This is one of the most in depth genealogical educational experiences I’ve had.  It fills a much-needed gap in regards to writing and feedback.  Like ProGen, this Practicum was intensive, what you put into it, is what you will get out of it, both with writing and feedback.  It is not a commitment you can simply breeze through.  I really wasn’t surprised by how much time I spent on each assignment, and when I saw how many hours my peers were committing, I knew this group was going to be successful for me.  During the Practicum I realized I knew more than I thought, but that knowledge was rough and needed polishing.  After finishing the Practicum, I am more aware of how to incorporate the GPS and BCG rubrics.  I am also aware of the aspects I need to continue to work on before I apply for certification.

Thinking about going “on the clock” for BCG certification?  Don’t think you are ready just yet?  The ProGen Practicum program honed my skills and provided helpful critiques on assignments that mimic the portfolio requirements. It took what I learned in both the Boston University Genealogical Certificate Program and ProGen and took it to the next level.  Feedback from smart, like-minded peers and our knowledgeable credentialed mentor ensured we met genealogy standards and provided areas for improvement.  I gained the confidence to pursue my next step on the journey for certification and feel more ready than ever.

Coming to the genealogy profession later in life, I jumped right into the Boston University Genealogical Certificate Program followed by ProGen. Along the way, I took institute courses, watched webinars, and participated in local, state, and national society meetings and conferences. I aspired to gain certification through BCG but was always looking for the next educational opportunity to make me feel like I was ready to go on the clock. The ProGen Practicum was the best test of my overall ability to meet Genealogical Standards and closely follow the BCG rubrics to determine my readiness. Having the group prepare a common proof argument and common KDP using the same research was an exciting method of learning. Reading and providing feedback to peers where we all came to know our subjects was my favorite piece of the practicum. Receiving excellent mentor feedback following the peer reviews meant so much. I learned from my peers and mentor things I didn’t have experience with before. The collaborative effort of all of our personal experiences as professional genealogists was invaluable. I witnessed growth amongst each class member, and especially myself. This practicum experience was worth every minute and was truly a culmination of my journey towards certification.

Practicum – one word, WOW! This course took my writing to a new level. ProGen is a good start but Practicum picks up where ProGen leaves off. We concentrated on proof arguments, family narratives and document work. We dug into the nooks and crannies of each. What really makes this course sing are the students – our group was highly motivated and dedicated. Each of us was committed to being honest with our feedback. Yes, sometimes the feedback stung a little bit but I signed up for honest feedback. And I got it. And it made me a better writer. And gave me more confidence for my ultimate goal – to submit a portfolio. Be prepared to work at this. One piece of advice. Start working immediately on each project – none of them can really be left to the last week! Practicum is the best course I have taken on writing. Again, one word – WOW!

I not only learned a great deal about the BCG application instructions and how to apply them to the work elements, but I also learned about my strengths and weaknesses as a genealogist. I was surprised how much my peers and I improved our writing and organizational skills. We are all experienced genealogists. We’ve produced case studies, KDPs, and document analysis before, but none of us had tackled the projects quite like this. This was eye opening. Excellent learning opportunity.

The Practicum is the pinnacle of similarly formatted classes. By the time you’re done with the Practicum, you’ll see an exponential increase in your documentation skills. You’ll elevate your work to the highest standards. If you want to know you are ready to create your portfolio or if you want to answer all the “how to” questions about the required element work pieces, this is the Practicum for you. At the end of the Practicum, you’ll either know that you’re ready and be fully prepared to start working on your portfolio or you’ll know exactly what and how to improve.

My experience in the ProGen Practicum has gone far beyond my expectations. I recently completed ProGen 49 and valued the experience and the connections I made with my colleagues; Practicum took that to the next level for me.

First and foremost, Jan Joyce is a terrific coach and mentor. The design of the 10-month program included challenging assignments aligned with the BCG portfolio elements, encouraged dedicated participation, and provided engaging discussions with colleagues. Know you aren’t alone though – you will have a cohort of other genealogists with whom you will likely develop a wonderful, close friendship.

This is an intensive course; be prepared to dive in deep and spend time understanding your weaknesses. Since taking the program, I understand the BCG application process and the rubrics far more than I had before. I am more confident in my genealogical writing, analysis, and research skills. If I question something I am working on, I go back to the copious amounts of notes and feedback I have received to refresh my memory on the best approach. All of this was valuable, and I plan on “going on the clock” for certification in 2023!