A Day in the Life of a Researcher

ISHA ADAMS – Research Manager

No day is the same at Fraser and Fraser, specifically for our Researchers. We recently spoke with Research Manager, Isha Adams who provides us with some insight into the wonderful world or probate research and genealogy. As one of our longest serving staff members, Isha has seen it all, back when research was very different. Over to you Isha!

Starting off with the ice breaker questions:

Coffee or Tea? Coffee

Movies of TV Shows? TV Shows

15-minutes of fame?

I was walking down Hatton Garden about 10 years ago and a man that works on the street stopped me to say that he was in the doctors that morning and saw me on TV! (He assumed I was a jeweller…)

How long have you worked at Fraser and Fraser? 15-years!

What does a typical day look like in your job?

The thing I love about my job is that no two days are the same – I can come in to no emails or I can come in and have 10 jobs waiting to be started. It’s important to make sure the right Researcher is doing the right job; as we have a varied amount in terms of competitiveness, value, international research and just some that are genuinely tricky.

What is your favourite part of your job?

My favourite part is, and always has been Research. After being trained it just comes really naturally, sometimes people will ask how you’ve found someone and it’s really an accomplishment. I’m lucky that I get to do a managerial role as well as doing research.

What is the most challenging aspect?

We have a lot more issues with the change in GDPR – you sued to be able to put in very little information and be able to trawl through lots of different information until you found what you need but now it’s changed so you use the more ‘long game’ type of research.

What led you to this career choice?

I was working as a receptionist for a building firm in Camberwell and I knew it wasn’t for me – I applied for lots of jobs one day and Fraser and Fraser asked me for an interview (luckily they preferred no experience).

How did you become a Researcher?

After applying for several different jobs, and gaining an interview with Fraser and Fraser – I was accepted for the role as Researcher. It wasn’t a career I thought I would have, it was different, something new. At first the research wasn’t computer based and I had to work big tape machines in the dark, I absolutely hated it! Luckily, after a year or so, nearly all records were available online. I haven’t looked back since!

What advice would you give someone considering to be a Researcher in the genealogy industry?

I would say if you’re into family history – then it’s not the job for you! Our main focus is getting heirs up-to-date rather than looking back at their family history (although you do end up getting interesting information from family members!)

What’s been your biggest achievement to date?

Being trusted to manage the Research team, I’m glad the partners put their trust in me – and if I say so myself, we are a very good team!

And finally,

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

Definitely time travel – it would be amazing to just spend the weekend in different decades!