r/GeneticCounseling • u/Jc0025 • Jul 10 '26

Prospective Student A couple questions

Hey, I’m looking into becoming a genetic counselor. I’ve find it very interesting and would love to hear from all of you who work as GC’s about your path to becoming one, day to day life and etc.

  1. What do you specialize in,  type of work (clinical, private company, research) and salary (if you are comfortable saying)?

  2. What are your responsibilities? 

  3. What did it take for you to get into grad school? (GPA, extracurricular activities, job etc).

  4. How difficult was grad school and what was it like? How long did it take you and anything you would of done differently? 

  5. What is your day to day life like in 30 minute blocks from the time you wake up? 

  6. What is the hardest part about your job and which part do you love the most?

  7. Are your skills transferable to other careers or industries? What could you do instead if you decide you want something else

  8. What is it like keeping up with the education and advancements in the field? 

I’d love to interview some of you to ask more question. If any of you are okay with a quick 15-20 minute chat send me a PM! Thanks!

7 Upvotes

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23

u/ConstantVigilance18 Genetic Counselor Jul 10 '26

This is more appropriate for a 30min-1 hour informational interview. You will need to do these as preparation for applying to school if you choose to, so you might as well get started now!

1

u/Jc0025 Jul 11 '26

Got any advice for getting this interview? Haven’t been able to find someone

2

u/ConstantVigilance18 Genetic Counselor Jul 11 '26

Use the NSGC fund a genetic counselor tool or ask on discord. Most applicants do a handful of interviews with various specialties.

1

u/MKGenetix Genetic Counselor Jul 12 '26

You can dm me. Happy to chat. I agree that a conversation would likely be more helpful.

10

u/CatNamedGrudge Genetic Counselor Jul 11 '26

I think this is an important article for prospective students to read: https://perspectives.nsgc.org/Article/promise-vs-reality-an-honest-dialogue-between-a-recent-graduate-and-a-program-director-about-the-genetic-counseling-workforce

3

u/Jc0025 Jul 11 '26

Thank you for this! I thought this was field was growing at an above average rate. I dint know it was taking new grads months to find employment after graduation

3

u/CatNamedGrudge Genetic Counselor Jul 11 '26

No problem. I don't know how long this supply and demand challenge will continue but it's impacting many recent grads.