Employers
Genetic genealogists are employed by for-profit companies that provide DNA analysis services to customers. Major companies include 23andMe, AncestryDNA, FamilyTreeDNA, MyHeritage DNA, Sequencing.com, and HomeDNA. Genetic genealogists also work for police departments and other law enforcement agencies, government agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, and private forensic science consulting firms. Others work as researchers and professors at colleges and universities.
Starting Out
Many genetic genealogists break into this field after obtaining extensive experience in traditional genealogy. They take classes in genetic genealogy, genetics, and forensic science that are offered by professional associations, for-profit education companies, and colleges and universities to build their skills. They gradually take on more and more genetic genealogy–related assignments until they are qualified to work in the field full time.
Genetic genealogists can learn about job openings via law enforcement or genealogy career fairs and related events, via their personal and professional networks, and by contacting potential employers directly about potential job openings.
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