Eva -- I echo everything Nikki and Dave said but with a little different emphasis. Your situation sounds a good deal like mine about five years ago -- knowing what I wanted to do, being pretty sure I could do it (a little *too* sure as it turned out the first time), but not being quite sure how. Actually I think you have a better idea of what you need now than I did then. Where you live makes a difference. I wound up doing three things that helped a lot: (1) joining a ProGen group (actually, the first one); (2) attending SLIG and Samford institutes in spite of the cost and time and inconvenience; and (3) getting involved in my local society in a particular way -- transcribing and abstracting projects that confronted me weekly with original records that I could get acquainted with (outside a high-pressure course or client context). NGS and other conferences are great, but they can be a lonely experience for newbies. Everyone else seems to know each other, and the group around you changes every hour. Having a mentor or mentors helps show us ways of being a genealogist. What also made a major difference for me was finding friends in my "generation" of new genealogists (measured by when we got serious, not actual age). And that has happened for me almost entirely through institutes, where we spent several days together in the same class wrestling with the same problems, and learning from the best in the field and from each other. That's where you're most likely to find people who are as serious as you are. It didn't occur to me until it happened either (a) that that was what I needed or (b) that it would be as rewarding as the genealogy itself. APG can also be a place to find those people, again depending on where you are and the nature of your local chapter, if any. We (I'm on the board) are doing more discussion/mentoring sessions than before, so if you considered and rejected joining in the past, you may want to look again. Good luck and keep posting (especially if we have missed the point to any extent)! Harold On Sat, Oct 20, 2012 at 3:48 PM, Eva Goodwin <edwgoodwin@gmail.com> wrote: > Hi all, > > I'm feeling a little stuck in a rut in my genealogy path and could use some > suggestions to get me going! > > I'm currently completing the American Records certificate from the NIGS, so > I'm always working on the coursework for that. But of course the program > itself is online and pretty self-guided. It also is great for getting me > familiar and comfortable with all the various kinds of sources and records > available but I think I also need to be doing other things concurrently, or > working towards other things, in order to really feel like I'm moving > forward. > > My eventual goal is to be CG. Eventual. And in that light, I know that what > I really need to do a lot of is methodology work. And I also need social > support - people around me who also are excited about this work who can > help motivate me so it's not just me and my computer and my filing cabinet! > > Here are some things I feel like I might be looking for: > - intensive in-person institutes or programs where I can meet people and > also immerse myself in method work > - ongoing study groups, whether in-person or interactive online > - one-on-one mentorship with (a) more experienced genealogist(s) > - a home learning course that is more methodology centered rather than > records centered > > I am 26 years old, extremely motivated, I have an undergraduate degree from > a prestigious liberal arts college and I am an excellent researcher. I know > I have what it takes to be a good professional. I have already self-taught > my genealogy research until now using books, internet, whatever I could get > my hands on. But it's also hard to just do it all by myself in a vacuum. I > went to the NGS conference in Cincinnati in the spring and it was a taste > of how exciting it could be to be a part of this bigger thing! And I'm > seeking people who also want to push themselves as hard as possible to > connect with and have in my community, and seeking also learning > opportunities that are directed towards an advanced hobbyist looking for > the next level of learning. > > Any suggestions? Thanks so much :) > > Eva > The Transitional Genealogists List was created to provide a supportive > environment for genealogists to learn best practices as they transition to > professional level work. Please respect the kind intentions of this list. > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > TRANSITIONAL-GENEALOGISTS-FORUM-request@rootsweb.com with the word > 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > -- Harold Henderson midwestroots.net Research, Writing, and Brickwall Dismantling from Northwest Indiana Regularly Researching at the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center Certified Genealogist (SM) No. 1029 Certified Genealogist and CG are proprietary service marks of the Board for Certification of Genealogists® used by the Board to identify its program of genealogical competencyevaluation and used under license by the Board’s associates.

