Hi Katie! Stumbled upon your video while making my resume for a GCA position, was wondering if shadowing experience or any volunteer experiences should be noted?
are you able to expand on specific experiences in applicants that stood out to you? I am currently working in behavioral health in a clinical setting, have previously worked as an administrative assistant at a home health care business and as a barista at starbucks, I have a bachelors in biology and concentrated my upper level course work on genetics and I still am not even getting the time of day from employers hiring GCAs in my area! I know the roles are extremely competitive so I am looking for experiences to help me be a more desirable and qualified applicant!
Hi Katie! I have been watching your videos for awhile now and is a big fan! I am very interested to become a genetic counselor. I am an undergrad student (currently at community college and is transferring to UC or Cal State). I got accepted to all of the schools I have applied to (UCLA, UCI, UCSD, UCSB, CPP, CSULA, CSUF), I was wondering does it matter which school I transfer to, to get into a genetic counseling program? And if so, which school should I go to? Ps. I am a biology major. Do I need to take a minor in genetics to become a genetics counselor? Thank you so much in advance for your help! :)
Hi Tania! Thanks so much for watching! So here's the thing about genetic counseling- it doesn't matter what school you go to or what your major is. What's much more important is that you take all of the prereqs required to apply, gain advocacy experience, get an understanding of genetic counseling by attending webinars, interviewing GCs, shadowing GCs and get good grades! There are genetic counselors who are theater majors, art majors, communication majors. So study what your passionate about as long as you take all prereqs. Different programs have different requirements so be sure to review what classes are required on each programs website!
I've applied to a few and have been told twice that I am overqualified for the position. It is very disheartening considering I would love the experience.
@@timbria3200 thanks for your comment Timbria. That is really disheartening. I have two thoughts 1-address it in your cover letter and explain that while you have all of this experience you are seeking a GCA experience to.....(fill in the blank). Option 2- play the game: remove some of your experiences that you feel make you look overqualified from you resume. Try to go for the very clearly qualified but not over the top feel. It's unfortunate that you would have to do this, but there is no rule that you must include everything on your resume (unless stated). This might help you get your foot in the door.
@@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248 Thank you so much for replying and the advice. The interesting part is I feel I have already shrunk my resume to just the bare minimum things I feel prepares for the roles, so I'm not exactly sure what they want. But I'll take another go at it. In regards to option 1, I will definitely give that a try, I hadn't thought of that before. Thank you again!
@@timbria3200 I think driving it home in the cover letter by saying something like, "while I have extensive experience in X and Y, I am hoping to begin to learn or grow in A and B." would resonate with reviewers. Another thought is to very kindly ask previous companies you applied to for detailed feedback. Even posing the question you posed here, like "thank you for explaining your concerns regarding my application and interview. I am really hoping to secure a GCA role to learn X and Y. Could you please provide specific feedback as to how I could present myself as a stronger candidate." I am personally so proud of rejected candidates who reach out for feedback, it might even make me consider them for future openings. Not all companies will be able to make the time for a detailed response, but some may give you really helpful feedback.
@@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248 Yes, I’m very big on asking for feedback. That’s how I found out about this trend of being overqualified. The two companies I’ve asked were open with the feedback. But, I’ll definitely add something like your suggestion into my cover letter!
Hi Katie, I work for my dad as an administrative assistant (salaried) and I’m not sure if I could include that on my resume. I feel like it would be inappropriate since he is my dad but a lot of the traits and characteristics of a GCA overlap with my current tasks and duties. I am looking into getting another job over the summer as a camp counselor to enhance my team building and communication. Should I leave out my experience for my dad and include the summer camp counselor job instead?
I would DEFINITELY include your work as an AA. If it has helped you with organization, time management, interpersonal skills, or any other skills relevant to genetic counseling, include it! Be ready to discuss in interviews.
Hi Katie! I actually have a year of experience as a veterinary assistant…in this job I gained experience using medical software, calling clients, and a lot of other experience requirements that GCA positions want. Do you think this would translate? Is there a specific way I should highlight this?
I am so sorry I missed your comment. This is INCREDIBLY translatable. Calling patients, scheduling visits, using medical documentation software, preparing medical records/case prep- that is what most GCAs do. I would put that experience front and center, at the very top of your resume and lift out each of those points. If possible it is nice to quantify things, though this does not always work. "Scheduled 20 appointments daily, triaged X calls from upset and worried pet-owners each day. Used X medical software to y" I would be thrilled to see an applicant come through with this type of experience.
Very helpful information. Thank you!
