Genealogist
25AI CAN DO25%moving to70%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSD
STARTING PAY£20,000 - £25,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
CAREERMASH (EN)FROM HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY →
Genealogist
Genealogists help people discover who their ancestors were and where their family comes from. They dig through old records - birth certificates, census papers, immigration files - and piece together family stories that have been lost or hidden for decades.
AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI can already do some of this job, but the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.
The role
As a genealogist, you solve puzzles about the past. You help people find their roots, whether they want to trace their family back hundreds of years or are adopted and trying to find their biological relatives. You work like a detective, hunting through dusty records and online databases to find clues about real people and real stories.
Your work involves lots of research - sitting in archives, reading old documents, visiting historical libraries, and searching digital records. You need to be good at spotting mistakes and finding connections in confusing or contradictory information. You interview your clients to understand what matters to them, then write up your findings in clear family trees and reports. It is detective work that helps people feel connected to their history.
Daily responsibilities
- Conduct thorough research using historical documents, public records, and online databases.
- Interview clients to gather personal information and family stories that may aid in research.
- Analyze and interpret genealogical data to construct family trees and lineage charts.
- Prepare detailed reports and presentations to communicate findings to clients effectively.
- Stay updated on the latest genealogical research tools and methodologies.
- Collaborate with local archives, libraries, and historical societies to access rare materials.
- Assist clients in understanding the legal implications of their ancestry discoveries.
- Provide guidance on DNA testing and its implications for genealogical research.
Does a degree help here?
A UK degree in history, archaeology, or a related field provides a strong foundation for aspiring genealogists. It equips candidates with critical research skills, an understanding of historical contexts, and the ability to analyse complex data, all of which are essential for success in this profession.