Hi again, Thank you to those who have replied both on- and off-list with solidarity and tips/suggestions! Things I am going to jump on: - the SLIG and IGHR institutes this coming year! - looking into my local APG chapter (which is NorCal - anyone on here in that chapter?) - I applied to the ProGen study group - try to become more active in my local society (which can be tricky in terms of scheduling but should be possible) I already get the NGSQ and read all the articles and have practiced writing such articles a bit on my own. I am enrolled in NIGS and should take a closer look at their methodology courses. I am considering also doing the NGS home study course which will probably have considerable overlap with the NIGS material but repetition is not necessarily a bad thing! I do have a question about the SLIG and IGHR institutes. In looking at the courses/tracks, it is hard to identify which ones are appropriate for me. Can anyone speak to these? SLIG: Advanced Methods is sold out, but I think I probably need a somewhat more intermediate course before I would jump into that one anyway since I haven't attended any other institutes and haven't actually finished the NIGS course. But, I'm not sure which of the others is most appropriate for me. I'm worried Course 1 might be too elementary? I'm not needing as much focus on types of records as I am on problem-solving, research planning/organizing, etc. I don't want to enroll in a course that is too elementary for me when these only happen once a year, but I also don't want to enroll in something that will be too much of a stretch. Any suggestions? IGHR: Again, I won't be ready for the Advanced Methodology course with ESM. But for problem-solving and research planning/organizing focus, which would be most appropriate? Course 2? (Intermediate Genealogy and Historical Studies) Thank you all so much for input! Feeling excited and motivated today :) Eva On Sat, Oct 20, 2012 at 4:29 PM, Harold Henderson <librarytraveler@gmail.com > wrote: > Eva -- > > I echo everything Nikki and Dave said but with a little different emphasis. > > Your situation sounds a good deal like mine about five years ago -- > knowing what I wanted to do, being pretty sure I could do it (a little > *too* sure as it turned out the first time), but not being quite sure how. > Actually I think you have a better idea of what you need now than I did > then. > > Where you live makes a difference. I wound up doing three things that > helped a lot: (1) joining a ProGen group (actually, the first one); (2) > attending SLIG and Samford institutes in spite of the cost and time and > inconvenience; and (3) getting involved in my local society in a particular > way -- transcribing and abstracting projects that confronted me weekly with > original records that I could get acquainted with (outside a high-pressure > course or client context). > > NGS and other conferences are great, but they can be a lonely experience > for newbies. Everyone else seems to know each other, and the group around > you changes every hour. > > Having a mentor or mentors helps show us ways of being a genealogist. What > also made a major difference for me was finding friends in my "generation" > of new genealogists (measured by when we got serious, not actual age). And > that has happened for me almost entirely through institutes, where we spent > several days together in the same class wrestling with the same problems, > and learning from the best in the field and from each other. > > That's where you're most likely to find people who are as serious as you > are. It didn't occur to me until it happened either (a) that that was what > I needed or (b) that it would be as rewarding as the genealogy itself. > > APG can also be a place to find those people, again depending on where you > are and the nature of your local chapter, if any. We (I'm on the board) are > doing more discussion/mentoring sessions than before, so if you considered > and rejected joining in the past, you may want to look again. > > Good luck and keep posting (especially if we have missed the point to any > extent)! > > Harold > > > > On Sat, Oct 20, 2012 at 3:48 PM, Eva Goodwin <edwgoodwin@gmail.com> wrote: > >> Hi all, >> >> I'm feeling a little stuck in a rut in my genealogy path and could use >> some >> suggestions to get me going! >> >> I'm currently completing the American Records certificate from the NIGS, >> so >> I'm always working on the coursework for that. But of course the program >> itself is online and pretty self-guided. It also is great for getting me >> familiar and comfortable with all the various kinds of sources and records >> available but I think I also need to be doing other things concurrently, >> or >> working towards other things, in order to really feel like I'm moving >> forward. >> >> My eventual goal is to be CG. Eventual. And in that light, I know that >> what >> I really need to do a lot of is methodology work. And I also need social >> support - people around me who also are excited about this work who can >> help motivate me so it's not just me and my computer and my filing >> cabinet! >> >> Here are some things I feel like I might be looking for: >> - intensive in-person institutes or programs where I can meet people and >> also immerse myself in method work >> - ongoing study groups, whether in-person or interactive online >> - one-on-one mentorship with (a) more experienced genealogist(s) >> - a home learning course that is more methodology centered rather