Hi Katie! Stumbled upon your video while making my resume for a GCA position, was wondering if shadowing experience or any volunteer experiences should be noted?
are you able to expand on specific experiences in applicants that stood out to you? I am currently working in behavioral health in a clinical setting, have previously worked as an administrative assistant at a home health care business and as a barista at starbucks, I have a bachelors in biology and concentrated my upper level course work on genetics and I still am not even getting the time of day from employers hiring GCAs in my area! I know the roles are extremely competitive so I am looking for experiences to help me be a more desirable and qualified applicant!
Hi Katie! I have been watching your videos for awhile now and is a big fan! I am very interested to become a genetic counselor. I am an undergrad student (currently at community college and is transferring to UC or Cal State). I got accepted to all of the schools I have applied to (UCLA, UCI, UCSD, UCSB, CPP, CSULA, CSUF), I was wondering does it matter which school I transfer to, to get into a genetic counseling program? And if so, which school should I go to? Ps. I am a biology major. Do I need to take a minor in genetics to become a genetics counselor? Thank you so much in advance for your help! :)
Hi Tania! Thanks so much for watching! So here's the thing about genetic counseling- it doesn't matter what school you go to or what your major is. What's much more important is that you take all of the prereqs required to apply, gain advocacy experience, get an understanding of genetic counseling by attending webinars, interviewing GCs, shadowing GCs and get good grades! There are genetic counselors who are theater majors, art majors, communication majors. So study what your passionate about as long as you take all prereqs. Different programs have different requirements so be sure to review what classes are required on each programs website!
@@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248 Hi Katie!! Thank you so much for getting back to me, YOU ROCK!!!! :)
What's the most challenging aspect of applying to GCA jobs?
I've applied to a few and have been told twice that I am overqualified for the position. It is very disheartening considering I would love the experience.
@@timbria3200 thanks for your comment Timbria. That is really disheartening. I have two thoughts 1-address it in your cover letter and explain that while you have all of this experience you are seeking a GCA experience to.....(fill in the blank). Option 2- play the game: remove some of your experiences that you feel make you look overqualified from you resume. Try to go for the very clearly qualified but not over the top feel. It's unfortunate that you would have to do this, but there is no rule that you must include everything on your resume (unless stated). This might help you get your foot in the door.
@@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248 Thank you so much for replying and the advice. The interesting part is I feel I have already shrunk my resume to just the bare minimum things I feel prepares for the roles, so I'm not exactly sure what they want. But I'll take another go at it. In regards to option 1, I will definitely give that a try, I hadn't thought of that before. Thank you again!
@@timbria3200 I think driving it home in the cover letter by saying something like, "while I have extensive experience in X and Y, I am hoping to begin to learn or grow in A and B." would resonate with reviewers. Another thought is to very kindly ask previous companies you applied to for detailed feedback. Even posing the question you posed here, like "thank you for explaining your concerns regarding my application and interview. I am really hoping to secure a GCA role to learn X and Y. Could you please provide specific feedback as to how I could present myself as a stronger candidate." I am personally so proud of rejected candidates who reach out for feedback, it might even make me consider them for future openings. Not all companies will be able to make the time for a detailed response, but some may give you really helpful feedback.
@@katieleecgctalksgeneticcou6248 Yes, I’m very big on asking for feedback. That’s how I found out about this trend of being overqualified. The two companies I’ve asked were open with the feedback. But, I’ll definitely add something like your suggestion into my cover letter!
Hi Katie, I work for my dad as an administrative assistant (salaried) and I’m not sure if I could include that on my resume. I feel like it would be inappropriate since he is my dad but a lot of the traits and characteristics of a GCA overlap with my current tasks and duties. I am looking into getting another job over the summer as a camp counselor to enhance my team building and communication. Should I leave out my experience for my dad and include the summer camp counselor job instead?
I would DEFINITELY include your work as an AA. If it has helped you with organization, time management, interpersonal skills, or any other skills relevant to genetic counseling, include it! Be ready to discuss in interviews.
Hi Katie! I actually have a year of experience as a veterinary assistant…in this job I gained experience using medical software, calling clients, and a lot of other experience requirements that GCA positions want. Do you think this would translate? Is there a specific way I should highlight this?
I am so sorry I missed your comment. This is INCREDIBLY translatable. Calling patients, scheduling visits, using medical documentation software, preparing medical records/case prep- that is what most GCAs do. I would put that experience front and center, at the very top of your resume and lift out each of those points. If possible it is nice to quantify things, though this does not always work. "Scheduled 20 appointments daily, triaged X calls from upset and worried pet-owners each day. Used X medical software to y" I would be thrilled to see an applicant come through with this type of experience.
Love it, it’s different! Don't miss out = P-R-O-M-O-S-M!!