 18

Telling the stories of our ancestors must go beyond the basics of names, dates, and places. We can use those pieces as a foundation but must, as a home builder does, add layers and stories to that foundation.

This course will help you add a Personal Historian component to your business by demonstrating the many layers available. Those layers add depth to both personal and client projects and additional revenue streams to a business.

Approximate contact hours to complete this course: 18 to 24

A picture is worth a thousand words, so photographs are an integral part of telling a story. This course is designed to help students use and identify photographs to document their family history. Students are encouraged to apply the methods in this course to make the best use of their own family photos and/or those of their genealogy clients.

Assignments will focus on practical applications of methods using photographs. Students will learn ways to obtain family photographs, archive them physically and digitally, determine the photographic processes used, date the photographs, and identify people and other details in the images.

Although this course is part of the Professional Development Certificate program, it is suitable for those with a general interest in family photographs.

Approximate contact hours to complete this course: 24

NOTE: This course requires compulsory materials to be ordered.

Writing is an essential part of the work of a professional genealogist. Whether you choose to lecture, research for clients, or write content for others, it is important to not only know how to write but to understand how to incorporate various kinds of writing into your business. This course looks at the different types of writing you may do as a working genealogist and gives tips for resources to help further your knowledge of writing. In this course we will examine continuing education, writing client reports, business writing, writing for societies and for editors.

Approximate contact hours to complete this course: 18 to 24

Engaging adults in genealogy has typically been a task for genealogical societies rather than libraries. Today however, many libraries are creating adult genealogy groups and programs. Attendance for these programs is easier to obtain than perhaps a youth program in genealogy. But, these libraries are also looking for ways to engage the youth in genealogy. The problem lies in how to capture their interest and create a program that will convey the basics of research in a way that is both meaningful and engaging.

This course provides an example of creating an adult genealogy program first, as a way to lay the foundation for a youth program. It follows with examples of youth programs for those in grades one through twelve. The examples are laid out into one hour, one and a half-hour, half-day, and full-day workshops and cover the basics of research while also incorporating social and local history. The final result is a rich and useful youth genealogy program. Requirements and suggestions on assisting youth who are earning Scout-type badges follows and finally, you will take the youth workshop beyond the classroom. You will learn ways to continue your own education, create and provide additional resources for your library, and connect with others.

NOTE: Although this course written with the librarian in mind, it is also suitable for the society organizer, archivist, professional genealogist, or teacher.

Approximate contact hours to complete this course: 18

As the genealogy industry changes in the 21st century, so must the management techniques of genealogical societies so they can and will meet the changing needs of their members. In this course you’ll learn the basics of what is needed to create a genealogy society, its management, and how to implement projects and initiatives that not only engage but can help your society grow. Also addressed will be the legal ramifications of being a society leader, though this is largely a locally-governed issue.

Approximate contact hours to complete this course: 24

NOTE: Please be aware this course is classified as Intermediate Level in the Professional Development Certificate Program. Developed for individuals at or working in the Intermediate to Advanced Levels in our other certificate programs. If considering this course, you should have completed or have full knowledge/experience from our courses: Skills: Transcribing, Abstracting & Extracting, Methodology - Part 3: More Strategies, and Methodology - Part 4: Effective Searching and Recording.

NOTE: This course requires compulsory materials to be ordered.
1. Professional Genealogy: A Manual for Researchers, Writers, Editors, Lecturers and Librarians
2. Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace
3. Genealogy Standards

A professional or serious-minded genealogist needs to perfect core skills, whether they conduct research for clients, lecture, or write. These skills include source citation, transcription, and writing. In genealogy, there are some texts that are considered the standard by which professionals are judged ― these include:
*Professional Genealogy: A Manual for Researchers, Writers, Editors, Lecturers Librarians edited by Elizabeth Shown Mills.
*Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace by Elizabeth Shown Mills.
*Mastering Genealogical Proof by Dr. Thomas Jones.
*Genealogy Standards by the Board for Certified Genealogists

These books help prepare the professional or serious minded genealogist for the day-to-day work of writing, analyzing, and preparing information for themselves or the clients.