than >> records centered >> >> I am 26 years old, extremely motivated, I have an undergraduate degree >> from >> a prestigious liberal arts college and I am an excellent researcher. I >> know >> I have what it takes to be a good professional. I have already self-taught >> my genealogy research until now using books, internet, whatever I could >> get >> my hands on. But it's also hard to just do it all by myself in a vacuum. I >> went to the NGS conference in Cincinnati in the spring and it was a taste >> of how exciting it could be to be a part of this bigger thing! And I'm >> seeking people who also want to push themselves as hard as possible to >> connect with and have in my community, and seeking also learning >> opportunities that are directed towards an advanced hobbyist looking for >> the next level of learning. >> >> Any suggestions? Thanks so much :) >> >> Eva >> The Transitional Genealogists List was created to provide a supportive >> environment for genealogists to learn best practices as they transition to >> professional level work. Please respect the kind intentions of this list. >> ------------------------------- >> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to >> TRANSITIONAL-GENEALOGISTS-FORUM-request@rootsweb.com with the word >> 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message >> > > > > -- > Harold Henderson midwestroots.net > Research, Writing, and Brickwall Dismantling from Northwest Indiana > Regularly Researching at the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center > > Certified Genealogist (SM) No. 1029 > Certified Genealogist and CG are proprietary service marks > of the Board for Certification of Genealogists® used by the > Board to identify its program of genealogical competencyevaluation > and used under license by the Board’s associates. > > > >

Eva, First off, I am the Waiting List Coordinator for ProGen and woke up this morning to find your application in my Inbox. Congrats on deciding to join!  Second, re the two institutes. While I've only taken the Advanced Methodology course at SLIG, I can tell you that from what I have heard, Paula Stuart Warren's Course 1 may be what you are searching for as it is not a basic course as, say the beginner's course at IGHR, but rather more of an intermediate-level track. I have not taken it however, so hopefully you will get a better idea of what is covered and whether it is right for you from others who have taken it here.  As to IGHR, take Lloyd's Intermediate class!! This class is one of those that people talk about, a lot. Every time I go to Samford I hear people saying how much they loved it and that they would love to be able to take it again. So this one is a must! Finally, don't forget those message boards. They really can offer you some of that extra experience from time to time. You experience there can even give you that case study that would be perfect for your CG portfolio. I got this advice from a really wonderful member of this list and while it's not exactly panning out perfectly for me at the moment, you may find a hidden gem in your own locale/area of expertise. Hope this helps you, and that you get a bit more clarification on SLIG's Course 1. (And if not, you could always ask Paula herself :) ) Nikki ________________________________ From: Eva Goodwin <edwgoodwin@gmail.com> To: Harold Henderson <librarytraveler@gmail.com> Cc: transitional-genealogists-forum@rootsweb.com Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2012 1:50 AM Subject: Re: [TGF] next steps? Hi again, Thank you to those who have replied both on- and off-list with solidarity and tips/suggestions! Things I am going to jump on: - the SLIG and IGHR institutes this coming year! - looking into my local APG chapter (which is NorCal - anyone on here in that chapter?) - I applied to the ProGen study group - try to become more active in my local society (which can be tricky in terms of scheduling but should be possible) I already get the NGSQ and read all the articles and have practiced writing such articles a bit on my own. I am enrolled in NIGS and should take a closer look at their methodology courses. I am considering also doing the NGS home study course which will probably have considerable overlap with the NIGS material but repetition is not necessarily a bad thing! I do have a question about the SLIG and IGHR institutes. In looking at the courses/tracks, it is hard to identify which ones are appropriate for me. Can anyone speak to these? SLIG: Advanced Methods is sold out, but I think I probably need a somewhat more intermediate course before I would jump into that one anyway since I haven't attended any other institutes and haven't actually finished the NIGS course. But, I'm not sure which of the others is most appropriate for me. I'm worried Course 1 might be too elementary? I'm not needing as much focus on types of records as I am on problem-solving, research planning/organizing, etc. I don't want to enroll in a course that is too elementary for me when these only happen once a year, but I also don't want to enroll in something that will be too much of a stretch. Any suggestions? IGHR: Again, I won't be ready for the Advanced Methodology course with ESM. But for problem-solving and research planning/organizing focus, which would be most appropriate? Course 2? (Intermediate Genealogy and Historical Studies) Thank you all so much for input! Feeling excited and motivated today :) Eva On Sat, Oct 20, 2012 at 4:29 PM, Harold Henderson <librarytraveler@gmail.com > wrote: > Eva -- > > I echo everything Nikki and Dave said but with a little different emphasis. > > Your situation sounds a good deal like mine about five years ago -- > knowing what I wanted to do, being pretty sure I could do it (a little > *too* sure as it turned out the first time), but not being quite sure how. > Actually I think you have a better idea of what you need now than I did > then. > > Where you live makes a difference. I wound up doing three things that > helped a lot: (1) joining a ProGen group (actually, the first one); (2) > attending SLIG and Samford institutes in spite of the cost and time and > inconvenience; and (3) getting involved in my local society in a particular > way -- transcribing and abstracting projects that confronted me weekly with > original records that I could get acquainted with (outside a high-pressure > course or client context). > > NGS and other conferences are great, but they can be a lonely experience > for newbies. Everyone else seems to know each other, and the group around > you changes every hour. > > Having a mentor or mentors helps show us ways of being a genealogist. What > also made a major difference for me was finding friends in my "generation" > of new genealogists (measured by when we got serious, not actual age). And > that has happened for me almost entirely through institutes, where we spent > several days together in the same class wrestling with the same problems, > and learning from the best in the field and from each other. > > That's where you're most likely to find people who are as serious as you > are. It didn't occur to me until it happened either (a) that that was what > I needed or (b) that it would be as rewarding as the genealogy itself. > > APG can also be a place to find those people, again depending on where you > are and the nature of your local chapter, if any. We (I'm on the board) are > doing more discussion/mentoring sessions than before, so if you considered > and rejected joining in the past, you may want to look again. > > Good luck and keep posting (especially if we have missed the point to any > extent)! > > Harold > > > > On Sat, Oct 20, 2012 at 3:48 PM, Eva Goodwin <edwgoodwin@gmail.com> wrote: > >> Hi all, >> >> I'm feeling a little stuck in a rut in my genealogy path and could use >> some >> suggestions to get me going! >> >> I'm currently completing the American Records certificate from the NIGS, >> so >> I'm always working on the coursework for that. But of course the program >> itself is online and pretty self-guided. It also is great for getting me >> familiar and comfortable with all the various kinds of sources and records >> available but I think I also need to be doing other things concurrently, >> or >> working towards other things, in order to really feel like I'm moving >> forward. >> >> My eventual goal is to be CG. Eventual. And in that light, I know that >> what >> I really need to do a lot of is methodology work. And I also need social >> support - people around me who also are excited about this work who can >> help motivate me so it's not just me and my computer and my filing >> cabinet! >> >> Here are some things I feel like I might be looking for: >> - intensive in-person institutes or programs where I can meet people and >> also immerse myself in method work >> - ongoing study groups, whether in-person or interactive online >> - one-on-one mentorship with (a) more experienced genealogist(s) >> - a home learning course that is more methodology centered rather than >> records centered >> >> I am 26 years old, extremely motivated, I have an undergraduate degree >> from >> a prestigious liberal arts college and I am an excellent researcher. I >> know >> I have what it takes to be a good professional. I have already self-taught >> my genealogy research until now using books, internet, whatever I could >> get >> my hands on. But it's also hard to just do it all by myself in a vacuum. I >> went to the NGS conference in Cincinnati in the spring and it was a taste >> of how exciting it could be to be a part of this bigger thing! And I'm >> seeking people who also want to push themselves as hard as possible to >> connect with and have in my community, and seeking also learning >> opportunities that are directed towards an advanced hobbyist looking for >> the next level of learning. >> >> Any suggestions? Thanks so much :) >> >> Eva >> The Transitional Genealogists List was created to provide a supportive >> environment for genealogists to learn best practices as they transition to >> professional level work. Please respect the kind intentions of this list. >> ------------------------------- >> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to >> TRANSITIONAL-GENEALOGISTS-FORUM-request@rootsweb.com with the word >> 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message >> > > > > -- > Harold Henderson            midwestroots.net > Research, Writing, and Brickwall Dismantling from Northwest Indiana > Regularly Researching at the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center > > Certified Genealogist (SM) No. 1029 > Certified Genealogist and CG are proprietary service marks > of the Board for Certification of Genealogists® used by the > Board to identify its program of genealogical competencyevaluation > and used under license by the Board’s associates. > > > > The Transitional Genealogists List was created to provide a supportive environment for genealogists to learn best practices as they transition to professional level work. Please respect the kind intentions of this list. ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to TRANSITIONAL-GENEALOGISTS-FORUM-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Eva, First a disclaimer; I am the director of the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. That said, I would highly recommend Paula Stuart-Warren's American Research and Records course. Note that this course is offered in two parts alternated each year. To get the full experience you would take Paula's for two years and then Tom's Advanced Methods. One of the best pieces of Paula's course are one-on-one consultations at the Family History Library. I've heard many self-taught students describe their experience in Paula's course as cementing their education foundation. It's so much easier to build on a sure foundation. Feel free to send me any questions you may have. Christy Fillerup On Oct 21, 2012, at 12:50 AM, Eva Goodwin <edwgoodwin@gmail.com> wrote: > Hi again, > > Thank you to those who have replied both on- and off-list with solidarity > and tips/suggestions! Things I am going to jump on: > > - the SLIG and IGHR institutes this coming year! > - looking into my local APG chapter (which is NorCal - anyone on here in > that chapter?) > - I applied to the ProGen study group > - try to become more active in my local society (which can be tricky in > terms of scheduling but should be possible) > > I already get the NGSQ and read all the articles and have practiced writing > such articles a bit on my own. I am enrolled in NIGS and should take a > closer look at their methodology courses. I am considering also doing the > NGS home study course which will probably have considerable overlap with > the NIGS material but repetition is not necessarily a bad thing! > > I do have a question about the SLIG and IGHR institutes. In looking at the > courses/tracks, it is hard to identify which ones are appropriate for me. > Can anyone speak to these? > > SLIG: > Advanced Methods is sold out, but I think I probably need a somewhat more > intermediate course before I would jump into that one anyway since I > haven't attended any other institutes and haven't actually finished the > NIGS course. But, I'm not sure which of the others is most appropriate for > me. I'm worried Course 1 might be too elementary? I'm not needing as much > focus on types of records as I am on problem-solving, research > planning/organizing, etc. I don't want to enroll in a course that is too > elementary for me when these only happen once a year, but I also don't want > to enroll in something that will be too much of a stretch. Any suggestions? > > IGHR: > Again, I won't be ready for the Advanced Methodology course with ESM. But > for problem-solving and research planning/organizing focus, which would be > most appropriate? Course 2? (Intermediate Genealogy and Historical Studies) > > Thank you all so much for input! Feeling excited and motivated today :) > > Eva > > On Sat, Oct 20, 2012 at 4:29 PM, Harold Henderson <librarytraveler@gmail.com >> wrote: > >> Eva -- >> >> I echo everything Nikki and Dave said but with a little different emphasis. >> >> Your situation sounds a good deal like mine about five years ago -- >> knowing what I wanted to do, being pretty sure I could do it (a little >> *too* sure as it turned out the first time), but not being quite sure how. >> Actually I think you have a better idea of what you need now than I did >> then. >> >> Where you live makes a difference. I wound up doing three things that >> helped a lot: (1) joining a ProGen group (actually, the first one); (2) >> attending SLIG and Samford institutes in spite of the cost and time and >> inconvenience; and (3) getting involved in my local society in a particular >> way -- transcribing and abstracting projects that confronted me weekly with >> original records that I could get acquainted with (outside a high-pressure >> course or client context). >> >> NGS and other conferences are great, but they can be a lonely experience >> for newbies. Everyone else seems to know each other, and the group around >> you changes every hour. >> >> Having a mentor or mentors helps show us ways of being a genealogist. What >> also made a major difference for me was finding friends in my "generation" >> of new genealogists (measured by when we got serious, not actual age). And >> that has happened for me almost entirely through institutes, where we spent >> several days together in the same class wrestling with the same problems, >> and learning from the best in the field and from each other. >> >> That's where you're most likely to find people who are as serious as you >> are. It didn't occur to me until it happened either (a) that that was what >> I needed or (b) that it would be as rewarding as the genealogy itself. >> >> APG can also be a place to find those people, again depending on where you >> are and the nature of your local chapter, if any. We (I'm on the board) are >> doing more discussion/mentoring sessions than before, so if you considered >> and rejected joining in the past, you may want to look again. >> >> Good luck and keep posting (especially if we have missed the point to any >> extent)! >> >> Harold >> >> >> >> On Sat, Oct 20, 2012 at 3:48 PM, Eva Goodwin <edwgoodwin@gmail.com> wrote: >> >>> Hi all, >>> >>> I'm feeling a little stuck in a rut in my genealogy path and could use >>> some >>> suggestions to get me going! >>> >>> I'm currently completing the American