2 answers
Olivia
Student
Dalton, Massachusetts
4
Questions
Asked
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similar jobs to a geneticist
I am a student that thrives in my STEM classes. I also have good social skills, especially with children and people with special needs. My dream job would be a genetic counselor that meets with families who are about to have a child with a genetic disorder, to meet with those families in the future to check in, and to study the genes of individuals. I fear that there is not a job that allows me to do all three.
#stem
#geneticist
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2 answers
Krista Larkin
HEDIS Supervisor
6
Answers
Walled Lake, Michigan
Updated
Krista’s Answer
Hi Olivia!
I majored in Genomics and Molecular Genetics in college, and I would say that being a Genetic Counselor sounds right up your alley if you want to be able to meet with families and have that social aspect, while also interpreting genetic information/results! Keep in mind that in order to be a Genetic Counselor, you have to apply for a Master's program after you receive your undergraduate degree (6 years total). In the meantime, I would do some job shadowing to determine if this is the career path for you, or if you'd prefer another profession.
Hope this helps!
Krista
I majored in Genomics and Molecular Genetics in college, and I would say that being a Genetic Counselor sounds right up your alley if you want to be able to meet with families and have that social aspect, while also interpreting genetic information/results! Keep in mind that in order to be a Genetic Counselor, you have to apply for a Master's program after you receive your undergraduate degree (6 years total). In the meantime, I would do some job shadowing to determine if this is the career path for you, or if you'd prefer another profession.
Hope this helps!
Krista
Your response was very helpful, thank you so much.
Olivia
Peyton Nunley
Genetic Counselor
3
Answers
Boulder, Colorado
Updated
Peyton’s Answer
Olivia,
I am a genetic counselor, and it sounds like you are interested in the field. Often patients are seen by genetic counselors through various stages of a diagnosis and family planning and in turn life. Seeing individuals throughout their life is very appealing to many individuals. In genetic counseling, we often see patients only a few times and do not follow with them long term. There are some instances though where there may be longer interactions like you described.
-Medical genetics setting: often these patients are seen every year or every few years for updated testing or updates to health related to a specific condition. A genetic counselor may have an opportunity to interact with families over time through this model.
-Research studies: Genetic counselors can work in research settings, which in some cases may lead to long-term interactions with patients and their families (depending on the study of course)
-Advocacy work: Genetic counselors (and many other types of professionals) can work with or as a part of advocacy groups. This also may allow for a longer term relationship as you described above.
You may find the following helpful:
- https://www.nsgc.org/About/About-Genetic-Counselors
I am a genetic counselor, and it sounds like you are interested in the field. Often patients are seen by genetic counselors through various stages of a diagnosis and family planning and in turn life. Seeing individuals throughout their life is very appealing to many individuals. In genetic counseling, we often see patients only a few times and do not follow with them long term. There are some instances though where there may be longer interactions like you described.
-Medical genetics setting: often these patients are seen every year or every few years for updated testing or updates to health related to a specific condition. A genetic counselor may have an opportunity to interact with families over time through this model.
-Research studies: Genetic counselors can work in research settings, which in some cases may lead to long-term interactions with patients and their families (depending on the study of course)
-Advocacy work: Genetic counselors (and many other types of professionals) can work with or as a part of advocacy groups. This also may allow for a longer term relationship as you described above.
You may find the following helpful:
- https://www.nsgc.org/About/About-Genetic-Counselors