Prospective Applicant Experiences

 As we finish one application cycle and prepare to enter another, many individuals are wondering how they can improve their applications to have the best chance of matching with a genetic counseling program. It’s important to have experiences that prepare someone for entering graduate school as well as the field of genetic counseling. Shadowing genetic counselors is a classic example of this, but there are actually many more potential experiences individuals can consider.

 

If you want to become a genetic counselor, the most important thing you need is exposure to the field -- essentially, learning what it means to be a genetic counselor to ensure that it’s what you really want to do. Shadowing is the most hands-on way to do this, but finding opportunities can be difficult. There aren’t many genetic counselors compared to other healthcare providers, and they tend to cluster in larger cities, making it harder for individuals in rural areas. Healthcare systems also might place restrictions on whether individuals are allowed to shadow genetic counselors during sessions with patients, even when we’re not in the midst of a pandemic. If you can get shadowing experience, great! If not, here are some other resources!

 

Talk to genetic counselors -- by phone, by email, by whatever means you can. At www.nsgc.org, you can search for genetic counselors who are open to being contacted by individuals interested in the profession. Asking questions of genetic counselors practicing in a variety of settings is a great way to learn about genetic counseling straight from the source. This will help give you an idea of their day-to-day life, their favorite and least favorite parts about their job, and whatever else you’re interested in. Genetic counselors love helping prospective applicants, so don’t be afraid to reach out!

 

Educate yourself. There’s a whole host of media out there for you -- podcasts, books, seminars, webinars and more. These can teach you not only about what the field of genetic counseling is like in general, but also about specific genetic syndromes, legal debates, issues within the profession, and more. Use these resources to round out your understanding of the field.

 

This isn’t a comprehensive list of ways to get exposure to the field, but it’s a good starting place if you’re feeling a little lost. Anything that helps you learn about genetic counseling counts! Just remember to list it somewhere in your application -- if you don’t, how will programs know all the work you did?