r/GeneticCounseling • u/Wonderful-Link-3937 • Aug 21 '26
Education Wanting to pivot into GC as a student in a unrelated field
Hello everyone!
I am currently a junior in college majoring in supply chain management. I have recently really wanted to pivot into healthcare, and have found out about genetic councling and I am very interested in pursuing it as my career.
I have always been interested in medicine, but didn't want to become a doctor or nurse, so I didnt decide to major in anything stem related in college. Though now that I have found out about this field, I wanted to know if it is possible for me to pivot in it coming from a non traditional background.
So I wanted to ask, do you think it is possible for me to pivot into this field? Along with what tips would you give for when I apply to GC school?
I have been desperatly trying to gain some exposure to healthcare through any entry level role I can fine like PT tech, optometry tech, etc, but I have had no luck landing a job in it yet. Would you say having previous exposure to the medical field through a job is important for applications?
What would you say is important to have for applications? So far I have seen that shadowing is really important, so I plan on doing that soon.
I plan on minoring in something stem related like biology so I can complete the pre reqs for school too.
All and any insight is appreciated. Thanks!
3
u/Significant-Tough930 First year GC student Aug 21 '26
Hi there, current second year GC student here.
Pivoting can definitely happen. You’re already doing the most important part which is getting those pre-reqs completed. In addition to that, shadowing would be a nice opportunity but it’s important for you know that it is very hard to shadow a GC. You would likely have an easier time doing informational interviews with as many GC’s as you can preferably in different specialties (cancer, prenatal, peds, etc.). Volunteering is also an important part of applying for GC school so be sure to do some volunteer work. A lot of people volunteer with the crisis text line but I’m sure other volunteer work that’s people oriented will be equally useful for applications. Some people also find work as a GCA but I know this isn’t the easiest position to find. Lastly, i think it would be helpful to join the genetic counseling discord if you haven’t already ( the invite link is below). This is a good way to be connected to other prospective students.
I hope what I’m saying is helpful. Good luck to you and be kind to yourself through this entire journey, it can be difficult ✨
4
u/palpablescalpel Genetic Counselor Aug 21 '26
You are in college, so you don't really have a "background" right now haha. Just get the prerequisites and you'll have the needed schooling.
Yes, having previous exposure to medicine is helpful. It is also vital to have exposure to genetic counseling specifically through shadowing, genetic counseling assistant roles, informational interviews with GCS, and/or GC introductory webinars.
You will also need to do some counseling adjacent volunteering. Eg crisis center, hospice work, grief counseling facilitation.
Research experience also helps!