My Key Takeaways from the Pathways to Professional Genealogy Conference

Yesterday, I attended a virtual conference hosted by the Society of Australian Genealogists on professional genealogy — and wow, did I learn a lot!

I had no idea there were so many different career paths where genealogical skills come into play. I heard from people working in asset recovery, intestate estates, and even those helping children born through international prostitution trace their fathers. The diversity of stories and specialisations absolutely blew me away.

One of the standout sessions for me was from Danielle Lautrec of Generations Genealogy. She spoke about crafting an online presence as a genealogist and shared so many great, practical tips drawn straight from her own experience. Her energy and honesty made it one of the most valuable talks of the day.

Cathie Sherwood from Family History Academy also gave a fantastic presentation on the pathways into professional genealogy. I have to admit, as she was the final speaker after a long day, my brain was starting to fade — so I’ll definitely be revisiting her session recording to catch what I missed.

My biggest personal takeaway? I realised that direct client research probably isn’t the right fit for me. I deeply admire those who can focus on one project at a time, but I’m far too easily distracted by all the fascinating side trails that appear along the way… I just can’t resist a rabbit hole (or five).

That said, there are plenty of other directions to explore. I love writing, researching, and helping others discover their roots. Once I’ve completed my certificate and diploma, perhaps I’ll move towards education, long-form writing, or even historical fiction — I certainly have no shortage of material!

There are so many ways to carve out a meaningful career in genealogy. For now, I’m happy continuing to learn, share, and connect with my small but engaged audience. Family and local history aren’t just hobbies — they’re my passion.