Records certificate from the NIGS, >>> so >>> I'm always working on the coursework for that. But of course the program >>> itself is online and pretty self-guided. It also is great for getting me >>> familiar and comfortable with all the various kinds of sources and records >>> available but I think I also need to be doing other things concurrently, >>> or >>> working towards other things, in order to really feel like I'm moving >>> forward. >>> >>> My eventual goal is to be CG. Eventual. And in that light, I know that >>> what >>> I really need to do a lot of is methodology work. And I also need social >>> support - people around me who also are excited about this work who can >>> help motivate me so it's not just me and my computer and my filing >>> cabinet! >>> >>> Here are some things I feel like I might be looking for: >>> - intensive in-person institutes or programs where I can meet people and >>> also immerse myself in method work >>> - ongoing study groups, whether in-person or interactive online >>> - one-on-one mentorship with (a) more experienced genealogist(s) >>> - a home learning course that is more methodology centered rather than >>> records centered >>> >>> I am 26 years old, extremely motivated, I have an undergraduate degree >>> from >>> a prestigious liberal arts college and I am an excellent researcher. I >>> know >>> I have what it takes to be a good professional. I have already self-taught >>> my genealogy research until now using books, internet, whatever I could >>> get >>> my hands on. But it's also hard to just do it all by myself in a vacuum. I >>> went to the NGS conference in Cincinnati in the spring and it was a taste >>> of how exciting it could be to be a part of this bigger thing! And I'm >>> seeking people who also want to push themselves as hard as possible to >>> connect with and have in my community, and seeking also learning >>> opportunities that are directed towards an advanced hobbyist looking for >>> the next level of learning. >>> >>> Any suggestions? Thanks so much :) >>> >>> Eva >>> The Transitional Genealogists List was created to provide a supportive >>> environment for genealogists to learn best practices as they transition to >>> professional level work. Please respect the kind intentions of this list. >>> ------------------------------- >>> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to >>> TRANSITIONAL-GENEALOGISTS-FORUM-request@rootsweb.com with the word >>> 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message >> >> >> >> -- >> Harold Henderson midwestroots.net >> Research, Writing, and Brickwall Dismantling from Northwest Indiana >> Regularly Researching at the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center >> >> Certified Genealogist (SM) No. 1029 >> Certified Genealogist and CG are proprietary service marks >> of the Board for Certification of Genealogists® used by the >> Board to identify its program of genealogical competencyevaluation >> and used under license by the Board’s associates. > The Transitional Genealogists List was created to provide a supportive environment for genealogists to learn best practices as they transition to professional level work. Please respect the kind intentions of this list. > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to TRANSITIONAL-GENEALOGISTS-FORUM-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

> -----Original Message----- > From: On Behalf Of Eva Goodwin > Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2012 2:51 AM > > I do have a question about the SLIG and IGHR institutes. In looking at the courses/tracks, > it is hard to identify which ones are appropriate for me. > Can anyone speak to these? > Eva, It sounds like you are on the right "track" <g>. As a co-director of the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) I can also tell you that Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, will be doing an Intermediate course in July 2013 in Pittsburgh. Exact topics should be up on the website next month but you can still see the website for what was done in last year's course (along with photos). There are also other courses in various topics at this and the other institutes taught by top-notch instructors. What is your focus? What are your strengths and weaknesses in knowledge and learning styles? What kind of time can you devote to learning? Budget? These are all considerations that should be explored. The APG Professional Management Conference (PMC) in March will have a session on how to put the answers to these questions into a personal educational plan that makes sense to your abilities and limitations in all these areas. It is an update and workshop (where you take away your plan) to the video lecture on the APG website that I did for them at a previous PMC. This is a question that plagues us all: how can I be most efficient (time and budget) in my educational plan with so many opportunities out there? Which ones overlap? Which ones are sequential? Which ones lead to my personal goals? There is no one answer for everyone but we all do need to explore the opportunities. Best, Elissa in Pittsburgh Elissa Scalise Powell, CG, CGL www.PowellGenealogy.com www.GRIPitt.org CG, Certified Genealogist, CGL, and Certified Genealogical Lecturer are Service Marks of the Board for Certification of Genealogists, used under license by board certificants after periodic evaluations by the Board and the board name is a trademark registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office.