Advocacy and Counseling Experiences in Preparation for Genetic Counseling Grad School

Check out Katie Lee's website and genetic counseling-related digital downloads here: https://www.katieleecgc.com/shop

You can find her relevant blog posts here: https://www.katieleecgc.com/blog

Advocacy and counseling experiences are required by many Genetic Counseling Programs (GCPs). Review each GCPs application requirements on their webpage to understand how they define advocacy and counseling and what experiences are recommended and required for applicants. Some experiences will provide the opportunity for counseling & advocacy- two-for-one!

Roles in advocacy and counseling help applicants appreciate and develop interpersonal communication skills, gain different perspectives, and have a better understanding of the healthcare system or other public service system.

So what actually qualifies as advocacy?
After reviewing all 53 GCP websites, I would define advocacy (in the scope of gaining experience for GC grad school applications as: Working or volunteering for, with, or on behalf of individuals/groups who have different experiences or backgrounds than you or supporting a marginalized group or cause. Advocacy experiences typically give the applicant sufficient opportunity to work with a variety of individuals seeking information, resources, guidance, counseling, or other support services made available through the sponsoring agency or organization.

What qualifies as counseling experience?
Counseling: provision of assistance and guidance in resolving personal, social, or psychological problems and difficulties. Counseling opportunities that require supervision and training are ideal

Be sure to start looking for volunteer positions early as training may only be offered monthly or quarterly, depending on the role. Next week, I will share tips to find unique and enjoyable advocacy roles!

I'm Katie Lee Hornberger, a multi-state licensed, certified genetic counselor with 7+ years of reproductive genetic counseling experience. I've worked in a clinic setting, a lab setting, and in multiple industry roles including a start-up and a small business where I was the first and only GC on staff. I love the field of reproductive genetic counseling and helping people grow their families, but beyond that I also enjoy teaching and training current GC students.