What are the benefits of being a student member of TSGC?

The TSGC is a great resource for education and networking. TSGC holds its own AEC in different locations throughout Texas where genetic counselors and other healthcare providers who collaborate with genetic counselors meet and present different topics for discussion. If you are considering staying in Texas as a professional, TSGC provides an opportunity for connecting with other Texas counselors and learning about job opportunities.

Being a member of TSGC also gives you access to information regarding Texas licensure for genetic counselors and the chance to advocate for legislative issues impacting this profession. See the section on Licensure for more details.

What past genetic counseling students have said about being members of the TSGC:

“Being involved in TSGC helped me to appreciate the large, active network of genetic counselors in Texas who are working to promote the genetic counseling field and inspired me to consider how I could get involved when I graduated.” – UT GCP program graduate

“Attending the TSGC AEC during graduate school gave me a great perspective on how genetic counselors go beyond their tradition roles to advocate for this field and educate the patient community.” – UT GCP program graduate “The TSGC helped me, as a student, see all the possibilities for a genetic counselor right here in the Lone Star state.” – UT GCP program graduate

How do I start my job search?

The NSGC website is a great resource for this information. Students are encouraged to register for an NSGC student membership. Members can access the “Job Connection” site through the “Member Center” tab at nsgc.org. Listings of positions usually include the job ID and title (GC, clinic coordinator, research coordinator; full-time vs. part-time), requirements (typically “Must have Master's degree in Genetic Counseling and must be a BC/BE Genetic Counselor”), description of job, and contact information.

• NSGC Job Search Manual and Perspectives Newsletter: Can be ordered through NSGC’s publication’s section click here

• Genetic meetings/conferences: The NSGC website provides a list of upcoming regional and national meetings. This is a great place to establish contacts in the locations you are considering for employment and network with potential employers and colleagues. Some conferences have a bulletin board with job postings. The NSGC annual AEC always has a job post board where you can browse for possible positions and possibly arrange an informal meeting with the contact person for the position, if they are in attendance.

• Asking around: The genetic counseling community is very inter-connected. Ask supervisors and program directors about potential opportunities or about the possibility of creating a job for yourself.

How do I decide on the right position for me?

There are many things to take in to consideration when starting your job search. These include:

• Location: do you have a particular city or region in mind?
• Type of position: prenatal, pediatric, cancer, adult, nontraditional
• Setting: academic, corporate, private practice

Professional Status Surveys (PSS) are also available through the NSGC website on the “About Us” drop-down menu. If you are a member, you have access to the most recent PSS. The PSS provides extensive information derived from practicing genetic counselors throughout the world, describing demographics, salary, job satisfaction, and other interesting facts that you may find valuable in your career pursuit. If you are not a member, you can purchase the PSS.