So I finally found out what job I really want to have. I want to become a Genetic Counselor. It combines my interests and desires perfectly. Some of the things it can entail are working with expecting parents who discover they are going to have a disabled child, or working with people who can't get pregnant. You do genetic tests, make medical family trees, analyze things, and then work with people to help them figure out what they should do. It has the 'figuring out' part of science that I like, and the 'people interaction' part of psychology I like. The classes for grad school sound really interesting too. Different genetic classes, counceling and psychology classes. It's what I've been looking for!
I think Giselle may have told me about this, along with some others, and I finally looked into it last night. I found it IS what I want, but I found out some other things too.
If you thought Molecular Genetics was a difficult major, think again. To become a Genetic Counselor you must be certified as a genetic counselor. The certification requires you have a certain education from a few select colleges.
How few? 27. That's right, I'd have to go to 1 of 27 colleges in the US to get my MS in Genetic Counseling. But these 27 colleges are VERY select. They each take 4-8 students a year. One decided not to open enrollment for next year. With an average of 6 students accepted into these programs a year, that means the US takes about 162 students a year into the Genetic Counseling masters program. WOW. On top of that, the certification test is only offered once every three years.
So now I must think to myself... No matter how badly I want it, is it realistic for me to make it in this field? I've never been in that high a part of my class. I have no idea how many people are interested in this field. If I can make it, I will have no problem finding a job out of college. But if I don't get in, what would I do?
So I'll keep thinking about it, and probably start trying to prepare a good resume, but I'll also find another route, and apply to both when I apply for graduate schools.
At least I have 2 more years to figure all of this out!!
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4 comments:
YAY, A! I think this career would be the perfect blend of your talents and interests. You are way to social to be stuck in a lab-- I always envisioned you applying science in a more social way. A counselor of some sort is more your "thing." If you're more interested in this kind of thing, my friend Astrid knows someone who does this for a living. Love you!!--K
Yikes! That is selective! I wonder if there are other jobs out there that are similar but don't require that particular master's degree? Maybe you could get an internship at a clinic or reproductive specialist's office to rub elbows or even just to ask a lot of questions.
I DID tell you about this a long time ago...I'm glad you're finally listening to me ;) Listening to people doesn't always mean it's right, unfortunately. If I had a nickel for every person who told me I'd be a great teacher...I wouldn't need to work at all. Oh wait, I don't work. Hmmmm...
Oh, and one more thing. Your post shows that you posted it at 7:30 am. What the HELL are you doing getting up that early??? Sleep in, man! College is the time when a 9 am class is TORTURE.
haha so about that... My blog doesn't like to post right after I write a comment, it won't show up right away. I definitely did not wake up until 9a.m. today. And I wrote it last night before bed... hmmm... don't know why that is...
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