Wednesday 10 September 2014

Developing a career as a professional genealogist?

The Association of Professional Genealogists in Ireland (APGI) is to hold an information afternoon at the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, Belfast, on Tuesday 23 September.

The theme – Working Towards APGI Accreditation: How to gain accreditation from the Association of Professional Genealogists in Ireland – is aimed at professional researchers and those thinking of developing a career in genealogy.

Announcing the event, a spokesperson for APGI said that a similar event held in Dublin earlier this year attracted a surprisingly large number of participants.

"Many people who have gained experience through researching their own family history think of developing a career in genealogy. The transition towards professional research may seem daunting and solitary, and some people may even work in the field for a number of years without realising that there is an approachable organisation of professionals that can offer accreditation, as well as support and advice. This is APGI."

APGI was founded in 1986 at a meeting in Belfast and it is an organisation for professional genealogists throughout the entire island of Ireland. Its primary aims are to maintain high standards amongst its members and to protect the interests of clients. To those ends it provides an accreditation process, operated by an independent Board of Assessors.

The association actively encourages those pursuing professional research to develop their skills and work towards obtaining accreditation. Being an accredited member of APGI brings an entitlement to use the initials 'MAPGI' (Member of APGI) and is a guarantee to clients that a genealogist is ethical, knowledgeable and experienced.

In 2012, APGI introduced an Affiliate Programme that offers potential applicants access to existing members through mentorship, professional development events and social gatherings. Of course, the Affiliate Programme is not a necessary part of the application process.

The event will take place on Tuesday 23 September, 12:30pm–3:30pm at PRONI, 2 Titanic Boulevard, Belfast BT3 9HQ. Admission is free, but booking (by Friday 19 September) is required by email to info@apgi.ie.