In this course, the student will study portions of some of the above-mentioned texts and complete assignments and exercises to better understand the key elements taught within its pages.

Approximate contact hours to complete this course: 18 to 24

NOTE: This course is classified as Intermediate Level in the Professional Development Certificate Program. It has been developed for individuals who are at or working in the Intermediate to Advanced Levels in our other certificate programs. It is advised that you complete the Analysis and Skills Mentoring Program-Part 1 course or have a working knowledge of the topics taught in that course prior to completing this one.

NOTE: This course requires compulsory materials to be ordered.

Taking the time to study a wide variety of case studies and proof arguments/summaries can expand your knowledge of methodology, evidence and analysis, sources, citation formats, cultural mores, immigration patterns, amongst many other things. It will make you a better genealogist by expanding your knowledge beyond the subset of genealogy that you normally work in.

As an example, someone working in Canadian research on a daily basis can learn much from a case study on Irish research and vice versa. Amongst other things, they can learn methodology, new sources of evidence, how to analyze evidence, and even gain geographical and cultural knowledge!

NOTE: A student could spend approximately 6 to 8 hours a week working on this course.

Approximate contact hours to complete this course: 18 to 24

Course Content

MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION
Resources
Note about Terminology
Note about your Final 30-Minute Lecture

Introduction to Genealogical Speaking/Lecturing
Why Be a Genealogy Speaker?
It Ain’t All Glamour!
Take Inventory and Document Your Reputation
Create a Biography
Create a Genealogy Resume
Update, Update, Update
Conclusion

Practical Exercises
Exercise: Positive/Negative Aspects of Speaking
Exercise: Biography
Exercise: Lecture Topic

MODULE 2
BUILDING YOUR PRESENTATION
Creating a Lecture Description
Creating a Syllabus or Handout
Creating Lecture Slides
Slide Presentation Software
Tips for Effective Lecture Slides
Virtual Lectures
How Virtual Lectures Work
Required Equipment
Advantages and Disadvantages of Virtual Presentations

Practical Exercises
Exercise: Lecture Description Template
Exercise: Lecture Description
Exercise: Syllabus/Handout Template
Exercise: Syllabus/Handout
Exercise: Lecture Slide Template
Exercise: Lecture Slides
Exercise: Attend a Virtual Lecture

MODULE 3
BUILDING SPEAKING SKILLS
Practice, Practice and More Practice
Join a Speaking Organization
It’s Show Time! Practical Tips for Genealogy Presenters
The Q&A Conundrum
The Post Mortem
Dealing with Disaster
It Won’t Happen To Me
Be Prepared

Practical Exercises
Exercise: Syllabus/Handout (continued)
Exercise: Lecture Slides (continued)
Exercise: Lecture Speech

MODULE 4
BUILDING YOUR BUSINESS
Setting Your Rate
Fee or Free?
Cover Your Expenses
Start Local
Answering a Call for Papers
Call for Papers Listings
Preparing Your Response
Speaking Contract
What a Speaking Contract Should Cover
Other Legalese
Marketing Your Business
Blog/Website
Social Media
Facebook Page
Twitter
LinkedIn
A Final Word on Social Media
Memberships
Email Signature
Newsletter Articles
The Presentation
Conclusion

Practical Exercises
Exercise: Lecture Speech (continued)
Exercise: Lecturing Fees
Exercise: List of Local Venues
Exercise: Speaker Contract
Exercise: Email Signature

MODULE 5
ACTIONS & TIMELINE FOR LECTURING
Course of Action
Timeline and Outcome

Practical Exercises
Exercise: Lecture Speech (continued)
Exercise: Action Plan & Timeline

MODULE 6
FINAL 30-MINUTE LECTURE
Guidelines & Instructions
Lecture Date/Time
Lecture Components
Speaker Biography
Lecture Title and Lecture Description
Syllabus/Handout Materials
Lecture Slides
Final Grading Process
Lecture Procedure
Final Comments

APPENDIX